When you smile at yourself in the mirror, do you end up frowning when you notice how lined and wrinkled your lips are? It’s a common problem here in Australia and one we treat at the Austin Clinic. We also advise our patients on things they can do to minimise damage and keep their lips smooth, plump, and youthful.

Cleanliness Counts

The delicate skin on your lips needs the same daily cleansing and exfoliating as the skin on the rest of your body. A daily routine can help you

• Smooth lips
• Remove dead skin cells
• Help trigger the production of new skin cells
• Soften discolouration

“A clean toothbrush is a terrific tool for exfoliating your lips,” reports Dr Austin. “In addition to removing dead skin, it also promotes blood flow.”

Keep Lip Moisture Levels High

Dehydration causes skin to collapse and pucker. Drinking plenty of water is part of the solution. Hydrating topical serums, creams, and balms are another. “Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and fatty acids help keep moisture locked into lips,” explains Dr Austin.

Don’t Forget Sun Protection

Sun exposure doesn’t only dry the skin on your body. It parches your lips and can actually cause abnormalities in lip cell DNA. This can lead to a condition known as actinic cheilitis where dry scaly patches forms on the border of the lip. We recommend ColourScience’s Lip Shine for beautiful protection. With a hint of colour, it contains hydrators and a nourishing peptide to improve the overall appearance of the lips. It is also SPF 30.

Use Highlighter Wisely

Getting your lips smooth and unwrinkled will take time. Until they are looking their most plump and beautiful, you can use a hack popular with make-up artists. “A dab of highlighter on your Cupid’s bow or on the centre of lips over lip colour will also catch light to create a pillowy effect,” recommends Good Housekeeping magazine.

Say Good-bye to Straws

Straws aren’t good for the planet and they’re not good for your lips either. Each time you sip through a straw, you create dynamic (temporary) wrinkles in your lips. Over time, you’re the muscles in your mouth tire and those temporary wrinkles become static (permanent). Use a glass instead.

Pick Up a Pineapple

Pineapples contain an active enzyme called bromelain. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be effective in the fight against lip lines. In addition to enjoying a glass of the sweet juice, you can also pat pineapple juice on your lips for 15 minutes.

Supplement Your Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best things you can do to keep your lips (and the rest of you) looking your best. If you’re having trouble getting all the nutrients you need, you might want to consider a dietary supplement. Collagen supplements contain the body’s natural protein that work to keep lips smooth and plump.

Consider Whether Smoking Is Worth the Price

Vertical lines on the lips are frequently referred to as ‘smoker’s lines.’ The constant pursing of lips causes wrinkles in and above the lips. 

Let’s Work Together to Make You Beautiful

Skin health and beauty go hand in hand. At Austin Clinic, we have treatments and an online store to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact us to learn more.