Winters are almost here and if you are anything like me, am sure you are already reaching out for lip balms and what not to soothe those painfully dry lips. Doesn’t matter if you’re battling dry, flaky lips or simply looking for a little lip TLC, a good lip scrub can work wonders.
Just as all good scrubs are supposed to, lip scrubs help exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving lips soft and smooth. Even better, these scrubs are easy to make with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
Girls, take it from me, adding a DIY lip scrub to your skincare routine is the best gift you are gonna give yourselves this winter, and I will share some easy, nourishing recipes you can whip up at home
Why Exfoliate Your Lips?
I don’t need to tell you that lips are delicate but in case you didn’t know – they don’t produce their own oils, making them prone to dryness. Exfoliating regularly helps remove dry, dead skin, allowing for better hydration and a healthier appearance. It’s especially useful if you live in places with harsh winters or fluctuating weather (hello, Houston mornings in the 50s, evenings in the 80s!) where lips can quickly become chapped.
As dermatologist Dr. Georgina Ferzli notes, “Removing dead skin cells helps increase cell turnover in the lips, which is great for keeping them looking youthful.” Exfoliation also improves circulation, bringing nourishing antioxidants and oxygen to the lips. Lip scrubs are especially helpful in colder months when the air indoors can be drier than the Sahara Desert, according to random but accurate facts from my dad!
DIY Lip Scrub Recipes
Ready to give your lips a little extra love? Here are four simple DIY lip scrub recipes to get you started:
1. Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub
Combining the natural humectant properties of honey with the gentle exfoliation of brown sugar, this scrub is a favorite. The brown sugar helps remove dead skin cells without irritating, while honey hydrates and provides mild antibacterial benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
Mix the honey and brown sugar into a paste. Gently massage onto your lips in a circular motion. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Follow up with a lip balm for maximum moisture.
2. Petroleum and Brown Sugar Scrub
A dermatologist-approved favorite, this simple scrub combines the moisturizing power of petroleum jelly with the gentle exfoliation of brown sugar. Brown sugar’s larger, softer grains provide exfoliation without irritation, while petroleum jelly locks in moisture.
Ingredients:
- A small amount of petroleum jelly (like Aquaphor or Vaseline)
- A few drops of olive oil
- Brown sugar (3:1 ratio of petroleum to sugar)
Instructions:
Add a dollop of petroleum jelly to your hand, mix with a drop of olive oil, and sprinkle in brown sugar. Massage gently onto your lips, then rinse with warm water. Finish with a hydrating balm.
3. Pineapple and Coconut Sugar Scrub
Looking for something tropical? Try this pineapple and coconut sugar scrub. Pineapple, rich in vitamin C, brightens and nourishes, while coconut sugar provides gentle exfoliation. Coconut oil adds hydration and helps manage environmental stressors.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon finely blended pineapple
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients into a thick paste and massage onto your lips. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes, rinse, and apply your favorite lip balm.
4. Coffee Grounds and Honey Scrub
If you love coffee, this scrub might become a favorite. Coffee grounds are slightly coarser, making them ideal for a deeper exfoliation, while coconut oil adds moisture and honey keeps your lips soft and smooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon coffee grounds
- 2 parts sugar and honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until they form a paste. Massage onto your lips in a gentle circular motion, then rinse off and follow with a balm.