Just like your hands and eyes, your lips speak volumes about your age. So, if you’re looking to perfect your pout, read on for the best anti-ageing tips for the skin around your mouth.
The skin on and around your lips is one of the first places to show the signs of premature ageing. Thanks to the degradation of collagen and elastin, which happens naturally as you age, it can really give the game away, swiftly becoming dry and creased while your lips themselves lose both volume and colour.
More superficial than etched-in wrinkles, lines around your mouth are also exacerbated by dehydration, impaired barrier function, lifestyle changes and environmental factors like sun damage and a rubbish diet.
But, the good news is all is never lost. No matter how old you are. So, if your lips are feeling and looking less than their best, here are some quick, easy ways to return them to their former glory.
Reassess Your Lifestyle Habits
One of the worst things you can do for the skin around your mouth is to smoke. Not only does repeated puckering train your lips to crease up and stay that way, but smoking causes free radicals which breaks down collagen and elastin and invites fine lines and wrinkles to do a real number on your skin. If you want to keep your face and mouth looking youthful for as long as possible, you simply have to stop smoking. End of.
While we’re on the subject of lifestyle habits, up your intake of collagen-rich foods like berries, green veg and fish. And stay hydrated – although try to avoid drinking through a straw or straight from the bottle. You know that puckering up we just spoke of? These have the exact same effect. You have been warned.
Include The Skin Around Your Mouth In Your Beauty Routine
Always include the skin around your lips when you’re applying your daily skincare formulations – especially when it comes to all those fabulous anti-ageing ingredients found in serums, moisturisers and oils. After all, why shouldn’t your mouth area be treated with just as much care as the rest of your skin? And we really do mean your mouth area, not your chin. Can you recall the last time you massaged your moisturiser into your upper lip area? It’s very easy to subconsciously miss it out.
As you cleanse, use the pads of your fingers to massage the area around your lips, working in circular motions for a couple of minutes. This will help remove toxins, boost blood flow and encourage lymphatic drainage to improve skin tone, texture, fine lines and puffiness.
After cleansing and spritzing your toner, smooth a tiny amount of Pre-Eminent Beauty Serum as close to your lips as possible. Then do the same with your moisturiser, facial oil and SPF. Organic Age-Defying Facial Oil is a particularly effective pre-bedtime treatment for the mouth area as it contains 20 natural, organic oils which are rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids to hydrate, protect and firm up your skin.
Apply it as the last stage in your nighttime routine, then finish by smoothing our organic Superior Lip Butter all over your lips. Loaded with rejuvenating ingredients and 100 percent natural, this is no ordinary lip butter. Ambassador Ruth describes this jar of gorgeousness as “an angel’s kiss.” You’ll even notice its gentle exfoliation to help clear away dead skin cells. A must-have for the perfect pout.
The skin on your lips has no sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, so continue to help them stay soft and nourished throughout the day by applying Superior Lip Butter liberally and as often as you need. It comes in a super-sized 50ml jar, lasting you months because a little really does go a long way!
Make Wise Lippy Choices
Studies show the most youthful shade of lip colour is one with reddish / pink undertones. This is because as you age, lips lose their natural glow, so by adding a pop of warm colour you immediately make them appear more youthful. Too dark or too bright will draw attention to your lips and highlight any imperfections. Also, avoid heavy, matte lipsticks as they can highlight lines and steer well clear of strong, orange tones that can make your teeth appear yellow.
Our trio of Organic Lip Glosses have you covered here, of course. The shades are designed to enhance and work with a natural lip colour, not to overpower your lips. Pink Topaz is arguably the closest shade to a natural lip colour with a subtle gloss. Pink Sapphire is a slightly lighter pink for a bit more glam. And Smoky Quartz is a dark coral/red with a gorgeous golden sparkle.
But in all honesty, all three will help to instantly age-defy your lips and leave them feeling fab. What’s more, gloss has the added benefit of reflecting light to help plump up your pout and make your lips appear even younger. Bonus!
Try A Mini Workout For Your Lips
We’re big fans of facial exercises and recently learnt a great one for the skin around your lips.
Simply point both of your forefingers upwards, then place the tips of each finger on the corners of your mouth, resting your fingers against the sides of your chin. Next, force your mouth into a smile by lifting up the corners of your lips firmly. Hold your smile for a few seconds, then relax and repeat five times.
Doing this every day will increase blood circulation and stimulate the collagen around your mouth to lift the corners of your lips and help prevent sagging.
So there you have it! Everything you need to know to perfect your pout just in time for some much-needed social gatherings!