For a while I’ve wanted to start a series on here with skincare tips & tricks with products I like. I wasn’t sure it would mesh with everything else since it doesn’t involve making anything. I decided, yeah it doesn’t go, but whatever I’m doing it anyway. Mostly because people ask me this stuff in real life. Perhaps even though it doesn’t fit it could be valuable to someone. (Find these types of posts under the Molly’s Picks tag).
I give you my all time favorite “lip fix”. Sadly it doesn’t involve a yummy scrub we can make, or a fancy balm. Humble though it seems, this is the ONLY thing that keeps my lips in one piece*. Just like anything in skincare, this is not a one and done. It’s a regimen that will only work if you adhere to it. You’ll hear that annoying mantra from me a lot, stick to a routine-do it every day/week/etc**. You only need two things for this fix: a heavy protectant balm and a Korean Exfoliating Bath Washcloth.
THE BALM
Lanolin Balm is my favorite. I love Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Skin Protectant Ointment best because it’s odorless, tasteless and doesn’t rub off easily. Bag Balm is cheaper and works the same but it has the classic lanolin smell. Lanolin can have a unique odor. Some say barnyard, but to me it smells very industrial/mechanical. It is a natural product sheep produce to coat and protect their wool. When the wool is sheared the lanolin is removed and processed. Another option is Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy White Petrolatum Lip Protectant. This option has lanolin and beeswax in it. It is thinner and has a mild fragrance, but it does work well. Unfortunately I don’t feel confident recommending vegan sub. I’ve tried a lot of different balms and nothing has worked for me besides balms with lanolin. If you have one you like though, tell me about it!***
THE WASHCLOTH
I’m sure I lost you here. These are little mitts that are very good at exfoliating and are used on the body to remove dead skin. They are really affordable and for light use on lips, and reusable. These are much more effective and comfortable on wet skin than dry. You only need one cloth dedicated to your lips, so might as well use the others to scrub up in the tub!
THE METHOD
Before you go to bed, slather your balm of choice on your lips concentrating on sore spots. Next morning, don’t wipe the balm off your lips. First thing head to the bathroom, wet a spot on the washcloth and gently (GENTLY) rub your lips. At first you will mostly see the balm smearing around, but then dead skin will start to rub off. Don’t go nuts, just be gentle and slow and avoid cracks or splits. Lick your lips to test for rough spots, buffing them away as you find them. Rinse your lips or jump in the shower. When your morning routine is complete, pat on a thin layer of the same balm and go about your day.
Some days I need a chapstick throughout the day, and sometimes I don’t! Repeat every day or every other day. However often you need to get them polished up and keep them that way.
Make sure to rinse out your washcloth after using it. I wash mine with hand soap every couple of uses. You could trade them out, only using them once and washing them all at the end of the week. You can also throw them in the washing machine in a delicates bag. However you choose to, just keep them clean since they are on your mouth and touching new skin.
Well! There you go! I hope you find this useful and maybe even a game changer.
*I have a gross habit of lip nibbling. Any chapped or flaky skin and I can’t lay off them (I bite till they bleed). So this fix isn’t just for looks, it helps keep my lips smooth and not worth biting. So they heal and the cycle can be broken.
**I know, not what people want to hear. There are no quick fixes, and sometimes there are no fixes. Genetics often curses us with things we can fight, alleviate, but ultimately not conquer.
***I am thinking about a recipe. If I come up with something I’ll amend this!
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