Trend: the lip mask.

The lip mask is a treatment enriched with active ingredients designed to deliver essential nutrients to the lips. Depending on these active ingredients, the mask can be hydrating, plumping, firming, nourishing or healing. Their formula is generally rich and thick, more so than that of lip balms.

The lips are an area of the face particularly sensitive to external aggressions such as wind, cold, or temperature fluctuations, due to their thinness: the skin in this area is about 5 times thinner than on the rest of the body. It is therefore important to take care of them. Moreover, they are almost devoid of sebaceous glands, and therefore of sebum. This is a component of the hydrolipidic film of the skin, a substance located on the surface of the epidermis that protects it from dehydration and certain external factors, such as pollution or UV rays. It is also worth noting that the lips contain no sweat glands. Just like sebum, sweat is a component of the hydrolipidic film. Thus, this film is practically absent on the lips.

Furthermore, over time, the lips become depleted in collagen, a molecule that forms part of the dermis and contributes to its structure. Consequently, the lips lose their firmness and may show signs of skin sagging.

As previously mentioned, the benefits of the lip mask largely depend on its composition. It is recommended to choose your mask based on your specific concern.

• Moisturisers.

Lip masks are typically formulated with humectant ingredients, capable of retaining moisture and limiting water loss. For instance, we can mention hyaluronic acid, a macromolecule capable of capturing up to 1,000 times its weight in water, or aloe vera whose composition rich in hygroscopic amino acids allows it to retain moisture. Providing a plumping effect, the lip mask firms and brings softness to the lips.

• Nourishing and protective.

Some lip masks are enriched with lipid-replenishing active ingredients, such as ceramides. These lipids integrate into the horny layer of the epidermis where they act as an intercellular cement, strengthening the skin barrier and limiting dehydration. One might also consider mango butter, whose texture allows it to melt on the lips to form a protective barrier to repair chapped lips and prevent cracks. In a way, by forming a protective layer on the lips, this type of active ingredient recreates a hydrolipidic film on their surface.

• Tensors.

Lip masks often contain tightening agents, such as peptides or bakuchiol, capable of stimulating the production of collagen and elastin by fibroblasts. These molecules are constituents of the dermis and contribute to the maintenance of its structure, as well as its suppleness and elasticity. Over time, the synthesis of collagen and elastin tends to decrease, which leads to a skin sagging. Regular application of a lip mask can help to limit this phenomenon.

• Soothing.

In order to care for dry and painful lips, lip masks are formulated with active ingredients that possess soothing properties, such as sweet almond oil or hibiscus vegetable oil. These reduce feelings of tightness and promote the healing of chapped lips.