Why You Should Exfoliate Your Lips

Our lips are put through tons of beauty woes and environmental stressors, including but not limited to: products, drinking, eating, smoking (for some) and did I mention matte lipsticks?

Exfoliation is the ideal solution and once started, can become super addictive!

Exfoliation often increases blood flow circulation, removes dead skin cells and allows deeper absorption of products that you put on top of the skin. The lips, an often forgotten part of the face, could definitely benefit from a little extra scrubbing!

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Purchasing a lip scrub or going the do-it-yourself route will create a softer, smoother puckering surface that makes your lipsticks look better and last longer.

“Lip scrubs can really help with those extra dry lips, especially in the winter time. Sometimes people forget that the skin on your lips needs to be taken care of just like other parts of the body,” says certified esthetician Leicy Shrouder.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you will probably start your hunt for that new lipstick to wear on date night, but don’t forget to hydrate, nourish and treat those lips before adding color.

“I always try to tell my clients when they come for other services not to forget the lips. You can even make your own scrub if your not into buying fancy products,” Leicy continues.

Utilize this expert-approved DIY method or check out our favorite product picks below!

DIY Ingredients:

*1 Tablespoon Honey

*1 Tablespoon White Sugar

*A Dab of Coconut Oil

Mix all three ingredients together in a small mixing bowl, put a little on your fingers and rub onto your lips in circular motions. Rinse with water and apply your favorite lip balm or serum afterwards.

Elf Lip Scrub in Mint Maniac

Start with a gentle lip exfoliator like the Elf’s, which also gives a slight minty tingle.

Available at Elf Cosmetics | $3

Tarte Maracuja Lip Scrub

This one will strip your lips of all that old dead skin, leaving them immensely hydrated.

Available at Sephora | $16

Bite Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub

This food-grade, all natural lip scrub not only gives a great exfoliation, but also taste greats.

Available at Sephora | $18

Sephora Lip Balm & Scrub

The honey in this scrub promotes softer, hydrated lips like no other, and in a convenient balm form.

Available at Sephora | $6

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

Lush’s bubblegum scrub will take you back to your childhood with its invigorating scent.

Available at Lush | $11

This article originally appeared on Essence.com

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