How to Care for Dry Lips During the Summer

There are a lot of positives associated with summertime. Think: days spent at the beach, strutting your stuff in a new bikini on vacation, and enjoying plenty of delicious ice cream cones. But dry lips can put a damper on your summer fun. It’s not just your complexion that can experience the look and feel of dryness—your pout can, too. That’s why taking care of your lips is essential in the summer months. So, follow these tips and show your dry lips some love as the weather heats up outside.

Dry Lips Tip #1: Exfoliate and Prime Your Pucker

What’s the point of putting on products if you aren’t starting with a smooth canvas? Before you think about layering on a lip gloss or lipstick, help prep your pucker. That’s because applying products over flaky lips will not exactly result in the greatest look. First, help slough away dead skin cells from the surface of your lips with a lip scrub. Use gentle circular motions to apply the scrub, then rinse it off with water. If you’re planning on wearing a lipstick afterwards, use a lip primer after you’re done with the scrub to help create an even base.

Dry Lips Tip #2: Use a Lip Balm Formulated with Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

You’re forgetting to put SPF somewhere, but where? Oh right—your lips! Just like the rest of your skin, your lips are susceptible to burning, too. The Food and Drug Administration recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, as well as taking other sun protection measures as well—that means limiting your time in the sun especially during the sun’s peak hours (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), covering any exposed areas with clothes (we’re talking long-sleeve shirts, pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats), and reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours—but more often if you’re sweating or swimming. So, reach for a lip balm formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher—and pack the tube in your purse so that you can reapply frequently throughout the day!

Dry Lips Tip #3: Skip Matte Formulas

During the warmer months, you may want to give your favorite matte lipsticks a rest. While we love the way matte lipstick looks, it can often exacerbate the look of dryness since the finish is flat. Instead, opt for a glossy balm, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Glossy Balm, which is available in eight flattering shades ranging from mocha to coral to berry. Or, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Balm, available in six hues.

Dry Lips Tip #4: Remove Makeup Without Over-Drying

When it comes time to remove your lip products, reach for micellar water, a gentle, no-rinse cleansing option. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types can be used on your face, eye, and lips to remove makeup (even waterproof!). Just soak a cotton pad with the liquid and wipe away—no rinsing or rubbing required.

Dry Lips Tip #5: Invest in a Humidifier

Live in a desert climate sans any humidity? Or spend most of your time during the summer in dry, air-conditioned air? If you have dry skin (dry lips included), the American Academy of Dermatology suggests using a humidifier to add much-needed moisture to the air.

Dry Lips Tip #6: Help Nourish Your Pout Overnight

While it’s great to smooth on a lip balm during the day, don’t forget to do so before you hit the sheets, too, to help hydrate your lips while you snooze. After all, you wouldn’t skip moisturizer as part of your nighttime beauty routine, would you? Keep a tube of your favorite hydrating lip balm near the rest of your nighttime skin care products for easy access. Sweet dreams!