Lip care

Effective lip care relies on two steps: gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, followed by nourishment with an occlusive active ingredient that locks in moisture. Honey, vegetable oils (jojoba, argan, sweet almond), and shea butter are the most well-documented active ingredients for repairing chapped lips.

The most common mistake is licking the lips to relieve discomfort. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that worsen dryness by irritating the mucous membrane. A balm or oil applied at the first sensation of tightness breaks this cycle more effectively than any other habit.

A night mask such as the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Maskshould be used every night for the first two to three weeks for very dry lips, then 2 to 3 times a week for maintenance. Unlike fabric face masks, lip masks do not saturate the skin and can be used daily without risk of excessive occlusion.

In the morning, wipe off any excess with a soft cotton pad, or rinse with lukewarm water if you prefer a clean base before your oil or lipstick for the day. Evening application consistently yields better results than morning application, as cell repair is more active during sleep.

Light oils like A'PIEU Honey & Milk Lip Oil are designed to be used alone or under lipstick, without affecting its wear. Overnight masks and very rich balms, on the other hand, should be used without makeup on top, as their thick texture does not allow for a clean application of a colored product.

For a complete lip care routine compatible with makeup, the recommended order in the morning is: gentle scrub (1 to 2 times a week), light oil or balm, lipstick or gloss. Night treatment is the last step in the evening routine.

The lips react faster than the rest of the face because the labial mucosa is thinner and renews its cells more quickly. A well-targeted treatment shows results in 3 to 5 days for slightly dry lips. For chronically chapped lips, allow 2 to 3 weeks of daily application before observing stable improvement.

The decisive factor is regularity, not quantity. A generous layer every evening for three weeks outperforms a thick application once a week. If no improvement is visible after three weeks, an underlying cause (deficiency, lip-biting habit, contact allergy) should be explored with a doctor.

Formulas based on honey, ceramides, and vegetable oils are generally well-tolerated during pregnancy. However, some ingredients should be checked on a case-by-case basis: essential oils at high concentrations and retinol, rare in lip care but present in some anti-aging formulas, are not recommended.

The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask and the COSRX Balancium Ceramide Lip Butter do not contain retinol or problematic essential oils, but consult your doctor or midwife before incorporating any new cosmetic product during pregnancy.

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