The lips are daily subjected to various external factors that tend to dry them out. To care for this sensitive area, lip masks are among the proposed formulations. Learn more about this type of care.
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Summary
- What is a lip mask?
- What are the benefits of a lip mask?
- How to apply a lip mask?
- A closer look at Typology's restorative lip mask
Published February 15, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
7 min read
What is a lip mask?
The lip mask is a treatment enriched with active ingredients designed to deliver essential nutrients to the lips. Depending on these active ingredients, the mask can be hydrating, plumping, firming, nourishing, or healing. Their formula is generally rich and thick, more so than that of lip balms.
The lips are a part of the face that is particularly sensitive to external aggressions such as wind, cold, or temperature fluctuations, due to their thinness: the skin in this area is about 5 times thinner than on the rest of the body. Therefore, it is important to take care of them. Moreover, they are almost devoid of sebaceous glands, and therefore of sebum. This is a component of the hydrolipidic film of the skin, a substance located on the surface of the epidermis that protects it from dehydration and certain external factors, such as pollution or UV rays. It is also worth noting that the lips contain no sweat glands. Now, just like sebum, sweat is a component of the hydrolipidic film. Thus, this film is practically absent on the lips.
Furthermore, over time, the lips become depleted in collagen, a molecule that makes up the dermis and contributes to its structure. As a result, the lips lose their firmness and may show signs of skin sagging.
What are the benefits of a lip mask?
As previously mentioned, the benefits of the lip mask largely depend on its composition. It is recommended to choose your mask based on your specific concern.
Moisturizers.
Lip masks are typically formulated with humectant ingredients, 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.
Nourishing and protective.
Some lip masks are enriched with lipid-replenishing agents, such as ceramides. These lipids integrate into the horny layer of the epidermis where they act as an intercellular cement, strengthening the skin barrier and limiting dehydration. One can also consider mango butter, whose texture allows it to melt on the lips to form a protective barrier to repair chapped lips and prevent cracks. In a way, by forming a protective layer on the lips, this type of active ingredient recreates a hydrolipidic film on their surface.
Tensors.
Lip masks often contain tightening agents, such as peptides or bakuchiol, capable of stimulating the production of collagen and elastin by fibroblasts. These molecules are constituents of the dermis and contribute to the maintenance of its structure, as well as its suppleness and elasticity. Over time, the synthesis of collagen and elastin tends to decrease, which leads to a skin sagging. Regular application of a lip mask can help limit this phenomenon.
Soothing.
In order to care for dry and painful lips, lip masks are formulated with active ingredients that possess soothing properties, such as sweet almond oil or hibiscus vegetable oil. These ingredients alleviate feelings of tightness and promote the healing of chapped lips.
How to apply a lip mask?
Before applying the lip mask, ensure that your lips are clean and free of any lipstick or gloss residue. You can achieve this by using our 7-ingredient makeup remover oil, which is suitable for sensitive skin. We then recommend performing a lip exfoliation. This treatment will help to remove dead skin cells, which will facilitate the penetration of the mask's active ingredients. You can then apply your lip mask.
For complete hydration, it is recommended to use a generous amount of product. This treatment can be applied in the morning, before applying makeup, or as the final step in your evening routine. Some masks are designed to be worn for 15 minutes, while others can be used overnight. If your lips are very damaged and have cracks, it is recommended to use a mask that is applied overnight, so that the healing process is more effective. If your lips do not show any particular signs of dryness and you simply want to hydrate them as a preventative measure, you can use a mask that only needs to be applied for 15 minutes. After this time, gently pat your lips with a damp cotton pad to remove any excess. Your lips will then appear softer and will be visibly hydrated and nourished.
We recommend using a lip mask once or twice a week to fully experience its benefits. The hydrating action of the mask can be further enhanced by applying our 9-ingredient lip balm. Enriched with shea butter, this nourishing treatment with a minimalist formula helps to reduce feelings of tightness and dryness of the lips.
A closer look at Typology's restorative lip mask.
In order to care for dry lips or those lacking in softness, Typology has developed a lip repair mask. This combines the lipid-replenishing action of ceramides with the moisturizing effect of hyaluronic acid. By forming a protective film that limits water evaporation, the lip mask rehydrates and repairs damaged lips. Enriched with mango butter, this mask melts onto the lips, leaving a sensation of softness.
Our restorative lip mask can be used in two ways:
In the morning or evening, generously apply the treatment to your lips. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before gently removing any excess with a cotton pad.
In the evening, apply a thick layer of the restorative mask and let it work overnight. Remove the excess in the morning with a cotton pad.
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