5 things to avoid when exfoliating your lips
There are a few things you should definitely avoid when it comes to exfoliating your lips, as they can be irritating and far too abrasive for the delicate thin skin in this area.
1. Never use a toothbrush – Though many people recommend using your toothbrush to exfoliate your lips, it’s not a good idea. Most toothbrushes are far too harsh for the thin skin of your lips, plus they carry bacteria, which can cause infection and inflammation.
2. Never use skin-irritating ingredients – Avoid known skin irritants, such as eucalyptus, lemon or cinnamon oil on your lips, whether you’re using a DIY scrub or opting for a store bought product. Your lips are extremely sensitive, so if you use irritating ingredients here, you could suffer an even more severe reaction than you would if you used these ingredients elsewhere on your face or body.
3. Don’t use chemical exfoliants – If you carry out home skin peels or use daily exfoliating pads, you might be tempted to use these products to give a quick swipe over your lips, however you definitely shouldn’t do this. While products like glycolic acid can be fine for your facial skin, they are far too strong for your lips and if you use them you’ll end up with painful sores or burns.
4. Don’t use facial scrubs on your lips – If you use manual facial scrubs avoid using these products to exfoliate your lips, as with most, the grains are too coarse and abrasive for the delicate skin there. As they aren’t made to be used in this area, they might also not be non-toxic when swallowed, and if you use them around your mouth, you might wind up ingesting the ingredients, which could make you sick.
5. Don’t over scrub – Too much exfoliation is never a good idea, as instead of shiny, soft lips, you’ll wind up with a red raw pout. As a general rule, aim to keep scrubbing time to around two minutes and don’t scrub more than twice a week.
