Who doesn’t want beautiful, healthy lips even in the winter?
I would like to share some lip health and beauty tips with you for this brutal #PolarVortex winter season.
1) PROTECT YOUR LIPS – Mucosal skin such as your lips does not have the protective layer as the rest of the skin on your body does to shield against the drying elements such as the weather. Love your lips and give them a moisturizing, sun protecting balm, such as Nivea a kiss of protection with SPF30. Yes, you need to protect your lips even in the winter, as lips are also susceptible to skin cancer. You can apply this under your lipstick if you choose to wear lipstick and reapply it 3-4x throughout the day. If your lips are severely chapped, use either Aquaphor ointment or Vaseline at nighttime as well.
2) AVOID LICKING or SMACKING your lips, the enzymes in your saliva that helps to aid in food digestion actually will dry out your lips even further.
3) LIPS ARE EASY TO CRACK in the winter and breaks in your lips are an easy source of entry for bacterial or viral infections. Be careful not to share you beverages, utensils or face towel with someone you do not know well. One of my favorite vitamins especially in the winter is vitamin D3. Daily supplements of vitamin D3 (1,000-2,000 IU/day) with food in the winter can not only boost your immune system, but can also help you get rid of the winter blues!
4) AVOID SMOKING or USING A STRAW to prevent the development of lines around the mouth. If you already have those lines, a quick Botox injection can help you get rid of them.
5) AVOID LIP PLUMPERS, which contains ingredients such as capsaicin (derived from chili peppers), which can actually irritate the lips and cause them to get dry and red. If you want plumper lips, a quick injection of dermal filler such as Juvederm can give you that instantly and lasts 9-12 months.
6) DRY HEAT can also cause you to have DRY LIPS and skin during the winter. Make sure to keep your apartment or house moist with a humidifier.
Look at for our next blog…
What your lips or mouth may be telling you about what is going on with the rest of your body!
#LOVEYOU #LOVEYOURLIPS
About the Author:
Dr. Sunanda Chugh is the Founder and Medical Director of Anand Medical Spa and has been practicing in NYC since 2004. She is a graduate of Cornell University and has completed her training at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital/Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Chugh has worked and trained with top Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists in NYC. Her special interest on the effect of the aging process on the face and body inspired her to specialize in Aesthetic Medicine.