A lip serum for a plump mouth.

The lips are one of the first areas to be affected by the signs of skin ageing. This is followed by a gradual loss of volume and colour, as well as an increase in wrinkles and fine lines. Several intrinsic factors explain this, includinga drastic decrease in collagen levels or even blood vessels in the vermilion of the lips (the border between your lips and the surrounding skin) which weakens their colour. Moreover, certain external factors such as weather conditions, UV exposure, smoking... also play a role in the loss of volume, wrinkled appearance and weakening of lip colour. Among these, damage caused by UV rays is considered the most destructive.

A lip serum is typically a gel to be applied daily, at any time of the day. Even though it will slightly boost the volume of the lips from the first application, it is still advisable to use this treatment daily for several weeks to observe its effects. A lip serum contains plumping active ingredients that can influence several aspects:

• The hydrating active ingredients:

  Thehyaluronic acid (INCI name: "Sodium Hyaluronate") is the star compound of plumping lip serums. This molecule is also commonly used in injections to boost lip volume. In a less invasive manner, when applied externally, its action is equally relevant. When it is present in its light form, with low molecular weight, it penetrates deeply; it instantly hydrates the lips and maintains their hydration over time. The lips are supple and soft, and the fine lines around the lips are less visible.

• The heating agents:

  These are typically extracts derived from chilli or pepper. These stimulate blood circulation in the lips to plump them up and promote a more rosy colouration with a natural finish. These active ingredients cause slight tingling, followed by a reddening, but these sensations quickly disappear.

• The stimulating actives:

  These are capable of stimulating the synthesis of elastin and collagen, fibrous proteins that provide suppleness and firmness to the lips. However, the body's production of these proteins tends to decrease over time, leading to sagging and the appearance of wrinkles. These so-called stimulating agents are, for example, peptides. The lips become plumper and softer, and the fine lines around the lips are smoothed out.

Lip serums can therefore be applied daily, approximately once or twice a day. To fully benefit from their advantages, it is recommended to take comprehensive care of your lips, for instance, by exfoliating once a week. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells accumulated on the lips. By eliminating these impurities, the treatments penetrate the lip surface more effectively for a deep action. There are also night masks available to apply in the evening for soft and plump lips upon waking.