How to remove dead skin from the lips?

Dead skin appears on the lips as a result of their excessive peeling. Several phenomena are responsible for this condition, including:

• Dehydration.

  When lips are dehydrated, they become uncomfortable and tightness can occur. Lips also tend to become chapped or cracked, or in some cases, even become chapped. In response to these stresses, lips react by shedding more, which increases the presence of dead skin on their surface.

• The natural fragility of the lips.

  The skin of the lips is five times thinner than that found on the rest of the body. Moreover, it does not contain any sebaceous glands. These glands typically secrete sebum, a substance that contributes to the composition of the hydrolipidic film, present on the surface of the epidermis and protects the skin from external aggressions and dehydration. Consequently, the lips are quite prone to skin dryness and therefore to the appearance of dead skin cells.

• Climatic factors.

  The cold, the wind and dryness are phenomena that can weaken the lips. These are particularly tested in winter and often become dry. They then tend to flake more during this time of the year.

• Ageing.

  The synthesis of collagen and elastin by fibroblasts gradually decreases after the age of 25. This leads to the loss of flexibility and elasticity in the skin, as well as its thinning. The epidermis also produces less sebum, which increases skin dryness and promotes the appearance of dead skin cells.

• Certain everyday actions.

  Other causes account for the drying of the lips and the appearance of dead skin, among which are frequent moistening of the lips or smoking, both contributing to lip dryness. The consumption of spicy or highly acidic food can also exacerbate this dryness.

To prevent lip dryness and the build-up of dead skin or patches, it is beneficial to use a scrub or a lip peel. Thanks to their exfoliating action, these treatments remove impurities and dead skin from the lips. They also have regenerative properties and promote cellular renewal. As a result, your lips remain plump and healthy.

Furthermore, using a scrub or a peel subsequently allows for a better application of your lip care products . Indeed, by eliminating the dead cells present on the surface of the lips, they become more soft and smooth, which facilitates the penetration of active ingredients present in a lip balm or mask.

It is recommended to carry out a lip exfoliation once a week, no more, and only if you do not have mouth ulcers or cold sores. Indeed, scrubbing and peeling often lead to a sensitisation of the protective layer of the lips. Moreover, if you scrub your lips too frequently, they may become even thinner, and therefore more vulnerable.