For most of us navigating the urban jungle, summer brings more than just the challenge of staying cool. It’s a time when our skin, especially our lips, faces the brunt of the environment. And among the myriad of summer grievances, there’s one that particularly stands out and stubbornly refuses to be ignored: lip hyperpigmentation.
This concern isn’t just a superficial one. Spending prolonged periods under the sun can invite unwelcome pigmentation due to excessive UV exposure. But the sun isn’t the sole culprit. The story of our lips’ changing colours depends on many elements ranging from hormonal changes – like those experienced during pregnancy, leading to conditions such as melasma—to lifestyle habits like smoking. Smoking, in particular, introduces a cocktail of chemicals into your body, reducing blood flow to the lips and leaving them a shade darker; habits like lip licking or biting further exacerbate the issue, leading to flakiness, injury, and ultimately, pigmentation.
Pigmentation is natural, especially when it comes to Indian skin. But lip pigmentation caused by external factors that can be avoided is annoying to deal with. So how do we turn this around? Lip scrubs never really work and getting a chemical peel on your lips sounds a little intense. Instead, here’s a less invasive way to get rid of your lip pigmentation for way cheaper.
Introducing Lip Basting
Lip basting, introduced by NYC-based dermatologist Shereene Idriss, involves the process of prepping your lips with a gentle, chemical exfoliator before locking in the moisture. The second step is to add the baste which is usually a thick layer of emollient (hydrating, soothing balms or creams).
A super useful hack is to simply use glycolic acid. Turns out, it’s great for many things including some gentle exfoliation for your lips. What it does is promote the turnover of new cells, and it gently dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells together, allowing for a smooth, flake-free canvas.
So all you have to do is clean your lips, apply a drugstore glycolic acid, and top it with a thick moisturiser.
This balm, applied generously, creates a barrier that melds into the lips, providing long-lasting moisture that’s perfect for those who find themselves constantly reaching for lip balm throughout the day.
The Difference It Makes
It’s important to practice caution though. While glycolic acid is a revelation for many, it’s not without its caveats. Those with sensitive skin or a history of cold sores might find this ingredient too potent for their delicate lip area.
This routine isn’t just about temporary fixes. Glycolic acid is perfect for gentle yet effective exfoliation and when followed by deep hydration, turns the tide on pigmentation to bring back the natural hue of your lips. So, why not swap out the endless cycle of lip balm applications for something that offers lasting benefits?
Featured Image: Instagram
