Why lips dehydrate so fast
Lips have fewer oil glands and a thinner outer layer than the rest of your face. Dry air (AC, planes), wind, sun, and habitual lip-licking strip moisture quickly. The cure isn’t constant scrubbing—it’s gentle care and light occlusion that locks water in.
Signs you’re overdoing it
- Peeling that returns within a day of harsh scrubs
- Sting after spicy food or toothpaste
- Dependence on heavy waxes that feel better for minutes, then worse
Gentle exfoliation (the right cadence)
Exfoliate once weekly (twice at most). Think softness, not scraping:
- Warm-water soften: Press a warm, damp cloth over lips for 30–60 seconds.
- Micro-buff: Use a very soft cloth to lightly sweep flakes. Skip gritty scrubs if you’re already irritated.
- Seal immediately: Apply balm right after to lock water in.
Your daily seal (AM/PM)
- AM: After brushing, apply a thin coat of Silk Lip Melt. Reapply after coffee, before sun time, and pre-meetings for comfort.
- PM: After skincare, layer a slightly thicker coat. If the room is very dry, repeat before sleep.
- SPF days: Keep balm slightly outside the vermilion border to reduce feathering; reapply after meals.
Flight nights (your carry-on plan)
- Before boarding: Drink water, then apply a comfortable balm layer.
- Mid-flight: Reapply Silk Lip Melt every few hours; avoid licking and flavored toothpastes onboard.
- Landing: Do a quick face cleanse, then a fresh balm pass to prevent post-flight cracking.
Ingredients that help (and what to avoid)
- Helpers: glycerin, squalane, vitamin E, shea or seed oils for flexible comfort.
- Caution: strong fragrance/flavor oils if you’re reactive; overuse of gritty scrubs.
Weekly maintenance in 60 seconds
Warm cloth soften → micro-buff → balm. Consistency beats intensity; you shouldn’t see flakes daily if your seal is steady.
Make it easy: keep a Silk Lip Melt at your desk, in your bag, and on the nightstand for effortless re-application.
