Is it good or bad to exfoliate your lips?

Those who are in favor of carrying out a periodic 'peeling' of the lips, argue that the removal of dead cells always means helping effective cell regeneration, by allowing the skin to become more permeable and ready to absorb the products that you put below However, the composition of the lips, which are a semi-mucosa, may make this issue the exception. When it comes to exfoliating (or, at least choosing how and with what to exfoliate) the skin is not the same as the mucosa.

THE GOOD THINGS OF EXFOLIATING THE LIPS

To begin with, it is true that quite often the lip area and its contours remain very dry, full of little skin. Although some peeling could be convenient for dry skin, this is not the case if irritation is added to that state of dryness (for example, when you have 'cut' lips). Irritated skin should never be subjected to aggression. In other words, if you want to exfoliate your lips because they are softer and more beautiful and you think that the lipstick looks even better and stays on longer, go ahead. But do it on a day when they are fine, without irritating, and do it with great care, without rubbing excessively and without using yourself thoroughly as if you wanted to remove the burnt food in the pan.

EXFOLIATE YOUR LIPS... OFTEN?

No, please. Do it with a maximum weekly frequency. Always better at night so that the lips don't have to be exposed to any damage and making sure that you always, always apply hydration right after. With 'hydration' we mean a nourishing lip balm, better without perfume or color.

PROBLEMS THAT ARISE WHEN EXFOLIATING THE LIPS

Attention! This is important: if you have recurring cold sores, don't even think about exfoliating your lips because you can be sure that the fever will reappear that same day or the next. In addition to this precaution, dermatologists recommend taking others:

1. If you exfoliate your lips too hard or too frequently, it is more than likely that you will damage the delicate mucosa of the lips, cause some abrasion, micro-lesions and even bleeding. Keep an eye out.

2. Choose a very mild, fine-grained scrub. Do not make homemade 'peels' with sugar, salt, lemon or, of course, with the spent bristles of a toothbrush, as many 'tiktokers' recommend. Always buy a specific product and use it sparingly and carefully.

3. Excessive exfoliation on the lips can cause hyper-pigmentation in the area around the mouth. Or, well, spots.

If you are willing to exfoliate your lips carefully and with a good product, here is a selection that we have made for you: