We all know that face masks are necessary for our protection, but we could certainly do without the side-effects that come with wearing a face mask. The most common side effects include steaming up your glasses and the dreaded maskne. However, a lesser-known side effect is how face masks are having on our precious mouths, leaving us with dry lips.
Why are face masks causing dry lips?
The skin on our lips is extremely thin, so this is why our lips tend to dry out more frequently. Coupled with breathing through your mouth when wearing a face mask, which traps in heat, sweat, and saliva, it’s no wonder that you’re battling with chapped lips when wearing a face mask.
With no mask-free living in sight, you may think that our lips have to suffer until we get vaccinated. Thankfully, that’s not the case, and you can continue to have healthy and hydrated lips, all while wearing a face mask.
Tips For Lip Mask
1. Use your lip balm
One of the best ways to counter dry lips is by investing in a lip balm that will help to hydrate the lips, as well as keep them moisturized throughout the day.
It’s important to choose a lip balm that contains lanolin, shea butter, beeswax, and ceramides as they all help to lock in moisture.
You can hydrate your lips with lip products that include Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Balm, Burt’s bees Beeswax Lip Balm, and Eucerin Intensive Lip Therapy.
2. Exfoliate your lips
A face mask coupled with dry lips can lead to an increase in dead skin cells on your lips, so why don’t you try exfoliating?
Exfoliation helps to shed away dead skin cells, leaving you with a more supple and fresher appearance. You can ensure smoother lips by exfoliating at least once a week. Try mixing honey with some sugar, and dipping a wet toothbrush into the mixture before gently rubbing your lips with the mixture. Before long, you’ll notice smoother lips that are better able to soak up your lip balm.
Photo by Melissa Di Rocco on Unsplash
If you’re not a fan of DIY lip scrubs, try the Handmade Heroes lip scrub as the vegan product contains the exfoliating properties of sugar and the moisturizing properties of avocado, jojoba, and sweet almond oil.
3. Stop licking your lips
Believe it or not, licking your lips can actually make them drier. This is because once the saliva has evaporated, it actually removes more moisture from your lips. Additionally, some enzymes found in saliva can break down oils or moisturizing ingredients found in your lip products, rendering them useless.
So, if you want to reduce your risk for dry lips, stop licking them.
4. Avoid matte lipsticks
Coco Chanel once said, if you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack. However, if you have dry lips, you may want to skip the lipstick.
Matte lipsticks, as long lasting as they are, can dry out your lips, so you may want to avoid them. If you really want to wear lipstick, then opt for hydrating lip stains such as Clarins Water Lip Stain, which provides both color and moisture.
5. Don’t forget SPF
Mask or no mask, your lips are still susceptible to sun damage, and if they’re already dry, the sun’s rays can increase the risk of sores and rough patches.
Plenty of lip treatments, such as Vanicream Lip Protectants, have SPF in them, so be sure to buy a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 30.
Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels
6. Choose a face mask with the right material
When choosing a face mask, it’s best to select one made out of breathable material that won’t irritate the skin on your lips.
Opt for face masks made out of cotton and stay clear of harsh materials.
7. Wash your face mask
You really should be washing your face masks, ladies and gentlemen.
A dirty face mask is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and it can increase the risks for blemishes, mask, rashes and yes, incredibly dry lips.
If you notice that your face mask is showing signs of spoilage, throw it out and get another one.
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