BeautyTips: Winter Lips Got You Down? Exfoliate That Pucker!

The only killer thing on your mouth should be your smile, not killer cracked lips from winter dryness. While hanging out with some serious pretty boys with even prettier lips, I had to find out why they had softer lips than I, in the middle of the dry, scathing winter. The pretty boys' response? €œOh honey, let me show you how to exfoliate your lips!€� Exfoliate my lips? That€™s right, this little tidbit can be used whenever your lips get too dry or even when you want some extra plumpage for a night. The results are fresh pink lips and a plumping massage that will leave you looking like Angelina Jolie€™s long-lost sister.

First, Add Water

Before we get into the remedy let€™s be reminded that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sure, crispy winter lips seem unavoidable, but there are some things you can do to offset major damage. The most obvious deterrent: water. Drink lots and lots (and lots) of it. We have heard this a million and one times, but really, it is one of the best ways to stave off chapped winter lips.

If you don€™t believe me, take a listen to the experts at Discovery Health, who state: €œThe surface of the skin holds a certain amount of water. When the water content decreases, the skin becomes dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. Since a person's lips are often exposed to elements such as cold and moisture, the lips may become irritated before other parts of the body do.€�

Get it? As water content decreases skin becomes dry, and your lips are the first casualties. So replenish the water in your system and start guzzling at the first signs of chapping. Even better, guzzle the stuff regularly and you can prevent chapped lips altogether.

Next, Brush Those Lippers

If you are already past that point, like many of us are, here€™s my exfoliating tidbit. Just grab an old toothbrush, slather it with medicated lip balm (like Carmex, or the like) and start rubbing the brush with medium pressure over your lips in a circular motion. The brush sloughs off the dry top layers while penetrating the medicated balm deep into your lips. Yes it works, yes it€™s wonderful, and yes your kisser will be fresh like a newborn baby.

And by the way, you don€™t need to have chapped lips to do this trick; it is a great maintenance technique that will make your mouth water anytime.