Especially during the heating months of Pitta season, we might find that our lips are feeling more dry, chapped and dehydrated than usual. While we may not always realize it, our lips are an especially sensitive part of the face that, like other parts of the skin, require regular exfoliation, sun protection and hydration. Factors like temperature changes, sun exposure, not drinking enough water and even eating spicy foods (which exacerbates Pitta) can all contribute to cracked, sore lips.
If you find this to be the case, the first order of business is to cleanse and exfoliate. Exfoliating your lips helps to remove dead skin cells and bacteria, boost circulation and prime the lips for receiving nutrients and hydration. There are many commercial products designed to exfoliate the lips, but if you don’t have one on hand, you can make a DIY lip mask using simple household ingredients that will achieve the same effect. For example, you can mix olive oil and brown sugar in equal parts to form a paste, which you can then scrub into your lips for a minute or two before washing off. You can also use honey and sugar for natural lip treatment.
Once your lips are cleansed and rejuvenated, you can apply a mask, balm or oil to suffuse the lips with restorative nutrition and hydration. There are so many natural ingredients that you can likely find in your kitchen that powerfully moisturize and revitalize the skin. Here are a few of them—once you find what works for you, you can incorporate these plump lips DIY into your daily routine for plump, radiant, luscious lips!
TIPS FOR PLUMP AND HEALTHY LIPS
BEESWAX, COCONUT OIL & CITRUS ESSENTIAL OIL
This DIY lip balm will help you keep your lips soft and hydrated, without the added petroleum usually found in commercial products. To make, mix beeswax and coconut oil to form a thick balm; then you can add a drop of orange or neroli essential oil, whose antioxidant properties help to combat free radical damage associated with signs of aging, and which helps to support the absorption of Vitamin C into the body.
TURMERIC & YOGURT
Turmeric contains a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that enable it to heal wounds (like cuts or cracking in the lips), combat inflammation and provide deep hydration, toning and radiance. Combine a pinch of turmeric with a tablespoon of hydrating yogurt for a simple DIY lip mask. Apply to the face for 10 minutes before washing off for soft lips.
COCONUT OIL & HONEY
Full of antioxidant and antibacterial properties, honey has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurveda to naturally treat wounds, produce the healthy regeneration of skin cells and provide potent hydration and glow. Add a drop or two of deeply moisturizing, conditioning coconut oil to two teaspoons of sugar and two teaspoons of honey to form a paste. Apply to the lips and wash off after 10 minutes.
ROSE OIL
Luxurious, aromatic rose oil is rich in fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants that enable it to deeply moisturize the skin, alleviate inflammation and boost overall radiance. What’s more, rose oil is also traditionally lauded as a natural mood booster, promoting positivity and confidence. Rub a drop or two of rose oil into your lips for an instantly brightening, soothing moisturizer.
HONEY & OLIVE OIL
For a more heavy-duty overnight conditioning treatment, you can mix honey and olive oil in equal parts and apply to your lips before bed. The penetrating, nutrient-rich and healing properties of the mixture will leave you with plump, soft and supple lips in the morning.
If you want to have something on-hand that is formulated specifically to nourish the lips, we also have our own UMA Absolute Anti Aging Lip Oil. Incorporating nutrient-rich, moisturizing and soothing Ayurvedic botanicals like grapeseed, avocado and geranium, this lip oil will add instant brightness and plumpness to the lips for a glowing, radiant smile.
