Dry, chapped lips are no fun. When it’s time to go out and socialize, you want to be at your best, but no look is complete without healthy, super-soft lips. Anything from cold, windy weather to your chosen skin care can affect how your lips fare. It only gets from bad to worse if you naturally have drier skin.
But fear not! You are not the only one wondering how to make your lips smooth. We have searched far and wide and found 12 beauty tips for smooth lips that we know will work for you.
Moisturize to Keep Your Lips Soft
Don’t slack on moisturizing your lips and reapplying lip balm. You drink, eat, and lick your lips, so by the end of the day, nothing remains there to protect your lips from whatever is considered air in our cities. Remember to apply a moisturizer that benefits your skin type on your whole face (you can try our Remedial Pax Day & Night Collagen Moisturizer) and make sure your lip balm is glued to your hand during the day; this is the only way to keep your lips soft and properly hydrated.
Exfoliate, but Avoid Harshly Rubbing Your Lips
Exfoliating dry, dead skin benefits your lips, too! It evens out skin tone and helps your skin better absorb skincare products. Not to mention, your lipstick will stay on much longer. But remember to be gentle! The skin of your lips is thin and sensitive, so don’t be harsh. If you have any sores or cracks, wait until they heal before using lip scrubs.
Try a Homemade Lip Scrub for Soft Lips
If you don’t feel like splurging, here’s a nice little step-by-step for a DIY lip scrub for soft, smooth lips. Homemade scrubs are easy to make and can be as effective as anything you can get from a store!
Here’s how to make your lips soft with sugar and coconut oil:
▪ Mix in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ tablespoon of coconut oil
▪ If you want your scrub to have a nice, sweet smell, consider adding vanilla extract (just a few drops!) to the mixture
▪ Apply with your finger on dry, clean lips and gently rub into your skin for 1–2 minutes
▪ Rinse your lips with warm water, then pat dry with a clean towel
▪ Follow up with your preferred moisturizer or lip balm
Use this soft lip scrub 1–2 times weekly, and enjoy smooth, supple lips!
Use a Lip Mask for Dry Lips
Lip masks are gentler than scrubs. If your lips feel extra sensitive or you have an extra 15 minutes to pamper yourself, give this simple recipe a go! It’s quick and easy (not to mention pretty yummy!) and fits seamlessly in a lip care routine for dry lips.
▪ Mix in 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt, and ½ teaspoon of olive or coconut oil in a small bowl or cup
▪ With your finger, apply a generous layer on dry, clean lips and leave for 10–15 minutes
▪ Rinse your lips with warm water, then pat dry with a clean towel
▪ Follow up with your preferred moisturizer or lip balm
Using this DIY lip mask three times a week is enough to achieve supple, soft lips and forget about constant dryness.
Don’t Bite, Lick, or Otherwise Wet Your Lips
Lip-licking can damage your lips. When you feel your lips are getting dry, it might be tempting to lick them to get rid of the uncomfortable sensation. It’s one of several bad habits people pick up, and getting rid of is pretty challenging.
Our advice is to try and resist the impulse. Remember! Each time you wet your lips, you coat them in your saliva, which is way too harsh on your lips' sensitive, thin skin. All you’ll accomplish is making that skin drier. Furthermore, constantly licking your lips throughout the day might cause you to develop more serious skin issues in the future.
Anxiety is another reason for habitual lip-licking, and dealing with that is no easy task. If your lip-licking results from anxious behavior, try picking a hobby that’ll bring you peace and relaxation. Journaling and hiking are our favorites; give them a go!
Choose Makeup That Doesn’t Dry Out the Skin of Your Lips
Are you a fan of matte lipsticks? Those look gorgeous but would dry out your lips instantly if you’re not careful. Often, they don’t have much oil in their formula, so you get this tight, dry sensation whenever you use them. Having naturally dry lips doesn’t help either. Here’s some good news: More makeup companies are taking notice and trying to rectify the effect matte lipsticks have on your skin by adding ingredients that benefit it, like vitamins or, well, oils .
Choosing quality makeup that doesn't damage your skin is important! Choose products that contain lactic acid, jojoba oil , hazelnut oil, or hyaluronic acid .
Pro tip! Dry, chapped lips are easier to avoid if you moisturize your skin before putting on and after taking off makeup . Gentle scrubs, moisturizing creams, and lip masks will do wonders for your skin and help you retain your soft, supple lips.
