Taking care of your lips is crucial, given that prolonged exposure to sunlight, high temperatures, and various environmental elements such as wind may result in dryness, sunburn, and chapping. The skin on the lips is thin and delicate, generally needing extra care to avoid drying out. Below are some suggestions to assist you in maintaining the health and hydration of your lips throughout the summer season.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to keep your body and lips hydrated. Dehydration can lead to dry and cracked lips. If it’s hard for you to drink plain water all day, try infusing your water with fruit as a healthy way to add flavour without adding sugar. Try adding lime and basil or cucumber with mint for a refreshing twist. Additionally, certain foods can help support lip health by providing the necessary nutrients and hydration. Include hydrating foods in your diet, like water-rich fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries are good options.
Avoid Licking Your Lips:
While it might provide temporary relief, when we lick our lips, saliva adds moisture to the surface of the lips, but only for a brief moment. As the saliva quickly evaporates, lips will likely end up drier than before. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that can break down the delicate skin on your lips. Over time, this will leave the lips more vulnerable to dry air. The skin can even become chapped, break open and bleed.
Exfoliate Gently:
Exfoliate your lips once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. You can use a lip scrub, a soft toothbrush, or a homemade natural scrub by blending our sandalwood powder with coconut oil to gently exfoliate your lips.
Moisturise:
Apply a hydrating lip balm or lip moisturizer regularly, especially if you're in a dry or windy environment. Look for products that contain natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil to help lock in moisture.
Stay cool in the Shade:
Your lips are one of the most sensitive areas of your face and body. Hot temperatures can cause your lips to become parched, whenever possible, seek shade to reduce excessive exposure to heat and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your lips from sunburn.
Use Sun Protection:
Just like you protect your skin from the sun, your lips also need protection. Our lip balm made from Australian Sandalwood nut oil combined with SPF 15 helps to shield your lips from harmful UV rays whilst helping to nourish and soften your lips.
Limit Citrus and Spicy Foods:
Certain foods can irritate your lips, especially in the sun. Try to limit consumption of citrus fruits and spicy foods if your lips are sensitive.
Use a Humidifier:
If you're spending a lot of time in air-conditioned environments, using a humidifier can help prevent dryness. Humidifiers help restore the humidity levels in the air, providing skin with the moisture it needs, even in the driest of climates.
Reapply Lip Balm:
Make it a habit to reapply your lip balm often, especially after swimming, eating, or drinking. This ensures the preservation of a protective barrier on your lips. While it may not be the most glamorous item in your bag, lip balm is undoubtedly one of the most frequently used, making it an essential everyday beauty must-have for everyone.
Keep in mind that lip care should extend beyond just the summer months. Establishing a consistent lip care routine throughout the year is essential for ensuring your lips remain healthy and maintain their optimal appearance. Sustaining well-hydrated lips entails not only external care but also ensuring proper hydration from within. Here are some nourishing recipes and foods that play a role in promoting lip hydration:
Cucumber and Mint Infused Water:
Ingredients:
Sliced cucumber
Fresh mint leaves
Water
Instructions:
Add cucumber slices and mint leaves to a jug of water. Let it infuse for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Cucumber is high in water content and can help keep you and your lips hydrated.
Watermelon Salad:
Ingredients:
Watermelon cubes
Feta cheese (optional)
Fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze
Black pepper
Instructions:
Combine watermelon cubes, feta cheese, and fresh basil leaves in a bowl. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and add a pinch of black pepper. Watermelon is a hydrating fruit, and the added herbs and cheese make this a flavourful and refreshing dish.
Coconut Berry Smoothie:
Ingredients:
Coconut water
Mixed berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Greek yogurt (optional)
Honey (optional)
Instructions:
Blend coconut water with mixed berries to create a delicious and hydrating smoothie. Coconut water is filled with potassium, sodium and magnesium making it a great option for hydration. You can add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and a touch of honey for sweetness.