For a mouth so sexy Angelina would be jealous, we asked the gurus at Clinique for their best lip-care advice. Get ready to pucker up.
How is lip skin different from other skin?
"Unlike skin on other parts of the body, lip skin is transitional. The thickness of the skin increases from the inside of the lip to the lip-line. In addition, lip skin lacks oil glands, sweat glands or hair follicles, which are present in the skin covering the rest of our bodies," explains Dr David Orentreich, Clinique guiding dermatologist.
Why are lips susceptible to drying and cracking?
"Dry lip skin is usually the result of moisture loss exacerbated by wind, cold and low humidity," says Dr Orentreich. "Since the skin on the lips is thinner than other skin, lips react to irritation from the elements with a more immediate response."
How does saliva affect your lips?
"Saliva contains salts which can dry lip skin, and the water in saliva speeds evaporation of moisture away from lips, often resulting in dryness and chapping," explains Alison McBurnie, Clinique's national education manager. "For those who suffer from dry, chapped lips, the key is to add moisture and keep it there by drinking lots of water, avoiding alcohol, wearing a protective lip balm and avoiding licking of the lips. This is particularly important in windy weather as water evaporation is increased, leaving lips dehydrated and extra prone to chapping."
Are lips vulnerable to environmental damage?
Yes, explains Dr Orentreich. "Lips are vulnerable to damage from a host of external elements such as wind, sun and environmental toxins, because the protective moisture barrier is very weak," he says. "In addition, lip skin possesses very little melanin, so the lips are more likely to experience damage from ultraviolet light."
Are men's lips and women's lips the same?
"Unlike facial and body skin, there is no difference between the lip skin of a man or woman," explains Dr Orentreich. "Each possess the same thin, transitional skin. Women's lips, however, are often more resistant to external damage because they very often wear lipstick which can offer protection."
Many lip products contain petroleum. They offer fast relief to dry, cracked lips but what can one expect from long-term use?
"Petrolatum (a derivative of petroleum) found in lipsticks comforts lips, both immediately and over time by helping to protect against dryness, keeping lips moist and supple," explains McBurnie. "Because lips tend to dry out or lose moisture more readily, they need constant lubrication to remain in good condition. To ensure this, Clinique combines petrolatum with a blend of other highly moisturising ingredients, such as pomegranate sterols and astrocaryum murumuru seed butter found in the High Impact Lip Colour, to provide optimum levels of hydration, comfort and improved condition in both the short and long term."
Can lip balm protect lips from future damage?
"With regular application, lip balm can provide a moisture barrier and, therefore, protect them from the drying effects of wind, irritation and excessive heat," says Dr Orentreich.
Prices and packaging correct as at November 18, 2008.
