Madame Figaro: Why it's essential to care for your lips every day

Tips from Augustinus Bader, Victoria Beckham's skincare guru, for caring for this delicate area, especially during this period of falling temperatures and mask-wearing.

While the eye contour is often cited as an extremely delicate area, the skin of the lips is also particularly thin and fragile. "Unlike the rest of our skin, the mouth has no hydrolipidic film or sebaceous glands (which secrete sebum). As a result, it doesn't have the same lipid or hydration reserves as the rest of the body. And it is more sensitive and less armed against external elements," explains Professor Augustinus Bader. This regenerative medicine specialist has won over many celebrities with his approach to skincare and his cutting-edge treatments. Starting with Victoria Beckham, with whom he designed a line of facial products. Irina Shayk, Lily Allen, Kate Bosworth, and Rita Ora are also among the admirers of the work of the man who, in 2008, invented a gel that heals severe burns without surgery or skin grafts.

Winter + mask, the wrong combo

Unsurprisingly, winter requires special attention to care for this area. "We often face quite radical temperature changes between overheated interiors and the cold outside. Lips are all the more prone to dryness." Professor Bader therefore recommends applying highly nourishing formulas during the colder months to help retain skin moisture "but also provide real protection to resist external aggressions." These tips are particularly applicable in this period when an additional challenge is imposed: wearing a mask. "It is essential to regularly apply a dedicated treatment to build a barrier effect that will prevent water loss and nourish them."

Act against the effects of time

To keep lips soft and plump over the years, it is also important not to neglect the attention paid to this area. "The collagen contained in our lips (as in all our skin) begins to decrease with age. This is why, to prevent the first signs of aging, caring for this part should really be part of our daily routine," explains the Swiss expert. He therefore advises applying a dedicated treatment at least morning and evening. "However, I do not recommend directly exfoliating this area, but rather the skin around it. Then, you can apply your balm as often as you like throughout the day to maintain hydration and strengthen its barrier role."

One last tip to ensure your mouth retains its beauty? A light massage that can help stimulate lip circulation, and thus boost natural collagen production. And Professor Bader concludes with the ultimate advice: "Make sure you drink enough water every day!"