Don’t just pay lip service to your smackers, keep them in tip top condition with these simple steps

 

With no oil glands and no outer protective stratum corneum to protect them it’s little wonder lips end up chapped when it’s cold, windy or dry. Licking, meanwhile, only makes matters worse by speeding up the natural evaporation process. To keep lips smooth, hydrated (and yes, kissable) gently remove any flakes of dry skin with a soft, wet toothbrush and seal in moisture with a lip balm like Anthony Citrus Lip Balm. Keep with you and re-apply as necessary. And don’t worry about over-use – it’s a myth that lip balms make your lips even drier.

* Protect. 

Lips don’t have any melanin – the pigment that protects our skin from UV rays – so are particularly vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to protect them in the summer months or if you’re skiing. Try Kiehl's Treatment & Concealing Stick which has a built-in sunscreen. And don’t worry if the balm goes beyond the lip line – you’ll be adding a little extra protection to the skin around the lips which is prone to wrinkles – especially if you’re a smoker or sun-worshipper.

* Plump. 

Women have been wise to the benefits of a little lip-plumping for years but men can benefit from it too. If you need a little incentive consider this: according to research by University of Louisville, lip size is the key to sexual attraction, with good sized smackers being seen as the most attractive by women. So if you don’t fancy implants (and ending up with a trout pout) try N.V. Perricone ALA Lip Plumper which contains amino acids to help the lip tissue hold more moisture and appear a little thicker.

* Prevent. 

Nothing ruins your appearance – or scares a partner off faster – than a huge, lip-tingling cold sore. Caused by the herpes Simplex 1 virus, cold sores are often triggered by sun and stress (both of which suppress the immune system) but innocent-sounding tings like crusty French bread can also being them on since it leaves tiny cuts on the lips which the virus loves. It’s not all doom and gloom though. Cold sores might be a pain but they can be treated and, to an extent, avoided. Treat with Zovirax cream (available from chemists) as soon as you feel the slightest tingle, protect lips all-year round with a lip balm containing an sunscreen and steer clear of foods containing an amino acid called argenine which is known to trigger cold sores in some people. It’s found in foods like peanuts, soybeans, chocolate, oats and wholewheat. Since the virus likes nothing better than a weakened immune system, eating well, getting plenty of sleep and reducing your stress levels can help too, as can ensuring you get plenty of immune system-boosting Vitamin C.

 

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