For example,lip scrubs can be bad for your lipsdue to their abrasive action.

If you overuse them, you might end up with hyperpigmentation and micro-injuries.

These factors make your lips vulnerable to dehydration, sun damage, and chemicals.

Woman applying sugar scrub on lips

You also need to avoid over-exfoliation, which contributes to dry, cracked lips.

more often during the winter.

The problem is that few people know how to do it properly.

Woman touching her dry, chapped lips

If your lips are constantly irritated, you might be over-exfoliating them.

As a general rule, exfoliate your lips once or twice a week.

Anything more than that can cause dry skin, swelling, irritation, redness, or even bleeding.

Homemade lip scrub with sugar and honey

Your lips may start cracking and become sensitive to the touch, resulting in discomfort.

Over-exfoliation can also affect the moisture of your lips, leaving them prone to flakiness.

Note that some exfoliators, especially those containing salicylic acid, can further irritate dry, chapped lips.

The same goes for menthol, a common ingredient in flavored lip balms and other topical products.

Also, avoid using a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips, especially if they’re already irritated.

Your best bet is to moisturize your lips and apply a mild exfoliator.

Ideally, choose one without alcohol, camphor, phenol, fragrances, or other irritating ingredients.

For optimal protection, the SPF should be 15 or higher.