Quick answer: A lip scrub is a fine exfoliator, usually sugar mixed with oil or balm, that lifts dry flakes from your lips. Use a small amount on dry lips, rub very gently for about 30 seconds, wipe it off and apply lip balm right away. The AAD says lip balm or petroleum jelly helps keep dry lips hydrated (AAD). Once or twice a week is enough.
Table of Contents
How to use a lip scrub: 5 steps
- Start with clean, dry lips. Remove lipstick first.
- Take a pea-sized amount on a clean fingertip.
- Rub gently in small circles for about 30 seconds.
- Wipe or rinse with lukewarm water.
- Apply lip balm right away.
Time: about 2 minutes. How often: once or twice a week.
When to skip a lip scrub
Don’t scrub lips that are cracked, bleeding, sunburned or have any open cuts. The AAD says not to exfoliate skin that has open cuts or wounds or is sunburned (AAD). Wait until your lips feel smooth and comfortable again, and use balm in the meantime.
If your lips sting or turn red after scrubbing, scrub less often or switch to a finer sugar.
Simple DIY sugar lip scrub
- Mix: 1 teaspoon of fine white sugar with half a teaspoon of honey or a plant oil.
- Stir in a clean dish until it looks like wet sand.
- Use right away, or keep it in a tiny clean pot for a few days.
- Make small batches so it stays fresh.
Use fine sugar for lips. Coarse sugar and salt are too rough for this delicate area.
Lip scrub textures compared
| Type | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar in oil | Soft and slippery | Most people |
| Sugar in balm | Thicker, stays put | Very dry lips |
| Stick scrub | Solid, no mess | Travel |
| Fine-grain DIY | Very gentle | Sensitive lips |
We haven’t lab-tested specific products. The table compares types as they’re usually made.
A lip scrub routine for soft lips
- Once or twice a week: lip scrub, then balm.
- Every night: a thick balm or a lip mask.
- Every morning: a lip balm with SPF if you’ll be outdoors.
- Before lipstick: scrub gently the night before, not right before.
A lip scrub works well on the same night as a body sugar scrub, so you can make it one pampering routine.
Common mistakes
- Scrubbing too often. Lips are thin and sensitive.
- Pressing hard. Gentle is enough.
- Skipping balm afterward.
- Licking your lips. It makes them drier.
Lip care through the seasons
Your lips change with the weather. In cold months, central heating and wind dry them out, so a thicker balm and a gentle weekly exfoliation can help. In warm months, sun and sea water are the bigger issue, so a balm with SPF and plenty of water through the day matter more. When you travel by plane, carry a balm in your pocket, as cabin air is very dry. A small routine that changes with the seasons keeps your lips comfortable all year round without extra effort.
Replace old lip products that smell or look different.
Caring for lips every day
Soft lips come from daily habits more than weekly scrubbing. Keep a balm in your bag, by your bed and on your desk so you use it often. Drink water through the day, and try not to lick or bite your lips, since saliva dries quickly and leaves them drier.
In winter, wind and dry indoor air are hard on lips. A thicker balm at night and a scarf over your mouth outdoors can help. In summer, choose a balm with SPF when you’re outside.
If you wear long-wear or matte lipstick often, give your lips a break on some days with a tinted balm instead. Remove lipstick gently with an oil-based remover rather than rubbing with a dry tissue.
For more tips on nails, lips and brows, read our guide to nail care.
FAQ
How often should I use a lip scrub?
Once or twice a week for most people.
Can I use a body scrub on my lips?
It’s better not to. Body scrubs are usually coarser than a lip scrub.
Should I use a lip scrub before lipstick?
Scrub the night before, then apply balm. Scrubbing right before lipstick can leave lips red.
Can I make a lip scrub at home?
Yes. Mix fine sugar with a little honey or oil and use it right away.
What do I put on after a lip scrub?
A lip balm or petroleum jelly, which the AAD suggests for dry lips.
Written by Mahmoud Abdelmaksoud.
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