Gayton McKenzie accused of not understanding fashion industry after his meeting with Shein
Fashion designer David Tlale said he doesn’t think Gayton McKenzie understands the complexities of the clothing and textile industry.
It can be difficult to sift through all the lip care advice out there, and even harder to know which trends to adopt and which to ignore – exfoliation, however, is one maintenance step we love!
Cooler weather can be brutal on your lips, but with the right exfoliation routine, you can keep them soft, smooth, and kissably hydrated.
Before you start exfoliation, this is what you need to know:
The skin on your lips is much thinner than the rest of your body. It also has no oil glands. This makes it more fragile and prone to water loss, sometimes causing the skin to feel dry or flaky.
Exfoliation can help smooth out rough patches and prep the lips for ingredient penetration from other products. With proper exfoliation, lips can feel softer and smoother.
Although exfoliation is a powerful maintenance step for healthy-looking lips, over-exfoliation can sometimes disrupt the skin barrier instead of supporting it, leading to further irritation and dryness.
How can I exfoliate my lips?
Since your lip skin is delicate, try to exfoliate as gently as possible. Start by using a gentle chemical exfoliant, like polyhydroxy acids (PHAs).
Chemical exfoliants work by breaking the bonds that hold cells together, helping to shed old skin and reveal fresh skin beneath. PHAs have a larger molecular size than other chemical exfoliants, which means they are less likely to penetrate as deeply. This offers a gentler approach for delicate lip skin.
By incorporating a chemical exfoliant into your lip care regimen, you can minimise the potential for irritation while experiencing the benefits exfoliation provides.
Mistakes to avoid when exfoliating lips
- Avoid harsh methods that can damage the skin barrier. Trends like toothbrushes, lemon juice, and baking soda can all cause more harm than good, and certain ingredients like menthol, mint, and essential oils may not be suitable for everyone.
- One trend that can be effective is the lip basting method. It suggests using a chemical exfoliant, followed by a deeply moisturizing layer to hydrate and support the lipid barrier. However, some chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid, might be too strong for the delicate skin of the lips. Consider choosing a gentler acid to avoid over-exfoliation. If you’re experiencing dryness or discomfort, give your lips time to recover before exfoliating again.
How often should I exfoliate my lips?
Opt for one to three times a week. The final number depends on your lip condition and environment. For example, if it’s winter and the air is drier, you might consider exfoliating once per week instead of twice.
Remember: more is not better. If your lips are already dry or irritated, exfoliating can sometimes make it worse. And since lips are more prone to sensitivity, they often need less exfoliation than the skin on your face. Let your lips do the talking and adjust your lip exfoliation routine accordingly
How should I care for my lips after exfoliating?
Choose a hydrating and sealing product, like the Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm. Squalane, a well-loved hydrating ingredient, provides immediate and long-lasting hydration to the lips while supporting the skin barrier. This helps promote softer, more nourished, and moisturized lips, making it an ideal post-exfoliation balm. TIP: It can also be used as an overnight lip mask, to soften your cuticles, or to nourish other areas of your body prone to dryness, like your elbows.
For more on beauty, visit Get It Magazine.
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