When you are young, you take for granted how you can swipe on any lipstick without worrying about the color seeping into your fine lines or bleeding out from the corners of your mouth. Another thing you don’t worry about? Your pout’s plumpness slowly deflating, leaving you with thin, pancake-like lips. Sadly, your mouth ages just like the rest of your body, so it’s important to begin taking preventative care as earlier as possible. While plain old lip balm is better than nothing, certain products, like the below dermatologist recommendations, are specifically designed to rejuvenate and repair. Try incorporating one of these lip savers into your daily routine to make your kisses even sweeter:
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream is a Southern staple for a reason. This tube can be used for just about anything — even chapped lips — which is why it’s one of dermatologist Dendy Engelman M.D.’s top anti-agers. “I actually grew up three doors away from the Elizabeth Arden House in South Carolina, so it is not a surprise that it’s of my favorite lip products. I’ve been using it since I was a child,” Dr. Engelman explains. “Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream was created in 1930 by the legend herself. It is a wonderful multi-purpose product that I bring with me everywhere and keep on my nightstand. It hydrates and locks in moisture, as well as repairs chapped lips, making lips appear more youthful.”
Buy It: $22; dermstore.com
CeraVe Healing Lip Balm
You don’t need to spend a lot to keep your mouth looking like you’re continually drinking from the fountain of youth. Take this balm that’s under $5: “It has hyaluronic acid to hydrate the lips, SPF 30 to protect against the UV rays and sun damage, ceramides to protect the skin barrier, and Vitamin E for antioxidant protection,” says Dr. Nazanin Saedi, Director, Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital of why it’s her top pout pick.
Buy It: $5; amazon.com
Clarins Extra Firming Lip and Contour Balm
“This lip balm pampers and treats your lips while preventing fine lines.,” say Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified NYC dermatologist, Assistant Professor of Dermatology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of the book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. It’s a pout pleaser since it has a blend of raspberry seed oil and shea butter that nourish and smooth.
Buy It: $44; macys.com
Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30
Your pout is one of the most susceptible for sun damage and become more and more fragile as you age. “They have very little melanin and contain no oil glands,” explains dermatologist Sonia Batra, M.D. and co-host of The Doctors TV show of why this is the case. “My favorite anti-aging lip product is a lip balm that is hydrating and contains a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30, like Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30. This can be used as a base for lip color. In general, I recommend avoiding glossy finishes as they decrease the scatter of light and facilitate UV damage; a matte finish is better.”
Buy It: $11.90; walmart.cocm
Your Favorite Lipstick + SPF
DIY your way to younger lips! “On top of a morning moisturizer, try applying Physicians Formula The Healthy Lip Velvet Liquid Lipstick blended with a dab of sunscreen to create a shimmering and beautiful lip,” suggests Physicians Formula dermatologist Rachael Cayce, M.D.. “It contains anti-oxidants and pigment which protects lips from fluorescent light and sunlight. Plus, its longevity helps maintain protection throughout the day.” Cayce also recommends to steer clear of sipping anything through a straw (since it can create fine lines) and not smoking to keep your lips looking their best.
