Whether you follow me here on the blog or over on my Instagram page ( @DailyCatL ), you’ll know that some of my favorite topics relate to skincare, bodycare and haircare. I can talk about these topics for hours! But today I’d like to bring your attention to an area that is often just an afterthought in our daily routines: lip care. Unlike the rest of our skin, the lips don’t contain oil glands which means they’re more susceptible to dryness, dehydration and external factors such as UV exposure. Proper lip care should not be reserved only for those times when your lips feel tight, dry or chapped. It should be a daily habit, much like the way you moisturize your face!
Here are 3 very easy and super simple steps that you can implement to help keep the pout protected, no matter the season! I’ll also be sharing with you one of my lip care secrets, the Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment, an absolute savior for dry, flaky lips and so much more!
1. Exfoliate
Most likely you already exfoliate your face and body, but are you also including the lip area? Regular exfoliation is a necessary step in skincare routines. I have previously covered the topic in detail here and here. Just like the skin on our face and body, the lips also accumulate dead skin cells and residue. The skin on the lips is very delicate so I like to exfoliate once a week. I prefer to use a mild DIY natural scrub (see recipe here) or use a gentle face exfoliator such as the Darphin Age-Defying Dermabrasion. In the past, I’ve also used the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish and really liked it. I will probably pick one up again during the Sephora VIB Sale coming up in November. After exfoliating, always make sure you moisturize using your favorite lip balm.
2. Moisturize Daily
The skin on the lips is thin, lacking oil glands and melanin. Seasonal changes, lack of moisture in the air (think air conditioners and heaters), and a poor diet can make your lips dry, tight or flaky. Moisturize daily using hydrating lip balms, butters and treatments. You might be familiar with some of my old loves: the Dior Crème de Rose mentioned here and the Maya Chia Waterless Wonder Balm reviewed in detail here. But recently there’s been a new addition to my stash: the Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment from their Age Smart range. It might seem intuitive given the name, but this product is not just your regular lip balm.
The Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment is an anti-aging overnight lip and perioral (mouth) treatment that firms (to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), hydrates (to improve skin elasticity while protecting the barrier function against visible signs of aging) and restores the skin’s volume on and around the lips. Formulated with Indian Gentian Extract, Sesame Seed Extracts and vitamin-rich Shea Butter, this lip treatment leaves my lips softer, smoother and plumper-looking. I’ve been using this daily at night, after cleansing and toning the face.
3. Apply SPF
Sun protection is crucial all year round for any exposed skin area, so the lips are no exception. In fact, the lip area is even more sensitive and prone to damage caused by UV exposure, as lips contain no melanin. During the day, reach for lip products formulated with broad spectrum SPF. The Coola Liplux SPF30 previously reviewed here is a great option, suitable for the entire family (I have several of these: one for myself, one for my husband and one for my toddler). If your current lip balm doesn’t include SPF, make sure you use your regular face SPF to coat the lips and ensure they’re staying protected from the sun. And as it goes with proper application of SPF, re-applying is key. Always follow up every few hours – underneath your lipstick or opt to wear it alone.
What are some of your tips to protect the lips? Do you use lip balms daily or only when your lips feel the need? Please do share in the comments down below.
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
I’ve been on a kick lately moisturizing my pout like crazy day & night and I see a difference waking up in the morning. It’s such an essential step, yet very easily forgotten. You did remind me, however, that I need to exfoliate time and again ?
Thank you for this beautifully written post ?? you are amazing and I’m so proud to be a follower. xox
Thank you for stopping by, Anxhela. I’m guilty of not exfoliating when I need to and my lips can totally tell a difference. I need to pick up a Fresh Sugar Lip Polish during the Sephora Sale! ~ Cat L.
I follow you on Instagram and I have watched you talk about this eye cream and I am very interested. I am currently trying the Murad eye renewal and after I will definitely be getting myself this one. I love the applicator too. Your reviews are always on point and recommendations never to be taken lightly.
Thanks Cat for sharing amazing stuff always.
Thank you Esnath for following me here on the blog and on Instagram. Your support means more than you know. You’ll have to keep me posted on the Murad Eye cream. I haven’t actually tried anything from the brand! ~ Cat L.
This is assuming that this lip treatment works well on the eyes. I stick with The 8 hour cream in winter on the lips but I would love to see how this will translate on both the lips and the eyes.
If it all goes wrong I will definitely let you know Cat it’s my own experimental fault.
I don’t know that I would use this Dermalogica lip treatment on the eye area, it might be a little too heavy. But I have used the 8 hour cream on the lips as well and it works wonders. ~ Cat L.
Hi Cat !
Love your beauty tips ! As always they’re so great ! I already exfoliate and moisturize but don’t use much SPF on my lips… always on my face ! Need to change this 🙂 Lovely range ! xx
Kédidja ~ beautymoodboard.com
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoy my post! I need to catch up with your blog this week! ~ Cat L.
Great tips Cat! I especially loved the one about using regular face sunscreen on the lips! Never thought of it! ? @teacupofmakeup
Thank you Tashi for stopping by. Your support means more than you know! ~ Cat L.
I really need to try this product! Love Dermalogica and everything related to lips in general; I love a nice lip mask, but this might be a perfect next step.
Thank you for a beautiful review! x
Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com
Thank you for stopping by, Naya. I think you would love this Dermalogica Lip Treatment! Hope you get a chance to try it! ~ Cat L.
Dry lips started being a problem when I started using liquid lipsticks. I use a sugar lip scrub perhaps twice a week and I moisturize several times per day. I will give the Dermalogica lip treatment a try. Thank you for the recommendation!
I know the feeling!! Liquid lipsticks can be so drying on the lips! Hope you get a chance to try this Dermalogica Lip Treatment. It feels so soothing and lush on the lips! ~ Cat L.
A lot of people don’t really see the importance in lip care including myself. Until I received a sample set of SUGAR scrub and lip balm with my Sephora points and used it for a week, I noticed such a huge difference!Now days its a necessity for me. Great article, pics,tips Cat!
Sounds like your lips are well taken care of!! The Fresh Sugar lip products are great options! Thank you Nina for stopping by. It’s always such a pleasure to read your comments! ~ Cat L.
Great tips Cat and wonderful review. I really like the look of this lip treatment. I’m guilty of just smothering my lips with lip balm and not really taking of them. But lately I’ve been exfoliating and can really notice a difference especially with how my lipstick wears.
Beautiful review and photos!!
Much love Lisa xx
Beauxdiaries.com
Thank you so much, Lisa. I highly recommend this Dermalogica Lip treatment, especially heading into the colder months. Hope you get a chance to try it! ~ Cat L.