Dermatocosmetologist Rosa Gerliani spoke with socialbites.ca about seven habits that accelerate lip aging after age thirty.
The expert identifies lip licking as the leading culprit. Repeated licking can strip moisture, trigger skin peeling and cracks, and leave lips feeling taut and uncomfortable.
Gerliani explains that the issue goes beyond surface irritation and involves the microbiota. The balance of bacteria in the gut can influence lip dryness and even cheilitis. When these bacteria mix with saliva, they can easily migrate to the lip region, contributing to irritation and aging signs over time (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).
Improper makeup choices and cosmetics that are not suited to lip skin can also hasten aging. Long-wear lip products, for instance, often pull moisture from the lips, leaving them drier and more fragile.
Her guidance includes protecting the lips with SPF during the heat of summer and while traveling to sunny destinations. Ultraviolet exposure damages collagen and elastin in the skin, which can lead to premature wrinkles and visible photoaging on the lips and surrounding area (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).
Autumn and winter exaggerate lip dryness as well. In cooler months, using nourishing balms with dense textures and natural oils helps shield the lips from cold winds and dehydration, reducing the risk of premature aging (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).
The dermatologist also emphasizes breaking detrimental habits to maintain youthful lip skin.
Smoking is a well-known accelerator of skin aging. The nicotine and tar in tobacco smoke introduce toxins that convert into free radicals, triggering cellular damage and contributing to aging around the lip area. This makes the lips appear thinner and more lined over time (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).
A final factor for premature lip aging, according to Gerliani, is insufficient exfoliation. Regular, gentle exfoliation helps remove dead cells and stimulates skin renewal, supporting better texture and tone for the lips (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).
Exfoliating the lips is presented as a practical routine step to activate nutrient delivery and metabolic processes in the skin, ultimately improving both texture and color. The doctor notes that a thoughtful exfoliation approach, paired with protective and hydrating products, creates a more resilient lip surface (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).
Any discussion of lip aging also benefits from a broader view of daily care. A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and minimizing environmental stressors contribute to lip health in tandem with topical practices (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).
Overall, the messages from the dermatologist underscore a simple but effective routine: guard lips with SPF, choose gentle, hydrating products, avoid habits that cause oxidative stress, and maintain a regular, mild exfoliation schedule. With these steps, lip skin can stay smoother and more resilient as the years go by (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).
The insights from Gerliani align with broader skincare guidance that emphasizes protection, hydration, and mindful habits for maintaining youthful-looking lips over the long term (Gerliani, as cited by socialbites.ca).