The holiday season is coming, and colder weather means it's time to adjust your skincare routine. One area you don’t want to overlook is your lips. Cold air can leave them dry and chapped, so they need extra care this time of year. Here are the best lip care tips to keep your pout kiss-ready all season long.

YOUR LIPS NEED EXTRA CARE IN THE WINTER

During the winter, lips are exposed to harsh weather conditions. The cold wind and low humidity levels can cause them to become dry and cracked. This is because your lips don't have oil glands like the rest of your skin, so they're much more vulnerable to dehydration. Indoor heating systems can also severely dry out the air and strip the moisture from your lips.

Additionally, the holiday season is filled with parties and gatherings, so you may be tempted to apply matte and long-lasting lipsticks frequently. However, heavy use can dry out your lips even further without proper lip care. Before you pucker up under the mistletoe, make sure to give your lips some extra love and attention with these four easy steps.

1. EXFOLIATE GENTLY

Exfoliating is an essential step in any lip care routine, especially during the winter. It removes dead skin cells and promotes cell regeneration, revealing soft and smooth lips.

However, since your lips are delicate, you should avoid using harsh scrubs or over-exfoliating. Instead, opt for a gentle lip scrub or make your own at home with natural ingredients like honey and sugar. Use circular motions to gently buff away any dry skin. To avoid irritation, only exfoliate once or twice a week.

2. HYDRATE AND NOURISH

After exfoliating, it's essential to hydrate and nourish your lips. Look for lip balms with calming ingredients like Beeswax, Shea Butter or Vitamin E. These will not only moisturize your lips but also create a protective barrier against the harsh winter elements.

For an extra boost of hydration, apply a thick masque or balm before going to bed. Give your lips time to absorb all the nourishing ingredients before you remove the product and head to sleep. We recommend our Hydrating Masque with Enzymes 2 – 3 times a week for maximum hydration. It’s safe for your whole face (including your lips!) and the combination of soothing botanicals and antioxidants will instantly refresh your skin.

It's important to remember that not all products are made equal. Many ingredients can actually dry out your lips, so avoid the following list when choosing a lip balm:

• Alcohol
• Menthol
• Camphor
• Salicylic Acid

3. PROTECT YOUR LIPS FROM THE ELEMENTS

Like the rest of your skin, your lips need protection from the elements. One wind and cold defense tip is to layer a thick balm on your lips before covering up with a scarf or high-necked jacket. This will create a barrier against the cold air and lock in moisture.

Our Cell Protection Balm is the perfect choice to apply to chapped lips before heading outside. While it is most often used as a facial moisturizer, this product is safe for the lips and other parts of the body! It can be re-applied throughout the day over other products, so keep it in your bag for quick touch-ups. Plus, this all-purpose product works wonders on any dry skin around your nose or mouth, making it a winter handbag essential.

4. PRIME FOR COLOR

Heavier lipsticks can dry out your lips. Before applying any lip color, make sure to prime your lips with a hydrating balm. This will create a smooth base for the lipstick and prevent any cracking or flaking. Plus, it will keep your lip color in place for longer and ensure a more vibrant finish.
Try our Hydrating Lip Balm before applying any lip color. Its extremely moisturizing formula includes amazing botanicals like Jojoba, Avocado Oil, Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter and Spearmint to nourish dry or cracked lips. Plus, its anti-aging benefits will plump your lips and reduce fine lines for a youthful pout.

EXTRA TIPS FOR LONG-LASTING LIP CARE

Excellent lip care extends past your daily routine. To ensure your lips stay kiss-ready this holiday season, follow these extra tips:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your lips and skin looking plump and healthy.
  Avoid licking or biting your lips, which can dry them out further.
• Use a humidifier in your home to increase moisture levels in the air, especially if you have indoor heating.
• Carry your lip care essentials with you at all times, so you're always prepared for any surprises.
• Add our Lip Enhancer with Warming Actives as a daily treatment to your routine. It's the ultimate solution with a blend of moisturizing Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E, as well as powerful peptides that will restore and revive dry lips safely.
• Go to sleep make-up-free! Cleanse your face every night with our Idyllic Cleanser with 3% Mandelic Acid to avoid irritation and clogged pores around your lips.

Your lip area isn't the only part of your face that needs some extra TLC this season. The rest of your face deserves just as much care and attention! If you're struggling to create a skincare routine that works for you, use our Find A GlyMed Pro tool to find a certified professional who can help. With world-renowned training and knowledge under their belt, they can help you choose professional products that keep your skin glowing and healthy all winter long!