How to care for your lips

The outer mucous membranes of the body, such as those of the external genitalia, and those of the mouth and lips, are a type of skin, especially in which the epidermis has been reduced to a minimum, and that is why they are red, since they show, uncovered, the dermis with its important blood content. The lips are somewhat rosier since they have a slightly thicker epidermis than the mucosa that lines the inside of the mouth. Next, we will discover which are the best care to keep them healthy and beautiful.

As they are

This lack of horny layer, and as a consequence, the absence of protective sebum, makes the lips have a great tendency to become dehydrated and sensitized by elements such as: cold, wind, pollution, heating and even some foods like oranges, which contain acids that irritate them. The same water also dehydrates them, although it seems a contradiction.

When we notice dryness in a tight way, instinct leads us to moisten them with saliva, which provides immediate and counterproductive relief, especially in, since water, when cold, erodes the surface of the lips, and surroundings, leaving them more vulnerable and parched. In some children, the devastating effects of licking the lips, give rise to very irritated and red peri-oral areas, which if left untreated can become infected with fungi and last every cold month.

Another important lack of the lip mucosa is that of the pigment melanin, which is the natural protection of the skin that is activated by solar radiation. The lips never tan and without protective pigment they are very vulnerable to the sun, so it will be essential to choose products that include a photo-protector. According to the degree of dryness of the lips, "the lips peel" and appear from small to large, fine, skin-mucosa scales, to fissures and cuts that can reach the corners.

How to deal with dry lips

As we all know, there is no harm that does not come, and the extreme thinness of the lip epidermis makes it absorb very well the moisturizing and nourishing substances that are applied to it, regenerating itself very quickly. To take care of the lips it is highly advisable to use lip balms or sticks with naturally derived fatty ingredients such as cocoa and shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil.

Fatty substances on the one hand nourish and on the other create a protective insulating layer that hydrates by preventing the mucosa from dehydrating. That is why Vaseline (non-absorbable mineral fat) is an excellent moisturizer as well as very cheap. If applied to the lips morning and night they tend to improve. The vaseline It is the predominant ingredient in "low cost" balms with more or less tropical colors and aromas (pineapple, watermelon, vanilla, etc.)

The balm or lipstick will be applied several times a day, also, at night, after brushing the teeth. Luckily the lip dehydration, causes discomfort, which warns us of the need for a new application. There is controversy as to whether to exfoliate or not the lips. It does not seem very adequate since we have said that there is little horny layer to exfoliate. It would only seem indicated, if the lips are very skinned, to remove the skins. Of course, abrasive vegetable products, such as poppy seeds, will always be used on a natural fat such as those mentioned above, applying the whole with a very gentle massage.

How should the lipstick be

Color pencils or lipsticks are the "icing" to "finish" a makeup. They have to be creamy when applied while remaining for a few hours without being altered. In general, the creamier, the less they set, since they are more absorbed. Lipsticks with more hold, and gloss, sometimes include resins and other substances that can leave a residue that looks like skin flakes.

As in our entire body, the lips are no exception, first you have to take care of them and regenerate them to move on to makeup. Can't paint chapped or peeling lips, the result is pathetic, because it highlights the flaws instead of camouflaging them.

• Lips are grateful for lip balms or lipsticks with naturally derived greasy ingredients, such as cocoa and shea butters, beeswax, and coconut oil.
• Vaseline (non-absorbable mineral fat) is an excellent moisturizer as well as very affordable.
• Exfoliating them is not very suitable as there is very little horny layer to exfoliate. It is only indicated to remove skins if they are very skinned.

Mercè Camps Miro

Pharmacist, specialist in Dermopharmacy