Seal and Heal Hack for Luscious Lips
For as long as I can remember, our harsh Canadian winters have been a sworn enemy to my lips. The combination of cold winds and dry indoor heating has caused my lips to chap, crack, and burn year after year. Like many of you, I’ve tried more lip balms than I could count. Some helped a little, but none provided a true solution. Others, unfortunately, made things worse.
I’ve read over and over that dermatologists recommend avoiding flavoured or fragranced balms, as flavour makes us lick our lips more (not helpful in winter!), and fragrance can irritate sensitive skin. While this is good advice, it’s also easier said than done.
Well, this year, the same sad story began as soon as we turned the furnace on. My lips were once again chapped, and I was desperate for a solution. That’s when I stumbled upon a game-changing technique called lip basting, a term coined by Dr. Shereene Idriss. Friends, this hack is life-changing—and my lips have never been softer in January!
What Is Lip Basting?
Lip basting involves two key steps:
Exfoliation: First, apply a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid, to your lips. Use a very small amount, and let it dry.
Seal and Heal: After the exfoliant has dried, slather your lips with a thick, rich emollient. This seals the exfoliant on your lips while hydrating and protecting the skin overnight.
When you wake up, your lips will feel buttery smooth and soft. I’ve been doing this every 2-3 nights for the past few weeks, and the results are incredible! It’s honestly the best my lips have ever felt in the dead of winter.
What I Used
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Dr. Idriss recommends several products in her video. These are the recommended products that I chose to try:
Exfoliant: I used L'Oreal’s 10% Glycolic Acid because I already had it on hand. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly!
Emollient: I purchased Lansinoh Nipple Cream (yes, it’s designed for nursing moms, but it’s also a lifesaver for chapped lips). I’ve also tried Aquaphor and Vaseline, both of which Dr. Idriss recommends as alternatives.
A Word of Caution
While I’m thrilled with this hack, I did come across some dermatologists who advise against using glycolic acid on your lips. They argue that it can be too harsh for the delicate skin. It will also make you more sun sensitive, so a good sunscreen is essential. If you’re concerned, you could skip the glycolic acid and just focus on the rich overnight emollient. But hey, I’m a rule breaker, and so far, my lips are loving it!
Try It and Let Me Know!
If you’re fed up with winter lips and want to give this trick a try, let me know how it works for you. I’ll also post a link to Dr. Idriss’s video so you can hear her tips and recommendations in her own words. And remember, what works for me may not work for everyone, so listen to your lips (and your skin in general). Happy basting!
More articles like this:
Lip Basting 101 for Dry, Chapped Lips | Dr. Shereene Idriss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2Ye72nW8BU&t=163s