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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and there is no better time to look after your lips. Here I share my skincare tips, advice on aesthetic treatments and at-home remedies for a softer, healthier pout.
Before diving into any elaborate routine, let’s start with the basics. Beautiful lips begin with hydration. Because lips do not have oil glands like the rest of the skin, they are more prone to dryness, so regular hydration helps prevent dryness, chapping and cracking. It’s also worth remembering that your lips are constantly exposed to harsh environmental elements such as wind, sun and cold temperatures.
Hydrated lips are also better equipped to heal quickly and to look plumper and more youthful. When they are dehydrated you might notice they look deflated, and that fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth are more visible.
To keep your lips in good condition and maintain their delicate moisture balance, drink plenty of water through the day and use a good-quality moisturiser with SPF to protect against UV rays. During dry or extreme weather, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Aesthetic Treatments: What Lip Filler Can Do
Lip fillers are a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a substance to enhance the size and shape of the lips. The most commonly used filler is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps retain moisture and add volume.
Fillers can add volume so the lips look fuller, which is often what people want when they have naturally thin lips or have lost volume with age. They can also improve the symmetry between the upper and lower lip and soften the appearance of fine lines. Where the lines above the mouth are the main concern, upper lip lines and mouth restoration may be the more suitable approach.
Some people naturally have uneven or asymmetrical lips, and fillers can help balance these. It’s essential to note that the effects of lip fillers are temporary, and how long they last varies with the type of filler used. HA fillers typically last around six to 12 months, after which the body gradually absorbs the substance.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Like any cosmetic procedure, lip fillers carry risks and potential side effects. These can include swelling, bruising, redness and tenderness at the injection site. In rare cases, more serious complications such as infection or an allergic reaction may occur. The procedure should only be performed by a qualified and experienced medical professional. Always check their credentials, that they are using a dissolvable HA filler, and that they have a medicine called Hyalase on site: in the event of a blocked blood vessel, the practitioner is then equipped to dissolve the filler.
Tips and tricks: if you have an active cold sore you should not have lip filler treatment. Even when it isn’t active, your injector should recommend an antiviral topical or oral treatment beforehand, as the treatment itself can trigger an episode.
At-Home Lip Treatments
To whisk away dry, flaky skin, use a very soft toothbrush to leave your lips smooth and ready for that lipstick application.
Honey and sugar scrub: mix honey and sugar for a simple lip scrub. Apply in circular motions, then rinse off.
Coconut oil overnight treatment: let your lips soak in the goodness of coconut oil for a nourishing treatment.
If you are thinking about lip filler and would like a doctor’s opinion first, contact our Kensington clinic to arrange a consultation.
