How Are Lips Different From the Skin on the Rest of the Body?
Since the lip does not have the same oil glands present on the rest of the face, the lips can dry out more quickly. Additionally, the lips are thinner than the rest of the skin and as a result can be more susceptible to external trauma, injury, dryness, and irritation. Furthermore, as we age the lips tend to lose volume and fullness. The lips may also show signs of cumulative UV exposure.
“Because the lips are more delicate than other parts of the body, they require more attention and care.”
Dr. Marisa Garshick, Board-Certified Dermatologist
Common Lip Concerns
Common concerns include chapped, dry, or cracked lips, sunburns involving the lips, chronic sun damage, and loss of volume and fullness. Some individuals may also experience allergic or irritant contact dermatitis from external factors that come into contact with the skin.
What Causes These Concerns
Dry, chapped, cracked lips
The lips can become more chapped in colder temperatures as a result of decreased humidity and harsh winds. Licking your lips is actually irritating — saliva can feel temporarily moisturizing, but it strips the lips of natural moisture, and saliva contains enzymes that can be irritating.
Flakiness
The lips can experience a build-up of dead skin, so it may help to occasionally exfoliate.
Sunburnt and UV-damaged lips
The lips, just like the rest of the face, are commonly exposed to the sun and can experience changes related to UV exposure — from immediate sunburn to chronic sun damage that causes the lips to appear dry and flaky (actinic cheilitis).
Loss of volume and fullness
As we age we lose volume and moisture. Levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen decrease, causing volume loss in the lips. Cumulative sun exposure can also cause the lips to thin.
Lines and wrinkles
Cumulative UV exposure and loss of volume and collagen contribute to fine lines and wrinkles around the lips.
Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis
The lips come into contact with various irritating factors including saliva, food, toothpaste, and ingredients in lipsticks or lip balms.
Why Lip Health Deserves Attention
Because the lips are more delicate than other parts of the body, they require more attention and care. Always remember to apply sunscreen to the lips and regularly apply hydrating products to boost moisture and provide a protective barrier against external irritants.
“Because the lips come into contact with lots of different external factors, there is a greater risk of allergy and irritation, so it is best to apply a product that helps to provide an occlusive barrier.”
Dr. Marisa Garshick, Board-Certified Dermatologist
Why RescueMD Restorative Lip Treatment Is a Great Choice
The RescueMD Restorative Lip Treatment contains key ingredients that make it a great choice for everyday lip care or for use after an aesthetic procedure for the lips. It uses proprietary lapachol that helps support recovery post-aesthetic procedure or damage to delicate lip tissue. Containing nourishing antioxidants like vitamin E, it supports moisture retention and softens the lips.
The Restorative Lip Treatment also contains plumping moisturizers that provide essential hydration. It’s formulated with a blend of ceramides and occlusive ingredients that draw moisture in and seal it into the lips for a smooth, full look. The peptides trigger collagen production within delicate lip tissue, helping strengthen and replace lost volume for a more youthful appearance.
“Restorative Lip Treatment uses proprietary lapachol that helps support recovery post-aesthetic procedure or damage to delicate lip tissue.”
Dr. Marisa Garshick, Board-Certified Dermatologist
This product is especially great because it won’t cause irritation. The formula is delivered through a ceramic applicator that cools and soothes the lip on application, making reapplication easy and enjoyable.
Apply a small amount to lips in the AM and PM and as needed. For daily use: if your lip SPF is a cream, lotion, or balm formula, apply Restorative Lip Treatment after SPF. If your SPF is a gloss formula, apply Restorative Lip Treatment before.