Having dry, inflamed and chapped lips can be really unpleasant, especially in cold weather. By exfoliating them you have the possibility to remove those annoying and unsightly cuticles that characterize dry and chapped lips. It doesn't take much to return to having a kiss-proof mouth; for example, you can use a scrub made from the ingredients you have in the pantry. In addition to exfoliating them, be sure to moisturize them regularly as well.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare a Natural Scrub
Step 1. Make a sugar-based scrub
Mix it with the olive oil in equal parts to form a spreadable paste. Lean over the sink in the bathroom so as not to risk dirtying the other surfaces in the house and massage the scrub on your lips using a soft towel. Make small circular movements and rinse your lips with hot water when finished. Cupped your hands, fill them with water, and sprinkle it on your mouth until it comes back clean. Pat your lips dry gently, then moisturize them with lip balm or petroleum jelly.
- You can use white or brown sugar, but not powdered sugar.
- If you prefer, you can use coconut oil instead of olive oil.
- The longer (and harder) you rub the mixture on your lips, the more intense the scrub will be. Massage them for a maximum of one minute to prevent them from becoming inflamed or cracked.
- This oil scrub is especially recommended if you have dry lips because it is very moisturizing.
Step 2. Make a baking soda scrub
Mix it with water to get a grainy paste (you will probably have to experiment to find the right proportion). Massage the mixture into your lips using the corner of a clean towel or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make circular movements and apply gentle pressure. When finished, rinse your lips with warm water and pat them dry gently. Finally, hydrate them by applying lip balm or petroleum jelly.
- Water and baking soda don't moisturize your lips in any way, so don't forget to apply lip balm or petroleum jelly after scrubbing.
- Choose this scrub if you tend to have oily and blemished skin around your mouth.
Step 3. Make a honey scrub
Mix two teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of honey in a bowl. You can massage the scrub on your lips with clean fingers or with a cotton pad, a soft-bristled toothbrush or a small towel. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing your lips with warm water. Honey is sticky so you will likely need to rinse them several times. Then dry your lips by dabbing them gently with a towel, then apply a moisturizing lip balm.
If you prefer, you can leave the honey on overnight. After you've done the scrub, make two thin strips of paper using a tissue and stick them to your lips to avoid dirtying the pillow case. Try to sleep on your back with your face facing the ceiling. In the morning, remove the paper, rinse your lips and moisturize them with lip balm
Method 2 of 2: Other Methods for Exfoliating the Lips
Step 1. Use the toothbrush
Take an old toothbrush, possibly with straight and very soft bristles, and use it to rub a few drops of petroleum jelly on your lips, making small circular movements. Leave the petroleum jelly on for a couple of minutes to give her time to moisturize her lips. Apply more if most of it has remained on the bristles of the toothbrush.
- Don't use the same toothbrush you brush your teeth with. Keep what you use to exfoliate your lips in a separate place so you don't get confused and don't use it for other purposes.
- If you have sensitive lips, you can use a baby toothbrush. They generally have very soft bristles.
- If you don't have a suitable toothbrush, you can use a small, soft, clean towel.
Step 2. Exfoliate your lips with lemon juice
Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with a tablespoon of castor oil or glycerin. Apply the scrub to your lips and leave it on for about an hour. Afterwards, remove it using a soft cloth dipped in warm water. When finished, don't forget to moisturize your lips with lip balm.
This method is especially recommended if you have dry and chapped lips
Step 3. Use an oat scrub to nourish and soothe your lips
Oatmeal absorbs and retains impurities and also effectively exfoliates the lips thanks to its grainy texture. Mix one tablespoon of oatmeal with three tablespoons of warm water or milk and massage the mixture into your lips in small circular motions for 1-2 minutes. When finished, rinse your lips first with hot water and then with cold water.
Step 4. Make a rose petal scrub
You will feel like you are in a romantic spa and at the end of the treatment you will have softer, hydrated and even redder lips thanks to the natural color of the petals. Leave the petals to soak in the milk for about three hours. Then crush them in a mortar (or with the back of a spoon) to make a paste. Once ready, spread an even layer over your lips.
This scrub is moisturizing and very gentle, so it is also suitable for those with sensitive lips
Step 5. Buy a ready-made scrub at the perfumery
You will be spoiled for choice. Choose a product made from natural ingredients, such as aloe or shea butter, and avoid scrubs that contain salicylic acid, as it can cause side effects. Be cautious when using a new product, apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging your lips.
If your lips get sore, rinse them off and switch products
Advice
- If you have dry lips, treat them with lip balm or a moisturizing conditioner. Also avoid licking them so they don't get even drier. Keep the lip balm in your pocket to reapply it whenever you feel the need.
- Experiment with using different varieties of fruit in your scrubs.
- You can use almond, olive, coconut or jojoba oil, they are gentle and safe on the skin.
- Enrich your scrubs with a drop of essential oil (for example mint or vanilla).
Warnings
- Don't exfoliate your lips too often and be careful not to rub them too hard to prevent them from becoming inflamed and dry and chapped. Particularly if you have sensitive skin, it is best to scrub once a week at the most.
- If you have dry lips, apply scrub or petroleum jelly with your finger and massage them in small circular motions. Do not exfoliate them with a toothbrush or towel.
