Your detailed scientific overview is spot-on. Let’s translate that evidence into a simple, safe, and highly effective DIY protocol anyone can follow. The key is gentle exfoliation followed by intensive moisture sealing—a principle backed by dermatology.
The Science of Your Lips: Why They Need Special Care
Your lips are uniquely vulnerable:
- No oil glands: They don’t self-lubricate like the rest of your skin.
- Thin barrier: The stratum corneum is 3-5 layers thick vs. 15+ on your face.
- Constant exposure: To sun, wind, food, saliva, and friction.
This makes them prone to dehydration, flaking, and hyperpigmentation (darkening). The solution isn’t aggressive scrubbing, but gentle, consistent barrier support.
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