Natural ingredients that have ‘volumising effects’ on the lips and help ‘thicken’ their appearance
Natural oils have a plumping effect on the lips
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Changes in the body are ubiquitous during menopause, but they extend far beyond hot flashes and insomnia.
During the transition period, women experience a drop in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, all of which provide the lips with structural support.
This natural decline - coupled with the natural weakening of the surrounding muscles - can cause the lips’ contour to lose definition and give way to wrinkles and tightness.
The vermillion border - which describes the line between the lip and skin - begins to fade, leaving the lips looking less lined.
Natural ingredients like peppermint oil have a plumping effect on the lips
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Naturally, certain behaviours like drinking and smoking can speed up changes in the lips by contributing to oxidative stress.
Poor dietary choices are also a culprit, as a diet lacking essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats will negatively impact the skin.
Fortunately, understanding the biological changes at play as we age can help us maintain resilient skin, explained biochemist and certified cosmetologist-aesthetician at OnSkin Valerie Aparovich.
She explained: “As we age, the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the body significantly declines, reducing the lips’ ability to retain moisture, causing changes in their structure and texture, and making them appear deflated.
“Naturally thin and delicate, the skin on the lips becomes drier, tighter and prone to wrinkling.
“Over time, the depletion of moisture and a lack of structural support can lead to a noticeable loss of lip volume and plumpness.
“Also, with age, the lips tend to fade in colour, losing their natural pigment and appearing lighter and less defined.”
Moisturising the lips
Aparovich says amply moisturising the skin is key to helping the lips look thicker and more plump.
She continued: “For optimal results, look for lip balms containing emollients, key active ingredients known for their ability to soften, nourish and restore the skin’s hydrolipid balance.
“Emollients help prevent water loss and replenish lipid deficiencies in the lips. Shea butter, canola, almond, coconut, castor, avocado oils, ceramides and squalane help rejuvenate and thicken your lips."
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Plumping the lips
There are heaps of plumping lip products on the market nowadays, but natural essential oils have comparable effects.
“Peppermint essential oil is a powerful ingredient that offers soothing cooling, refreshing and moisturising benefits while also providing volumising effects," explained Aparovich.
“Its menthol content promotes circulation and dilates blood vessels, naturally enhancing the appearance of the lips by making them look brighter and plumper."
Exfoliating the lips
Like skin on the rest of the body, lips benefit from gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, rejuvenated surface.
“Regular exfoliation helps prevent flakiness and tightness while enhancing the lips’ natural radiance,” said Aparovich.
“A silicone lip brush can boost blood circulation, adding a touch of volume and a healthier appearance to the lips.
“Always follow exfoliation with a nourishing lip moisturiser to maintain hydration and softness.”
While the body's natural ageing process cannot be stopped, it can be slowed with a combination of healthy lifestyle choices.
The key is to maintain a balanced diet, get quality sleep and reduce stress as much as possible.
Staying physically active and avoiding harmful habits like drinking and smoking are also advised for preserving the natural definition of lips.
In terms of skin care, the goal is to moisturise generously and prioritise collagen-boosting ingredients in the diet.