Lip glow oils have become increasingly popular in recent years as an effective lip care product. But what exactly do these oils do for your lips? Here’s a comprehensive look at the benefits of using a lip glow oil.
Moisturizes Lips
One of the main functions of a lip glow oil is to moisturize the lips. The lips have very thin skin and do not contain oil glands like other areas of the body. This makes them prone to dryness and chapping. Lip glow oils contain various natural oils and butters that help hydrate the lips and keep them soft and smooth.
Some common moisturizing ingredients found in lip glow oils:
| Jojoba oil | Vitamin E |
| Coconut oil | Shea butter |
| Avocado oil | Cocoa butter |
These oils sink into the lips and provide long-lasting moisture. With regular use, a lip glow oil can help heal chronically dry, chapped lips.
Exfoliates Lips
Lip glow oils also gently exfoliate the lips to slough off dead skin cells. Buildup of dead cells can cause lips to look dull and feel rough. The exfoliation helps reveal smoother, softer skin.
There are a few ways lip glow oils exfoliate:
- Oils mixed with granulated sugar or salt provide physical exfoliation as you rub the oil into lips.
- Fruit enzymes like papaya and pineapple naturally dissolve dead skin.
- Hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid chemically loosen dead cells.
Exfoliating 1-2 times per week retextures lips so that balms and oils can better penetrate. It’s important not to over-exfoliate, as that can cause irritation.
Adds Shine
A lip glow oil contains oils that have a natural glossy finish. As the oil coats the lips, it reflects light to add a sheer shine or shimmer.
Ingredients that give a luminous effect include:
| Vitamin E oil | Argan oil |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil |
| Coconut oil | Apricot kernel oil |
The oils hydrate while making lips look instantly smoother and plumper. The glossy oils also temporarily plump lips by causing mild irritation and inflammation.
Softens Lip Lines
Lip glow oils can help reduce the appearance of fine lines on the lips. Anti-aging oils like jojoba, avocado, and olive oils contain vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. These vitamins, along with essential fatty acids, aid in skin cell regeneration.
The rich oils fill in lip lines, making them less noticeable. With continued use, the oils may also help stimulate collagen production to diminish wrinkles.
Other ways lip glow oils soften lip lines:
- Hydration plumps up lips so lines are less etched into the skin
- Exfoliants smooth flakiness to minimize the look of lines
- Occlusive oils form a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss
Apply the oil to the lip contour area just outside the lip line to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Provides Antioxidants
Lip glow oils are packed with plant oils that contain antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that counteract oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress leads to cellular damage and collagen breakdown.
Some antioxidant-rich oils in lip glow oils:
| Pomegranate seed oil | Sea buckthorn oil |
| Acai oil | Marula oil |
| Argan oil | Black raspberry seed oil |
These oils protect the thin, fragile lip skin from environmental damage like UV rays, pollutants, and toxins. Their antioxidant content strengthens the skin barrier and prevents premature aging.
Adds Hint of Color
Many lip glow oils contain a touch of color to impart a subtle tint while moisturizing. They may include mineral pigments like iron oxides that deposit a sheer color onto the lips.
The light tint helps define the lip contours. It can make lips appear fuller and more defined. Unlike traditional lipsticks, the colors are soft and translucent rather than opaque and heavy.
Benefits of the subtle color in lip glow oils:
- Sheer color is universally flattering
- Minimal touch-ups needed throughout the day
- Avoids messy application and bleeding issues
- Glossy finish reflects more light for the illusion of fuller lips
The hint of color enhances the natural lip tone for a soft, diffused look. Lip glow oils with color are ideal for no-makeup makeup looks.
Contains Essential Oils and Fragrances
Many lip glow oils incorporate essential oils and aromatic natural oils. These provide a pleasant light scent and sometimes additional benefits.
Some essential oils found in lip glow oils:
| Peppermint | Lemon |
| Lavender | Rosemary |
| Eucalyptus | Tea tree |
The aroma makes application a more sensorial, spa-like experience. Certain essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus also provide a cooling, tingling effect.
Fragrances like vanilla and honey add a touch of sweetness. However, lip glow oils tend to use subtle, natural scents that won’t irritate sensitive lips.
Conclusion
Lip glow oils provide comprehensive lip care with their ability to moisturize, exfoliate, prime, protect, and hydrate lips. Oils like coconut, jojoba, olive, avocado and vitamin E sink into lips to leave them soft and smooth. Gentle exfoliants remove dead cells for renewed texture and shine.
Antioxidants shield fragile lip skin from environmental damage. A touch of sheer color and light fragrance enhances the sensorial experience. With regular application, a quality lip glow oil can enhance the health and appearance of the lips and contour.
