Cold wind, temperature fluctuations, and dry indoor air quickly strip moisture from the delicate skin of the lips, leading to peeling, cracks, and dull color. In autumn, it's best to make care regular and straightforward to restore softness and comfort in just a few days. Cosmetologist Irina Sozinova explained how to do this correctly.
Gentle Cleansing Every Day
Lips should not be washed with aggressive foams and soaps. Warm water and a gentle makeup remover balm or alcohol-free micellar water are sufficient. "After being outside, dab your lips with a paper towel and apply a thin layer of balm; eliminate the habit of removing long-lasting lipstick by rubbing — this causes trauma, increases peeling, and deepens cracks. Look for ingredients like: panthenol, allantoin, glycerin, and betaine. These components reduce irritation and retain moisture," says the expert.
Intensive Hydration Day and Night
In autumn, it's better to have two products: a light daytime balm for outdoors and a thick nighttime mask. During the day, protection from wind and evaporation is needed, while at night, recovery is essential. Apply the balm 15 minutes before going out and reapply after meals or drinks. At night, generously spread the lip mask, covering the contour, and in the morning, wipe with a damp cotton pad and reapply the balm in a thin layer. Good ingredients include hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, jojoba oil, and ceramides in the product. For very dry skin, you can add a drop of pure squalane under the nighttime mask.
Gentle Peeling Once a Week
Scrubs with large sugar crystals can easily cause injury in autumn; it's better to use an enzymatic or oxygen peeling for lips or a fine-grained creamy scrub — five gentle movements over damp lips, and immediately apply balm. "If there are cracks, postpone peeling for a week until they heal. For persistent scabs, a compress helps: apply a thick layer of balm for fifteen minutes, dab it off, and only then do a very delicate peeling. Pay attention to papaya enzymes, low percentages of lactic acid, fine wax particles, and vitamin E in the cosmetic products," advises the cosmetologist.
Outdoor Protection and SPF in the City
Even in cloudy weather, ultraviolet rays dry out and provoke pigmentation around the contour; in autumn, a balm with SPF of at least 15 is appropriate for daytime walks. In windy conditions, choose waxes and oils that create a thin film and prevent moisture evaporation. In frosty weather, use a layered approach: first a moisturizing balm, then a thicker protective one. If your lips are prone to herpes, keep a preventive balm with zinc and amino acids in your bag.
Habits That Heal Better Than Any Lipstick
Licking your lips in the wind is a direct path to cracks, so get rid of this habit. Drink enough water throughout the day, and include fatty acids in your diet — fish, nuts, and olive oil support the lipid barrier from the inside. At home, use a humidifier, especially when heating is turned on. For long-lasting matte lipsticks, use a primer or base balm, let it absorb, and only then apply color. Remove makeup immediately after returning home and give your lips time to "breathe."
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