Lip Exfoliation 101: How To Use A Lip Scrub The Right Wayskin?

Whether you sport a bright, bold lip every day of the week, or you’re a nude lip kind of person – no matter your preference, exfoliating your lips regularly will keep them looking and feeling great all year round.

If you’re unsure of how to use a lip scrub correctly (or wondering if you even need one), here’s everything you need to know.

What does a lip scrub do?

The skin on your lips is naturally very thin compared to the skin on the rest of your body. Plus, there are no sebaceous (oil) glands on your lips to keep them moisturised – the main reason lips get chapped so easily. It’s also why wrinkles above the lip appear as we age.

But many other factors also contribute to dry lips. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the common causes of dry lips include cold, dry weather, sun damage and frequent licking. 

The secret to keeping them soft and flake-free? Of course, staying hydrated and moisturised are vital. But the extra step that ensures they’re always ultra-smooth is exfoliation. And that’s exactly what a lip scrub is useful for. 

A lip scrub helps gently remove dry, rough skin, leaving the surface smooth and prepped for lipstick, gloss or any other product you may want to apply. “Lip prep is a crucial part of make-up application,” says London-based make-up artist Tamara Tott.  

The only downside of lip exfoliation? If done incorrectly, you could end up damaging the skin instead. And that’s not what we want. So, here’s how to do it right.

How often should you exfoliate your lips?

We recommend you exfoliate your lips once or twice a week, depending on how dry your skin is due to the weather. Too much exfoliation can irritate and damage your lips. 

What can you use to exfoliate your lips?

A traditional lip scrub

You can always reach for a conventional sugar scrub – there are tons to choose from. 

Of course, you could also concoct your own DIY sugar scrub. Just combine equal parts honey and organic raw sugar. Feel free to add a bit of coconut oil for extra moisture.  

A face exfoliator

Don’t want to invest in a lip scrub? Sometimes, your face scrub could do the job, as long as it’s hydrating and not too harsh (you wouldn’t want that for your face, either). Clarins Training Manager Charlotte McHale is a fan of using the Comfort Scrub on the lips too. With sugar microcrystals made from beetroot and wild mango butter packed with nutrients, the scrub can be applied to lips to remove flaky skin, leaving it highly nourishing and comfortable.

Other tools

Some other household items do the job too. For instance, a damp towel, a soft toothbrush (pick one meant for babies) or even a cotton bud. Make sure you apply a thick coat of balm on the lips first. 

Tips on how to use lip scrub

#1. Apply something moisturising first

A coat of lip balm (preferably something thick and gloopy like Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm) will help soften the dry flakes, making them easier to scrub away without damaging the healthy skin underneath. So, leave it on for five to 10 minutes before you start exfoliating.  

#2. Don't scrub skin that’s damaged

Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin. That being so, scrubbing may not be the best idea if your lips are sore or bleeding. It could increase inflammation and worsen the damage. Instead, focus on moisturising and healing the skin first.

Try: The Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm is enriched with blue lotus wax and other moisturising ingredients that help replenish and restore damaged lips. This lip care helps you regain the lips' natural shine and plumped appearance. Plus, they are left feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable.

#3. Use circular motions when exfoliating

Scrubbing using small, circular motions will help loosen up the dead skin in the gentlest way possible.  

#4. Don’t overdo it

The skin on your lips is delicate and can tear easily, so don’t apply pressure as you scrub. 

#5. Moisturise again after exfoliating

Apply a coat of lip balm immediately after exfoliating – especially if you’re using a scrub that doesn’t already have moisturising properties.

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