Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and our focus turns to lips.
Lips undergo various changes with age, and what makes them appear luscious is often a combination of factors such as fullness, symmetry, and definition. Here are some aspects related to aging lips and ways to enhance them:
Moisture and Hydration: Lips tend to lose moisture as you age, leading to dryness and a less plump appearance. Regularly moisturizing your lips with lip balms or hydrating treatments can help maintain their softness.
Collagen and Elasticity: The natural aging process involves a reduction in collagen production, leading to a loss of elasticity. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and volume to the lips. Some people opt for cosmetic procedures like lip fillers, which use hyaluronic acid or other substances to restore volume and definition.
Sun Protection: Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can contribute to premature aging of the lips (and skin cancers). Using lip balm with SPF can protect your lips from sun damage, helping to maintain their youthful appearance.
Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation can remove dead skin cells and promote blood circulation, contributing to healthier-looking lips. Gentle lip scrubs or DIY exfoliants can be used to achieve this (a number of home recipes for DIY lip exfoliants can be found with a Google search).
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and staying hydrated, can positively impact the overall appearance of your skin, including your lips. If you smoke, abuse the sun and are not well nourished, you cannot expect your lips to look good either.
Plastic surgeons and cosmetic professionals offer various procedures to enhance and improve the lips:
