What Causes Dry Lips? Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
How is Lip Skin Different from Facial Skin?
The skin on your lips is much thinner compared to the rest of your face. People with darker skin tones tend to have more melanin, which gives their lips a naturally deeper hue, while those with lighter skin often have pink or red lips due to visible blood vessels beneath the surface.
Unlike facial skin, lips lack hair follicles and oil or sweat glands. This absence of natural protective barriers makes them more prone to dryness and vulnerability against environmental damage and bacteria. Because of this, lips require external hydration and nourishment to maintain their softness and prevent chapping.
When adequately hydrated, lips appear fuller and smoother. However, dehydration, environmental factors, and aging can cause them to look dry and cracked.
What is Lip Oil & Why Do You Need It?
Lip oil is formulated with nourishing carrier oils that help maintain moisture levels, keeping lips soft and healthy. It provides long-lasting hydration and deeply nourishes the delicate lip skin, offering better protection against dryness and damage.
How to Use Lip Oil for Maximum Hydration
- Exfoliate Gently – Use a high-quality silicone lip scrubber or an organic sugar-based lip scrub. Removing dead skin cells ensures better absorption of hydration products and enhances blood circulation, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This step also allows for a smoother lipstick application.
- Apply Ratanjot Lip Elixir – This hydrating and healing lip oil keeps lips moisturized, plump, and serves as a nourishing primer. It helps improve the wear of liquid and matte lipsticks, preventing them from settling into cracks.
- Layer with Lipstick – If using liquid or long-wear lipsticks, applying lip oil beforehand creates a smooth, glossy base while maintaining hydration throughout the day.
Lip Balm vs. Lip Oil – What’s the Difference?
Lip balms are formulated with waxes and butters that act as a barrier to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. While they are effective for general lip care, they do not penetrate as deeply as lip oils, which provide intense hydration and nourishment.
Tips to Prevent Dry Lips
- Avoid licking your lips – Saliva may temporarily soothe dryness but ultimately evaporates quickly, stripping away essential moisture and leading to further irritation.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, especially in dry or hot weather.
- Use natural remedies – Applying ghee, coconut oil, or Nabhi Sutra Sensational Skin Care – Belly Button Oil to the navel can help prevent chapped lips and support overall hydration from within.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lip
- Bielfeldt S, Blaak J, Laing S, Schleißinger M, Theiss C, Wilhelm KP, Staib P. “Deposition of plant lipids after single application of a lip care product determined by confocal raman spectroscopy, corneometry and transepidermal water-loss.” Int J Cosmet Sci. 2019 Jun;41(3):281-291. doi: 10.1111/ics.12533. PMID: 31002377; PMCID: PMC6851866.