Beauty Corner: Get Healthy, Luscious Lips for Valentine's Day

Your sinuses won't be the only thing bothering you this winter--the delicate, external skin cells can also suffer abuse. 

Lip cells are one of the most highly exposed areas of the skin. Each day, the lips are exposed to extreme heat, tons of acid in foods and liquids and weather. 

Physicians advise for both men and women to seek special moisturizers such as Carmex's Moisturizing Lip Balm or Burt's Bees Lip Balm however, in cases of extreme cold, people are advised to use an overnight lip conditioner or moisturizing treatment to prevent excessive dryness, redness or cracking which could lead to bleeding. 

Lauren Rodgers, a senior nursing student at the University of Texas at Arlington doesn't use things to condition her lips specifically however she says, " I always try to use a balm or moisturizer before applying my lipstick or lipgloss."

Twenty-one-year-old Miracle Watson agrees that using a moisturizer before applying any lip make-up is essential. Watson uses Carmex and Burt's Bees lip balm. 

Daily maintenance creams containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), Vitamins A and E and SPF 15 are best for maintaining soft, wrinkle-free lips. 

For those who go to work or intern in dry, warm offices in the winter, it's important to moisturize and condition the lips as well.

Unbeknownst to many, lips do not contain melanin, which protects skin from the damage of heat and the sun's rays. Without sufficient protection, the lips can be burnt without notice. Lip conditioners are the best method to prevent this from happening because they condition the lips surface and inner cells to withstand harsh conditions. Blistex's Medicated Lip Conditioner is a great unisex product which can be worn at any place and time. 

Products such as Mary Kay's Lip Mask and Sally Hansen's Overnight Lip Recovery are excellent products that can restore lips to its natural soft state with the sacrifice of looks.  

Some lip care products do have their drawbacks. "The lip mask by Mary Kay used to work, but the process was unattractive," says Rodgers.  

Nevertheless, many will agree, it's better to be unattractive for a moment, than disfigured for a lifetime. Pick up a moisturizing or conditioning lip treatment from the local pharmacy, grocery or cosmetics store, and make your lips soft and healthy during these last cold weeks before the day of kisses.