Lip care tips for colder weather
Not too many things are more annoying than dry, chapped lips. You know the story – the weather gets colder and our lips start to feel the effect of it. Thankfully, with a bit of preparation and care, we can help to prevent this from happening. So here’s our guide to looking after your lips in the colder months.
The combo of colder air, the use of heat pumps, a reduction in humidity and increase in wind and other elements can leave our lips less than happy. Dry lips in winter aren't a huge cause for concern, however, they can lead to splits, cuts or trigger cold sores.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
The skin on our lips is particularly sensitive. Saliva dries out skin and licking lips can cause what we call “lick eczema” - so resist the urge!
Take A Good Lip Balm With You
It’s a good idea to keep your lips sealed with an ointment, especially before eating and drinking which can irritate the sensitive skin in the area. We recommend something that will lock in moisture and keep your lips totally kissable. It’s also a good plan to pop some lip balm on before bed and first thing in the morning.
Stay Hydrated
Hydrating from the inside out helps keep your skin and face hydrated too. It’s a great idea to keep a bottle of water on you during the day and keep your water levels up.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
We know, winter can make us want to hibernate and throw some of our habits right out the window. However, it’s a smart move to keep up your healthy eating at this time. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and other nutrients will help to keep your skin happy and healthy, and in turn will mean more moisture is held in your lips.
If Your Lips Are Dry Or Flaking – Leave Them Alone
Easier said than done, but you really don’t want to pick at your lips. Mucking with the delicate skin can create cracks and sores and simply makes things worse.
Give Yourself A Lip Exfoliation From Time to Time
Unlike picking, gentle exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and encourage turnover. For a bit of an at-home pamper session we suggest you mix up some sugar and rub it on your lips in soft circular motions. You might like to do this once a week during the cooler months.
Use a Humidifier
Running a small humidifier at night in your bedroom can help to keep your skin hydrated at night, including your lips. In winter this can be especially helpful to counteract the effect of heating systems and the dryness that they can cause.
Wear a Snood Or Scarf
If you are someone who likes to exercise outdoors or partake in some winter sport (skiing anyone?) we suggest you add a couple of snoods or scarves to your wardrobe. This warmth and protection will help to prevent any irritation such as windburn.
Use a Quality Lip Balm
Skinfood Lip Balm
This product is a must-have for all of us here at Equipoise. Formulated with organic rosemary, calendula, chamomile, lanolin and beeswax, it intensely nourishes and moisturises. It can also be applied after lipstick or lip liner to give a gorgeous gloss look. Throw one in your handbag for luscious lips all day long.
Omni Balm
New Zealand company, OMni balm, is designed to nourish and restore your skin, whether you want to repair and rehydrate, balance skin tone, or gently exfoliate and nourish. You'll just love their hydrating and soothing actions, delicious scents, incredible skin feel, and sweet hints of colour. Try their OmniPolish, OmniNourish and OMni Radiant Zinc which comes in three gorgeous colours!
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