When it comes to making an attention-grabbing statement, nothing can make you look more sensuous than luscious lips. But like any other part of your anatomy, lips age too. These tips can help keep your smackers healthy and smooth. With the onset of age, lips start getting dehydrated, lose volume and lines and wrinkles become noticeable. “Basically, the structure of the lips is different from the other areas of your face that are thicker in terms of layers. Lips are thinner and have superficial nerves and vessels which make them very sensitive and more prone to damage,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel. While much depends on genes, generally degeneration starts at around 35 but at that time it’s not so noticeable. It becomes visible at 45 or 50. “These signs of ageing are more apparent with people who do a lot of outdoor work or live in high UV areas. For instance, the harsher, dryer climate of Delhi could cause people to age faster than in Mumbai,” explains Dr Snehal Sriram, head dermatologist, Kaya Skin Clinic.

“Excessive dryness will lead to chapped lips due to which many people develop the habit of lip smacking. As a result, the border of the lips gets inflamed. It’s essential to moisturise your lips everyday to keep them healthy,” warns Dr Raj Parikh, consultant dermatologist, Medical Relations consultant, Vichy Laboratories. Use either a balm or chapstick and reapply several times during the day with a thicker layer at night to recharge lips. “Actinic Chelitis is a condition in which sun damage is usually seen on the lower lip. So make sure your balm has an inbuilt SPF if you spend a lot of time outdoors,” he cautions.

Although Vaseline is good for lubricating your lips, it does not add any moisture. So if your lips are dry, they will remain so. “For extreme dryness, look for ingredients like cocoa butter, glycerine and squalene, which hydrate and moisturise,” recommends Goel. If you’re using Vaseline, moisten lips with a dab of water before applying as this helps it stay better, finds Sriram.

Some people are allergic to lanolin, an ingredient used in a lot of balms and lipsticks. It doesn’t show up as a rash or inflammation on lips as it does with skin but manifests itself as flaking accompanied by mild itching. If this happens, avoid using it. In fact, always do a patch test to check for reactions from fragrances and ingredients used in many balms. Avoid scrubs and buffers that are too harsh for this sensitive area and could lead to pigmentation and loosen the skin. You also need to supplement this external care with a good diet. “Hydrating from within is equally important. Water, juices and supplements like primrose oil and flaxseed help maintain healthy lips,” says Goel.