To maintain a glamorous mouth and healthy lips, exfoliation is essential, and the good news is that it can be done at home. 

Le gommage est un geste beauté qui s'adapte de la tête aux pieds ! Principalement utilisé pour débarrasser la surface de la peau de ses peaux mortes et autres petites saletés, le gommage est aussi apprécié pour son effet massant qui relance la circulation sanguine, booste la production d'élastine et de collagène de l'épiderme mais surtout il apaise. C'est le moment cocooning qu'on s'offre en fin de semaine, pour décompresser de ses longues travaillées. Les gommages du corps et visage sont les plus communs, celui du cuir chevelu fait de plus en plus parler de lui et celui des lèvres est désormais un must beauté. L'un des gros avantages du gommage, c'est qu'on peut très bien le fabriquer soi-même à la maison avec ce qu'on trouve dans le placard, de nombreuses recettes de gommages corps et visages sont disponibles sur le web. 

Why is lip exfoliation essential?

Beyond its aesthetic benefits, lip exfoliation has a number of advantages that are worth highlighting.

1. Élimination des cellules mortes : Les lèvres, tout comme la peau du visage, accumulent des cellules mortes à leur surface. Cela peut entraîner des lèvres sèches, rugueuses et gercées. Le gommage permet d'éliminer ces cellules mortes, révélant ainsi des lèvres plus douces et plus lisses.

2. Preparing lips for product application: Before applying lip balm, lipstick or any other lip care product, it's important to have a smooth base. Since lip scrubbing removes dead skin and dirt residues, it enables products applied later to adhere better and deliver better results.

3. Improving lip appearance: Chapped, dry lips can look unattractive. By removing dead cells and promoting blood circulation in the lip area, exfoliation helps to improve the overall appearance of the lips. It can also reduce discoloration and even out lip pigmentation.

4. Preventing chapping and cracking: Chapped, dry lips are more likely to crack and cause discomfort such as pain and bleeding. Regular lip scrubbing can help prevent these problems by keeping lips soft, moisturized and well cared for.

5. Favoriser l'absorption des produits hydratants : Une fois que les cellules mortes ont été éliminées, les lèvres sont prêtes à absorber plus efficacement les produits hydratants. En gommant régulièrement les lèvres, on maximise les bienfaits des baumes à lèvres et autres soins dédiés à les nourrir.

Of course, it's important to choose the right lip scrub. It should be gentle and non-irritating. You can use a commercial product specifically designed for lips, or make your own homemade scrub! 

How often should a lip scrub be applied? 

Lip exfoliation should be performed according to skin type and lip condition. In general, it is recommended to exfoliate the lips once or twice a week. It's important not to go overboard and exfoliate lips too frequently, as this can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity. However, if you have particularly dry, rough or chapped lips, you can increase the frequency to two or three times a week with a very gentle scrub. The best advice is to listen to your needs! 

How do I make my own lip scrub? 

Making your own lip scrub couldn't be easier. Here's a simple recipe for making your own:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon fine sugar (such as white or brown sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil or sweet almond oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid honey (optional, but may provide additional moisturizing properties)

Instructions :

1. In a small bowl, mix the fine sugar and the vegetable oil of your choice until you obtain a granular paste. If you wish to add honey, mix it in at this stage too.

2. Make sure your lips are clean and free of any products. Then apply the exfoliating paste to your lips.

3. Use your fingers to gently massage your lips in light circular movements for about a minute. Be careful not to exert excessive pressure to avoid irritating the delicate skin of the lips.

4. Leave the scrub on your lips for a further minute to allow the beneficial ingredients to work.

5. Then rinse your lips with lukewarm water to completely remove the scrub. You can also use a soft towel to gently wipe your lips.

6. Then apply a moisturizing lip balm to seal in moisture and protect your lips.

This homemade lip scrub can be used once or twice a week, or as your lips require. Always be sure to store the rest of the scrub in an airtight container for later use! 

What next? 

To keep lips hydrated, drink enough water every day. It's also important to apply a moisturizing lip balm or a vegetable butter (shea butter, mango butter, coconut butter) to make them silky and, above all, keep them healthy. Don't hesitate to apply your moisturizer as a night mask, so that when you wake up in the morning, your lips are silky soft and plumped up to perfection.