Lips are amazing. They help us to eat, talk, smile, and express emotions. And, most importantly, they were made for kissing. We use them all the time, yet we don’t know their real name.
It is ‘the vermilion border’. And guess what – the vermilion border (okay, I’ll call them lips) is not made of skin, rather something close to mucous membranes.
Lips are vulnerable as they are not protected by thick layers of skin, like the rest of our body. The blood vessels in our lips are close to the surface, thus giving them their luscious color.
Lips lack sebaceous (oil) glands and therefore have no natural oils. They burn in the summer and are among the first casualties of the fall and winter. It’s likely that they will dry – and in extreme conditions – crack.
The resulting damage can increase your chances of developing cold sores or even lip cancer.
How to care for them?
Protect them against the elements (in summer and winter); stock up on lip balm with protective sunscreen. Due to the damaged ozone layer, the sun is strong year round. And your lips are more likely to become dehydrated in winter. If you live in snowy areas, consider how the light is reflecting off the sun. It’s stronger than the summer sun!
Drink plenty-O-water. Helps hydrate your entire system, including your lips.
No licking allowed. Not your friend’s ice cream cone or your lips! Licking makes your lips drier. Every time you lick your lips, the saliva evaporates and with it goes your natural moisture (which isn’t plentiful to begin with!).
No chewing or biting your lips. For goodness sake, it looks awful, and you are removing the little bit of skin that your lips have.
Be sensitive. At the end of the day, gently remove your ruby red lipstick.
Before bed, slather on some more lip balm or vaseline.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Keep those vitamins pumping through your system.
Kiss away – but be careful! Although not as reliable as fingerprints, there are no two lip prints alike, and they be used to identify you!
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Spread the word (NOT the icing!),
Janice
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