The skin of the lips is extremely delicate and requires daily hydration to combat external aggressions. A lip mask provides this hydration, in addition to nourishing and protecting the lips. Let's explore together how this treatment works.
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The lip mask for deep hydration.
Summary
Published March 13, 2023,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
Lip Dryness: What are the Causes?
The lips are a sensitive area of the face that requires special care. Indeed, the skin of the lips is about 5 times thinner than the rest of the body and lacks sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for the production of sebum, a substance found in the hydrolipidic film present on the surface of the epidermis.
This is necessary to keep the skin hydrated and protected from UV radiation, pollution, wind, cold, and other external aggressions. These factors are largely responsible for the drying of the lips, and are particularly virulent in winter. Other causes explain this phenomenon, among which the frequent moistening of the lips or tobacco use, contribute to drying the lips. Spicy or highly acidic food can also exacerbate this dryness.
When lips are dehydrated, they become uncomfortable and tightness can occur. Lips can also split or crack, or in some cases, become chapped. The best way to avoid these discomforts is to hydrate the lips proactively with suitable care to maintain an effective skin barrier.
How can a lip mask deeply hydrate?
The lip mask is a treatment designed to provide complete hydration to the lips. Its formula is typically rich and thick, more so than that of lip balms. Let's explore together how the lip mask works to hydrate this delicate area.
The lip mask is moisturizing.
In the formula of lip masks, we typically find humectant molecules, capable of retaining moisture and limiting water loss. For instance, we can mention hyaluronic acid, a macromolecule capable of capturing up to 1,000 times its weight in water, or aloe vera whose composition rich in hygroscopic amino acids allows it to retain moisture. Providing a plumping effect, the lip mask firms and brings softness to the lips.
The lip mask is film-forming.
Some butters or oils, such as mango butter, are also incorporated into the composition of lip masks for their film-forming property. Indeed, these ingredients form a protective layer around the mouth, which helps to reduce water evaporation. In a way, they create a hydrolipidic film on the lips.
The lip mask is lipid-replenishing.
Finally, most lip masks are composed of active ingredients with re-lipidizing properties, such as ceramides. These are capable of integrating into the stratum corneum , the outermost layer of the skin, which is primarily composed of lipids. In doing so, they contribute to the maintenance of its structure and to the intercellular cohesion of this layer. This cohesion is important as it helps to limit the skin's water loss.
Please note that multiple applications of a lip mask are necessary to observe results, especially if your lips are particularly dry. However, this treatment provides long-lasting hydration and ultimately helps to prevent chapping.
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