A homemade lip scrub can remove a few loose flakes and temporarily smooth the surface, but it is not essential and should not be used on cracked or irritated lips. Lip skin is delicate, so the key is to be gentle.
Do you really need to exfoliate your lips?
Not routinely. If your lips are already smooth and comfortable, balm is enough. Exfoliation can be useful occasionally before makeup or when there are a few loose flakes, but it should never cause burning or bleeding.
Recipe 1: fine sugar + neutral balm
Mix a small pinch of very fine sugar with a little neutral balm or cosmetic petrolatum.
- Apply to slightly damp lips.
- Massage very gently for a few seconds with a fingertip.
- Rinse or wipe away without rubbing.
- Finish with a layer of balm.
Recipe 2: fine sugar + honey
Mix a very small amount of honey with a few grains of fine sugar. Use the mixture immediately rather than storing it.
As with the first recipe, keep the massage extremely light. The goal is simply to loosen a few surface flakes, not to sand the lips.
How often should you use a lip scrub?
Only when you feel you need it. Weekly exfoliation is not necessary for everyone. If your lips become sensitive or red, use it less often or stop exfoliating.
What should you avoid?
- using a toothbrush as an exfoliator;
- large sugar crystals or salt;
- baking soda, lemon or other irritating ingredients;
- rubbing clay onto the lips;
- scrubbing cracks, wounds or very irritated lips.
What if your lips are very dry?
Choose care rather than exfoliation. Apply a simple protective balm regularly. If cracks, pain or irritation persist, look for the cause rather than adding more scrubs.
What should you apply after exfoliating?
Apply a protective treatment immediately. Salt & Stone California Mint Lip Balm is one current option at Browlab. If you prefer a glossy finish and a visually fuller effect, try Kassi Clear Plumping Lip Oil.
For makeup techniques that enhance volume, read our guide to naturally fuller-looking lips.
