Our lips are underappreciated for the work they do. They help us speak, eat, and make facial expressions, and can add or detract from appearance. Unlike the skin of your face, which has up to 16 layers, the skin on your lips has only three to five cellular layers. It also has fewer cells that create pigment, thus lips are a different shade than facial skin. In short, lips need special care.
As a reputable and experienced dentist in Austin, Dr. Helen Ragsdale helps patients achieve good oral health, as well as a more beautiful smile. She offers a wide variety of procedures for preventive, restorative, prosthetic, laser, and cosmetic dentistry. To discuss your smile with Dr. Ragsdale, call Austin Laser Dentist today at 512-346-4690.
Lip Care Tips from the Expert
As you can imagine, Dr. Ragsdale has seen plenty of lips over decades of being a dentist in Austin. She believes that a person’s lips should frame his or her smile like an artist’s masterpiece deserves a place of honor in a gorgeous frame.
In summertime, especially in Texas, the sun’s rays, wind, and dehydration take a toll on the sensitive skin that covers our lips. These secrets can give you luscious lips all summer long.
Tip #1: Protect Your Lips from Harmful UV Rays
Whatever the temperature and season, the sun keeps shining. Even on overcast days, we can develop sunburn. Our lips do not have sebaceous glands like other skin on our bodies, which means they have no protection against UV rays. One of the best ways to keep your lips from harmful UV rays is to wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
Men more often than women develop oral cancer, though everyone is susceptible. While tobacco use is also higher in men, and tobacco is the main cause of oral cancer, a lack of lip protection also puts men at a heightened risk of skin cancer. Women, more often than men, wear lip products to deter harmful rays.
Tip #2: Hydrate Your Body and Lips
Drink at least eight cups of water a day, and if you’re spending time outdoors in the sun, the CDC recommends consuming a cup of water three or four times per hour. Proper hydration will not only help keep your skin and internal organs working properly, but it can also reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Besides consuming water for bodily hydration, wearing a protective lip balm with 30 SPF helps keep lips hydrated. SPF means sun factor protection, and 30 is a good level for lip balm.
Note that some lip glosses and oils attract sunrays, while others offer protection. Men, women, and children need lip protection. When selecting a lip balm, choose one with no alcohol, and with nutritious elements like shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil Jojoba, and vitamin E. Also, titanium oxide or zinc oxide are excellent UV-ray repellents.
Tip #3: Exfoliate
If your lips are already chipped and cracked, don’t exfoliate, but hydrate. Exfoliating damaged lips can cause additional irritation.
For healthy lips, you should exfoliate once or twice a week. (Keep lip exfoliator in the shower for convenience.) Purchase a lip exfoliator or make your own by mixing a bit of honey with sugar. Here’s how to exfoliate:
- Wash and pat dry lips
- Rub exfoliant in circular motions on both lips
- Rinse with water
- Before going outdoors, remember to slather on SPF lip balm and reapply every two hours
Tip #4: Don’t Pick or Lick Lips
When dead lip skin lifts away from the smooth surface of the lips, do not pick at the skin. Pulling dry skin can lead to sores and cracks. Just apply a hydrating lip balm before bedtime, slathering it like an ointment. You can also use straight petroleum jelly on lips to help them heal.
Habitually licking your lips can also cause dehydration. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before licking them.
Tip #5: Use a Humidifier
An inexpensive electric humidifier used throughout the night in your bedroom can help hydrate your whole body, including lips, other body skin, and hair. By sending water particles into the air, a humidifier keeps the air from becoming dry. It’s a quick and easy way to help hydrate, and you can sleep through the whole process! How’s that for easy?
Call Your Dentist in Austin, Dr. Helen Ragsdale
For all of your oral health needs, Austin Laser Dentist provides gentle and effective care. If you need to re-establish good oral health, or if you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, schedule your appointment by calling 512-346-4690 today!
