With the rise in skin care education and rapid growth in learning our retinols from our retinoids, along with the importance of applying a vitamin C and using an SPF, we’d no doubt graduate from skin school with first-class honours. But how schooled are you on the taking care of the skin on our lips?

The skin on our lips is much thinner than any other feature of our body leaving them exposed and unprotected to negative effects from the environment such as harsh weather conditions, pollution, UV rays etc. As a result of this they are often prone to dryness and dehydration bringing about cracking, chapping and sometimes infection all year round. Another aspect which adds to the vulnerability of lips is a lack of sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are what protect and lubricate the skin however, where our lips do not have any is just another reason why it's important for us to take care of them.

To find out how to take care of your maintain your pout all year round and banish dry lips forever check discover our top lip tips below:

Avoid Licking Your Lips

Despite the feeling of instant relief, licking your lips is not a great solution. Once the saliva evaporates, any last excess of moisture will be removed and your lips will become dry just as fast as you relieved them. The enzymes which makes up our saliva are too harsh for the delicate layer of skin that protects our lips. Instead, reach for a sweep of the Goodnight Goddess Lip Balm for immediate moisture.

Drink Lots Of Water

Keep your lips hydrated by drinking lots of water, as much as your body and skin need their 8 glasses, so do your lips.

Healthy Eating

Following a healthy diet is great for your hair, skin and nails, and you can now add lips to that list. Vitamins and nutrients play a huge part in achieving a pretty pout so be sure to up your intake of fruits, veg, seeds and nuts.

Remove Your Makeup

Lips need to breathe; they do this best when they are free of any product. Make sure after coming in from a long day at work or a night out all traces of makeup are gently wiped away with a damp cotton pad or a muslin cloth.

Exfoliate

Using a lip scrub 1-2 times a week will remove dry flaking and dead skin cells making sure your lips don’t surrender to infection. Avoid harsh scrubs with rough textures, remember this layer of skin is already vulnerable. Alternatively, you may just have the perfect lip scrub sitting in your kitchen right now. All you need is brown sugar, coconut oil and some honey or (agave) to help it stick, mix into a paste, then gently exfoliate your lips and wipe clean.

Butter Up Before Bed

While we’re asleep we can’t tell when our lips get dry and need some attention, the air around us also changes at night and we tend to lose moisture in our skin. Apply a heavy lip balm or a rich butter such as raw Shea butter to your lips before you sleep to give your lips that overnight protection.

Massage Your Lips

Indulge in a 5-minute lip massage using nourishing oils such as avocado or coconut oil using a cotton bud. This improves blood circulation in your lips and naturally adds fullness.

Apply A Lip Product Before Leaving The House

Since our lips lack natural protection, it's a good idea to wear lip balm, gloss, or even lipstick (preferably one that is hydrating) every day before leaving the house. By doing this you add an extra layer of protection from environmental factors and minimise the risk of dryness, cracking and chapping.

Remember to reapply your lip products as needed throughout the day, and finish with a thick balm at night.

Choose Products Which Are Formulated With Nourishing Ingredients

Become aware of what ingredients are in the products you buy. Look out for lip loving formulas that will nourish and condition your lips. Rich butters and botanical oils have many great properties which will hydrate and protect your lips helping them to become softer and smoother for longer. Our Natural Gloss lip gloss collection are formulated with organic raw Shea butter and organic botanical oils including meadowfoam and jojoba replacing moisture loss and locking it in giving you a healthy, polished pout.

Know When To Ask For Help

In some cases despite all the above your lips may still need help. If you have tried many of the tips shown and nothing has been no improvement it is time to seek professional advice and visit a doctor.