You may find that your lips are always dry and chapped, no matter how much lip balm or lip balm you've applied. Don't despair! A simple mask can make them softer and more beautiful. However, keep in mind that most of these require several applications before offering any visible results. Read this article to learn how to make some simple masks using products you probably already have at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare a Basic Lip Mask
Step 1. Gather the necessary materials
For this simple mask, you need enough raw honey to cover your lips, a spatula or spoon, and some cling film. It is a great remedy for those with dry or chapped lips.
Step 2. Cut a small rectangle of cling film and set it aside
You will need to place it on your lips, so make sure it is big enough to cover your entire mouth.
Step 3. To get started, you need to have clean lips and brushed teeth
This prevents any food residues from mixing with the mask.
Step 4. Apply some honey to your lips using the spatula or spoon
You can also use your fingers, as long as they are thoroughly clean. Spread a thick layer of it, but don't overdo it to the point that honey drips onto your chin.
Step 5. Press the cling film to your lips
Make sure your hands are clean and gently place the plastic on the honey layer; this solution allows to trap heat and humidity.
Step 6. Leave the pack on for 15 minutes
Honey is a natural moisturizer, so the longer you keep it on your lips, the greater its action, leaving a soft, silky feel.
Step 7. Remove the nylon film and rinse your lips
Proceed gently during the procedure; if honey has stuck to your lips, use a little hot water to dissolve it. Once the film is removed, rinse your lips with warm water and pat them dry carefully with a soft, clean cloth. If there are any traces of honey left on your skin, you can remove them using a mild facial cleanser.
Method 2 of 3: Make an Exfoliating Lip Mask
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
Thanks to its rich moisturizing elements, such as honey, oils and butter, this mask will leave the lips as smooth as silk; it also contains sugar, which is a gentle exfoliant. If the skin on the lips is dry and flaky, you can try the emollient mask as an alternative, as exfoliation in this case can be too aggressive. To prepare this mask you will need:
- 1 teaspoon of avocado, olive or sweet almond oil;
- 1 tablespoon of sugar;
- 1 tablespoon of honey;
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, shea butter or petroleum jelly.
Step 2. Get a small bowl and pour the oil into it
You can use any type of food grade oil, although avocado, olive and sweet almond oils are best suited for this purpose. Here are the benefits of each:
- Avocado soothes and heals the skin. Since it is very light, it goes deep faster than other types of oil; in addition, it is rich in vitamin E and is an excellent moisturizer with antioxidant properties.
- Olive oil is great for dry and chapped lips, as well as being moisturizing and nourishing.
- Sweet almond is perfect for softening cracked skin.
Step 3. Add the sugar
It is probably not ideal for teeth or health, but it does make excellent skin masks, as it is a gentle exfoliant, it helps eliminate dead cells and flaky skin.
Step 4. Pour some raw honey into a bowl or cup
Honey is one of the best substances for the skin; Not only does it have antiseptic properties that can kill bacteria, it is also a great natural moisturizer and when you apply it to your lips it helps retain moisture.
Step 5. Add coconut oil, shea butter or petroleum jelly
The first two ingredients are both solid at room temperature. If you have difficulty handling them, you can heat them for a few seconds in the microwave (just enough time to make them soft, but not melted) or you can work them with a fork.
Step 6. Mix the substances and transfer them to a small container
You need to get a thick dough; if it is too liquid, add more sugar; if it is too thick, dilute it a little by adding a liquid ingredient (oil).
Step 7. Apply the scrub to your lips and scrub gently for 2 to 3 minutes
Take a small amount of the paste and spread it on wet lips; massage them gently for a few minutes to exfoliate and eliminate flaky skin and reveal the softer underlying layer.
Step 8. Rinse off the mixture and put away the remaining one
For best results, repeat this treatment once or twice a week. Since the mask is made from natural ingredients, you should store it in the refrigerator and use it within two weeks, otherwise it will turn rancid.
Method 3 of 3: Make an Emollient Lip Mask
Step 1. Gather the necessary materials
This mask has three properties: exfoliating, soothing and moisturizing. If the skin on your lips is really very dry and flaky, consider forgoing the exfoliating treatment and going straight to preparing and applying the mask. If you choose to go on with the exfoliation anyway, be sure to use extra caution so as not to aggravate the situation. Here are the ingredients needed for each step of the treatment:
- For the exfoliating scrub you need 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of olive oil;
- For the soothing mask, you need 1 teaspoon of natural yogurt and half a teaspoon of raw honey;
- For the moisturizing treatment, you need a lip balm or a natural oil; it is recommended to use an organic lip balm.
Step 2. Make the sugar scrub
Combine the sugar with the olive oil in a small bowl and mix vigorously with a fork until you get a grainy dough. You can use either white or whole sugar.
Step 3. Exfoliate your lips with the scrub for 30 seconds
Use your fingers to spread the mixture on your lips and to massage them gently in small circular motions. This action allows you to get rid of dead skin cells, bringing the underlying layer of epidermis to the surface, which is smoother and softer.
Step 4. Wipe off the scrub with a wet washcloth
Dip a soft, clean towel in water and then use it to scrub the mixture away.
Step 5. Mix the yogurt and honey in a clean bowl
You can use a fork or spoon to make the mixture homogeneous; both ingredients moisturize and soften the lips.
Step 6. Smear the mask on your lips and let it sit for five minutes
For this step use your fingers. The yogurt mixture may start to run, so you should lie down or sit in a reclining chair with your head tilted back.
Step 7. Rinse your lips and pat them dry
Lean over the sink and wash off the mask. Even if you have used edible ingredients, it is not recommended to lick them off your lips, as yogurt may taste sour after sitting on your skin for so long.
Step 8. Moisturize your lips with lip balm or natural oil
Simply apply a thin layer of one of these products and blot the excess with a tissue. Avoid anything that contains eucalyptus, menthol, or camphor, as these ingredients dry and irritate the lips. Instead, try to use natural lip balm or one of the following oils:
- Cocoa butter;
- Coconut oil;
- Jojoba oil;
- Olive oil;
- Shea butter;
- Sweet almond oil;
- Vitamin E oil
Advice
- When making exfoliating scrubs, consider incorporating other ingredients, such as juices, spices, extracts, or chopped herbs.
- You may need to use these masks several times before you notice any results.
- Masks are only partially useful; remember to hydrate the whole body with plenty of water; your lips may be dry just because you're not drinking enough.
Warnings
- Don't be tempted to peel off dry or flaky skin, as it only makes it worse.
- If you have chapped or sensitive lips, you can avoid using an exfoliating mask or you can apply it with a very gentle touch.
