First of all, let me explain what exfoliation is. Exfoliation is simply any method that removes superficial dead skin cells and exposes healthy, underlying skin. By removing the unwanted dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface, you are allowing the skin's lower layer, the dermis, to push forth new cells. This helps not only to keep skin clean but allow it to retain more moisture.However, don't ever over exfoliate! This can lead to irritation and sensitivity which in turn will lead to the skin drying out (even more so) and dry skin leads to wrinkle development.
To summarize, skin that has been exfoliated is better able to retain moisture (so lipstick stays on longer). This means that your lips (or skin in general) will be softer and less prone to chapping/flaking. This also means that visible wrinkles around the mouth (and lips) will be less noticeable (or deep) - giving a plumper look to your lips.
What to look for in a lip scrub?
Personally, I'd say to avoid any scrub with salt in it. There are many homemade scrubs whose main exfoliation ingredient is salt. Avoid this! Yes, it will work (on your body), but it can be irritating to sensitive lips and any excess of sodium causes dehydration.
Sugar scrubs are ideal for lips (though baking soda is a gentler alternative). I personally like something with sugar, honey, oils and/or moisturizer in it.
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| Image from bigelowchemists.com |
Of the lip scrubs I have purchased, I must say I do love the Co. Bigelow Metha Lip Buffer (which retails at $7.50 - or 3 for $15 at bathandbodyworks.com). I like this one because not only is it a sugar exfoliator, it has mint essence/peppermint oil in it. It contains 1% peppermint oil, 1.1% shea butter and 1.1% cocoa butter (note: some people may be sensitive to cocoa butter). This scrub is great, you only need half of a pea sized amount to exfoliate your lips.
This tastes yummy too, you can easily lick off the excess sugar or wipe it off. It is also very hydrating thanks to the shea butter and cocoa butter. So be careful not to wipe off all of the 'oil' left on your lips - this is what will give you that extra moisture and plump up your lips. It is fairly gentle (not too abrasive) and the mint adds a nice 'tingle'. It is also very moisturizing. The packaging is easy - though I which the hole the product came out of was a little smaller - so as to get a smaller amount.
As much as I love this scrub and would rate it a 4.5/5 as far as product packaging and effectiveness goes, it gets expensive. I tend to exfoliate my lips every 3rd night - as to not over exfoliate and at night as to not have excess tenderness when I apply any lip products in the morning. Though this product lasts me forever (probably at least 2-3 months), it adds up over time.
Here are some EASY and INEXPENSIVE ways of making your own lip scrubs at home, using ingredients you can easily find in your cupboards or any store.
Note: all of these scrubs can be store in a container for later use. Try to keep them in a cool area or preferably, the fridge. Make sure they are in a kept in a clean, sealed container - Tupperware or otherwise.
1 tbsp. coarsely ground sugar (brown or white)
1 tsp. honey
- add a few drops of juice/essence if you want some flavouring
- add a few drops of olive oil or a dab of vaseline for extra moisture
Mix everything together and apply to the lips. Let sit for a minute or so. Gentle scrub in small circular motions to remove the dead skin cells from the lips. Wipe off any excess (if possible with warm water and a gentle cloth - or lick it off!)
Note: I like to use 2 drops of peppermint essential oil or 5 drops of lemon/grapefruit juice.
If you add vaseline, don't lick this off your lips. You can always apply the vaseline to your lips after
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. baking soda
a few drops of olive oil
Mix the honey and baking soda until a smooth paste forms, then add a few drops of olive oil. Apply the paste to your lips and allow a few minutes so the skin can absorb the moisture. Use small circular motions to rub lips softly and exfoliate. Rinse off with warm water and a soft washcloth. Apply a moisturizer, lip balm or vaseline to lips to lock in moisture.
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. coarse/granulated sugar (brown or white)
a few drops of oil if wanted (again I suggest 2 - 3 drops of peppermint oil)
Mix all the ingredients together to form a paste. Apply mixture to lips and gently scrub sugar in small circular motions to remove any dead skin cells. Rinse off with warm water and a soft washcloth and apply lip moisturizer/lip balm/vaseline to lips to hydrate them.
Remember: Exfoliation should be done about 1 - 2 times a week (I do it every 3rd night). Never over exfoliate and if you think you don't need it, then don't do it =D. Always remember to moisturize your lips after exfoliating them to prevent them from drying out.
What are the benefit of the ingredients?
- Sugar - is a natural exfoliant and will help brush away dead and dry skin cells from your lips - and it tastes good too!
- Honey - has anti-bacterial properties and is a natural, nutrient-rich moisturizer and cleanser.
- Olive Oil - moisturizes, protects, soothes and is mostly tasteless. It is non-toxic and generally non-allergenic. It also will not clog the pores around your mouth.
- Baking Soda - a gentler alternative to sugar - it is a good exfoliant.
- Lip moisturizer - should always be applied right after you exfoliate. It will nourish and moisturize the newly exposed skin
*all images were found using google.ca*
I split this up on luuux: please check out my mini-posts there:
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