Don’t Forget the Lip Balm with SPF 30 or Higher
If you’re not wearing lipstick because you’re in the mood for the most beautiful, natural-looking lips, remember! Your lips can be bare of makeup, but they should not be naked. Why? Two words: sun damage. You don’t want your skin unprotected under direct sunlight. It's a sure way to wrinkles, dark spots, and dryness. We recommend using (and regularly reapplying) lip balms with SPF 30 or higher. This way, the thin skin of your lips stays protected and unaffected by harsh sunlight.
Protect your lips just as well as you would the rest of your face!
Sunscreen Is the Way (to Smooth, Moist Lips)
Speaking of the rest of your face, remember to give it just as much love! According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), “You should apply sunscreen every day on skin not covered by clothing if you will be outside . . . Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds”. [1] The sun is not going anywhere, be it summer or winter time, so you better prepare!
After you have applied all your serums and a soft lip moisturizer (or just your usual moisturizer that benefits your skin type; consider our Remedial Pax Day & Night Retinol & Collagen Moisturizer) , finish your skincare routine with a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Don’t forget to apply it to your entire face, which includes your lips, and enjoy smooth, moist, kissable lips!
Take Off Makeup Before Bed
We get it. It’s been a long day and, perhaps, even a busy night, and all you want is to take off your shoes, change into your comfy pj’s, and flop face-down on your bed. No matter how tempting that sounds, we urge you to remember the golden rule of skin care: always take off your makeup before bed .
Clogged pores and possible breakouts aside, leaving makeup on overnight dries the skin like you wouldn’t believe. Your poor lips, which withstood the weather outside and your constant licking and biting, would very much appreciate you removing your (very beautiful) lipstick and taking proper care of them. A consistent lip care routine is a must if you want soft and supple lips, so do not skip it!
Layer Your Skincare Products for Super Soft Lips
Utilize nighttime wisely. Give the skin of your lips proper hydration and nourishment while you sleep (you’re not doing anything anyway). Nighttime is when you use everything you have in your beauty arsenal to create a perfect overnight lip moisturizer.
After you have finished your regular nighttime beauty routine, we recommend you apply lighter-in-texture, hydrating products on your lips and then put something thicker, balmier, on top. This way, you seal the first layer of beauty products on your skin and let them work their magic for much longer at night!
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Do you know what will 100% make your skin dry? Lack of water in your body. With our busy lifestyles, we often need a reminder to take care of ourselves, including remembering to stay hydrated.
When did you last drink eight full glasses of water in one day? Drinking enough water is the way to go if you’re wondering how to get soft, plump lips. Full, soft, wrinkle-free lips are only possible if you remember to drink enough water every day. If you spend most of your day sitting behind your desk at the office, consider getting a reusable water bottle and remind yourself to take a few sips now and then. The bottles come in a million different shapes and fun colors, so you will surely find something that will suit your tastes!
Consider Investing in a Humidifier
Colder, windier weather is notorious for making skin dry, flaky, and prone to developing cracks. It only gets from bad to worse when you return home, turn the heater on, and completely dry out the air inside your house.
That is where a humidifier comes in. Humidifiers not only keep the moisture in the air at a comfortable level (which is a blessing on your skin) but can also help if you have allergies or respiratory problems!
TL;DR How to Get Soft Lips
A comprehensive daily lip care routine is what makes your lips soft! Remember to moisturize your whole face and your lips regularly (you can try our Remedial Pax Day & Night Collagen Moisturizer), reapply your lip balm throughout the day, don’t bite or lick your lips, drink lots of water, and consider investing in a humidifier. If you want to go the extra mile, try an easy DIY lip scrub for soft lips or a homemade lip mask.
Use these lip care tips to achieve smoother, supple lips; you will see improvement in no time!
FAQ
- Why do my lips feel dry and flaky?
There might be several reasons, but here’s what you can do. Moisturize your entire face, drink enough water every day, and always have your lip balm on you, and you’ll get plumper, smoother lips in no time!
- How do I remove dead skin from my lips naturally?
Try a homemade lip scrub with sugar and coconut oil. It’s quick, easy to make, 100% natural, not to mention yummy!
- Why are my lips always dry and peeling?
Dry air in your house could be the reason for constantly dry lips. If that is the case, consider investing in a humidifier, and don’t slack on reapplying your lip balm even at home!
Reference:
- Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
Please be aware that this article has been created for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical care. We encourage you to consult with your dermatologist for personalized skincare guidance.
