DIY Lip Scrub & Mask to Soften and Moisturize Lips

Making a DIY lip mask and scrub to soften and moisturize lips at home is really easy and fun. And you probably already have everything you need to make it!

I’ve been blaming the dry, cold winter weather for most everything lately, so it makes sense that I’d hold the low humidity responsible for my dry, cracked lips, too. (Doesn’t that sound so attractive? Hi, I have dry, cracked lips! They peel and bleed sometimes. Who wants a kiss?) But when I think about it, I’m prone to this problem year round. In summer, they can get sunburned and dry because I’m outside so much.

Lips are a sensitive part of the body, and because of that, they deserve special treatment. Nobody wants to be picking at dead skin all the time, and when lips get too cracked they really hurt. If you like spicy or acidic food, that can create an even bigger problem.

The good news is that it’s really easy to give yourself a DIY lip mask and scrub treatment at home, and you probably have everything you need without even having to go out.

DIY Lip Treatment for Soft Lips

You might think all you need to do for your lips is to put some balm on them. That’s a good thing to do, of course, but it’ll be much more effective if you’ve taken a few other steps first.

Step 1: Exfoliate Lips with DIY Sugar Scrub

Touch your lips right now. Feel any rough spots? That’s most likely dead skin. In order to get your lips to absorb and hold moisture, you’re going to have to get the dead skin off. (Same basic principle as the exfoliating on the rest of your face, actually.) There are a few ways to exfoliate, like going over your lips gently with a toothbrush or a damp washcloth, but my favorite way to slough off the dead skin is with a homemade sugar scrub.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil (find it here)
• 1 teaspoon organic raw sugar (find it here)

Directions

1. If your coconut oil is in a very solid state, you will need to soften it somewhat. I tend to use these masks when I’m taking a bath, so if I let the glass bowl sit in the warm water for a few minutes, the coconut oil becomes the perfect consistency for lip application. Don’t get it too hot though, because it will melt the sugar if you do, and you want the sugar to remain granulated.
2. Once the coconut oil is mushy enough, mix the sugar and oil with your finger and apply to your lips. You can let it soak in for two to three minutes so the coconut oil can moisturize and help soften dead skin, and then begin to scrub your lips. Use your index finger and go in a circular motion, making sure to cover your entire mouth a few times.
3. Rinse off the scrub and let your lips rest for a few minutes.

Step 2: DIY Lip Mask to Moisturize & Soothe

Exfoliating can be a little irritating to your lips, so next, you’re going to relax them with a nice DIY lip mask.

The DIY lip mask is even simpler than the scrub. It’s meant to moisturize and soothe your lips. Again, it has only two ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon raw, organic honey (find it here)
• ½ teaspoon fresh pomegranate juice (optional)

While there are two ingredients to this DIY lip mask, only one of them is absolutely necessary. If you only have honey on hand, don’t worry! It will work wonderfully on your lips. Honey moisturizes your lips and has antibiotic properties, but it’s also nice and thick, which means that it will stay on when you apply it.[1] (A note here: don’t let your honey get too warm before you use it, because it will drip off your lips. You might even put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before using this mask.)

Coloring Your Mask

The pomegranate use is partially for color, I’ll admit. It’s pretty and it makes your lips nice and pink for a little while. (This is especially nice if you’re going out later in the day.) But more importantly, pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants and has its own moisturizing properties. You can make your mask without it, but you will definitely benefit from the juice if you happen to have a pomegranate you can use!

Directions

1. Once you have mixed your honey and pomegranate oil, apply to your lips. They will automatically take on a pouting position, but that’s okay, it really can’t be helped. It just feels kind of glamorous, you know? You’ll relax within a few minutes, and you’ll probably sneak a taste of the honey, too. You’re only human, after all.
2. Leave the lip mask on for at least 15 minutes. If you want to reapply during that time period, that’s fine. You can remove it when you’re finished if you want, but you can also leave it on until your lips have absorbed most of the honey. If you can resist licking it all off, you should. I know it tastes delicious, but licking your lips will just dry them out and you’ll set yourself back.

Follow-Up Care

Your DIY lip scrub and lip mask are great for your lips, but they aren’t magic. If you do this your lips will feel amazing for a few days, but then they will inevitably begin to dry out and crack again… unless you take good care of them.

One habit you’ll need to pick up is drinking plenty of water. Drinking water really can solve so many things, can’t it? It’s no surprise that it will help your lips stay hydrated, too.

You’re also going to want to keep balm on your lips. We recommend making your own (we have an awesome homemade lip balm recipe), but if you aren’t able to make your own, consider investing in a good organic, all-natural balm like this or this.

Have you tried a DIY lip mask and scrub? Do you have any other routines or tips for keeping your lips all soft and kissable? Share below!

*******

Sources

1. Ediriweera ER, Premarathna NY. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review. Ayu. 2012;33(2):178-82.