Does lipstick darken your lips? Should you use a face filler for plumper pout? Are lip balms really addictive? These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about lip care and products, thanks to all the lip-related fallacies floating around. To help you determine fact from fiction, here are some of the most common myths debunked.
On Lip Enhancements
Aesthetic medicine has come a long way. We now have advanced techniques for lip injections and other lip augmentation procedures. But misconceptions about lip fillers have cast some doubts and worries among those who want to try them out. Here are some of those rumors:
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You will have duck lips.
There’s a thin line between creating a subtle, natural look versus something that looks overly done. The truth is that it depends on how you want your lips done. When your surgeon uses too much or too little of the product, you may end up getting an unappealing outcome.
For ideal results, see to it that your clinician is trained with facial aesthetics. Go to a skilled cosmetic surgeon with specialized techniques and a proven track record. They can guide you in making the best decisions for your lips so that even subtle changes can make a huge difference.
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Any filler can be used on your lips.
No, absolutely not. There’s a reason why cosmetic treatment varies, depending on the body part that needs modification or enhancement.
Using products meant for the face and not your lips is not safe and may cause irreparable damage. Always consult a cosmetic professional so that they can recommend several options that are safe and suitable for your goals.
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They will stretch your lips and make them feel funny.
In reality, when the product dissolves, your lips will return to the same way it looked before you received the cosmetic treatment. Discomfort is expected after the initial application, but after that, they will look and feel natural.
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The procedure is painful.
No. Your doctor will numb the area with a topical anesthetic before proceeding with the treatment. Many fillers also contain lidocaine, which is used for pain management. That being said, there may be some discomfort but only at a minimal level.
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Anybody can inject fillers.
This is absolutely not true and is arguably the most dangerous lip enhancement rumor out there. Majority of the horror stories you find online involve untrained and unlicensed individuals giving injections. Sometimes, they even fill people with illegal substances. For your health, beauty, and safety, always look for an experienced professional who uses FDA-approved products.
On Chapped Lips and Lip Balms
One of the most common lip-related beauty problems is chapped lips. This painful condition can either be seasonal or chronic, which makes it all the more annoying. Although there are plenty of online tips for lip care, it doesn’t help that there are so many misconceptions around chapped lips and lip balms, such as:
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Licking your dry lips is therapeutic.
If you have dry lips, licking may help you feel slightly better. But it could also make the dryness worse. That’s because saliva is acidic, and when it evaporates, it can dehydrate the skin on your lips. If you find yourself licking your lips every time they feel dry, it’s time to break the habit. Instead, use salve or balm.
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Scrubbing chapped lips and picking the flakes can help.
While it’s true that the skin on your lips needs to be exfoliated now and then, the process should be gentle and approved by dermatologists. Toothbrushes should never be used to scrub your chapped lips as they can tear the sensitive skin. Always avoid rubbing, picking, scraping, or scrubbing as these will lead to injuries and even infections. Instead, opt for doctor-recommended products made for chapped lips, such as lip balms.
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Lips balms are addictive.
If you have heard stories about lips that have stopped retaining moisture on their own because of lip balms, those can be attributed to products with purely occlusive ingredients. Occlusive substances are chemicals that form a barrier on the skin to trap moisture. These effects are only temporary, and once you switch to semi-occlusive formulas, this problem can be avoided. The trick is to find an effective, long-lasting lip balm that suits your needs.
On Lipsticks
Nothing beats the power of a good lipstick. One swipe of your favorite color can do wonders for your looks and confidence. Don’t put it away because of some rumors, such as:
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Lipsticks will darken your lips.
Thankfully, that’s not true. Lipsticks do cause some staining, but this shouldn’t be a problem if you remove them properly. Dark lips are actually caused by genetics, sun damage, dryness, and smoking.
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Lipsticks can replace lip balms.
No, they don’t serve the same purpose. Regular lipsticks don’t contain the therapeutic ingredients necessary to heal chapped lips. Some lipsticks may contain moisturizing formulas, but in no way can they totally replace lip balms. In other words, lipsticks are for makeup, and lip balms are for lip care.
New rumors pop up every so often. But to make sure you don’t fall victim to these lies, always talk to your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon so that you can get scientifically sound information for prettier, healthier lips. Pucker up!
