I used to reapply the same waxy balm about thirty times a day and wonder why my lips never actually got better. They were not getting better because I was sealing them and never repairing them, and because I kept picking at the flaky bits. Once the weather turned this year I did it properly, and it took about four days to see the difference.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Sleeping Mask, Clear, 0.35 oz
The overnight mask is the piece that actually repairs rather than just coats. Thick layer before bed, and I wake up without that tight cracked feeling. If you only add one thing from this list, it is this one.
Hanalei Vegan Sugar Lip Scrub Exfoliator – Hawaiian Cane Sugar, 22g
A sugar scrub for the flaky days, used gently and not often. Once or twice a week, on damp lips, thirty seconds. Any more than that and you are causing the problem you are trying to fix — I know because I did exactly that for years.
Lanolin 101 Multipurpose Ointment – Lanolin Lip Balm & Healing Ointment for Skin Barrier Repair – Moisturizer for Dry Lips
Lanolin ointment for when things have gone properly bad, and it doubles for nipples in the early nursing weeks, which is how it entered this house in the first place. Thick, a bit sticky, and it works when nothing else will.
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil
The lip oil is the daytime one, and the reason I stopped reaching for the waxy stuff. Hydrating, a little tint, not sticky. It looks like I made an effort while doing a job that the effort-free balm was failing at.
Revlon Kiss Exfoliating Lip Balm, Sugar Mint, 0.09 oz
A balm with a gentle exfoliating end built in, which lives in the car. It is the compromise product — smooths the flakes and moisturises in one step, for the days I am not doing any kind of routine at all.
The order is the whole thing. Exfoliate gently, only when there is something to lift. Repair overnight. Seal during the day. And stop picking, which is the free step and by far the hardest.
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