The skin on your lips is very different from the rest of your body because it is thinner and more delicate. Skin on your face can be up to sixteen cell layers thick, whilst the skin on your lips is only three to five layers thick. This means that your blood vessels are more apparent, giving your lips their pink or red colour.

Lips are unique. They aren't like any other part of the human body. But although they look different from the rest of your skin, they're actually rather similar to some extent. The outer layer of your skin is called the epidermis, and it has a protective covering called the stratum corneum.

There is natural variation between people in their lip colour. A pigment called melanin gives the skin its colour. Less melanin creates a lighter skin tone, whereas more melanin means a darker skin tone. If the skin begins producing more melanin than usual, it can lead to hyperpigmentation, which is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin.

Your lips are distinctive in that lip prints can reliably be used for identification, just like fingerprints. The pattern of wrinkles and lines on lips varies per individual.

You may ask, does skin on lips grow back? The answer to this, is no. Lips and the skin on your lips cannot grow back. The only human organs which can regenerate themselves are the liver and the skin, however not in severely damaged instances. If a case where the skin on your lips is removed or lost, your only option for replacement, is plastic surgery

Tips to prevent dry lips are a dime a dozen. In addition to making lips appear more healthy and sensual, there are steps that can be taken to reduce dryness and irritation.

Wearing SPF Lip Balm

Applying sunscreen to the skin and lips daily is one of the most effective things a person can do to prevent hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and visible ageing. It also reduces the chance of developing skin cancers.

You should be wearing SPF on your lips, face, and other exposed areas when going outside, even if you do not burn easily, have darker skin, or live in a cold climate. It is recommended that you use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, and preferably one that contains titanium oxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient. You should also reapply SPF lip balm and sunscreen every 2 hours while outside.

Use a Protective Lip Balm or Gloss.

Some flavoured lip balms encourage you to lick your lips, which can result in dry lips. Lip balms or lip moisturizers that contain eucalyptus, camphor, menthol or alcohol may actually dry your lips out more. Whilst many people do it, you should try your hardest not to lick your lips.

Drink Plenty of Water.

One of the most vital things you could ever give your body, you cannot live without water. Likewise, water is very important for luscious lips. Try to set a goal in order to reach a daily dose, which is encouraged to be 8 glasses a day.

Eat Right

A balanced diet is another overall health booster. Zinc is an important mineral in maintaining moisture, especially for the lips. If you’re not getting enough zinc from your diet, you can take a multivitamin or supplement. By eating healthy, you can keep your immune system in good working order and keep all types of skin and other damages to a minimum.

Avoid Dry Heat

Many of us live and work in environments with heaters during winter and air conditioners in the summer months. This type of heating and cooling are particularly tough on dry lips due to the lack of humidity. The best way to keep the air around you moist, is by using a humidifier.

Stop Smoking

Smoking can stain the lips, as well as other parts of the body such as the hands and fingers. Nicotine in any form also reduces blood flow in the skin, which may reduce the colour of the lips and accelerate skin ageing.

Be Aware

Cold sores are experienced for various reasons, such as a weakened immune system, colds, flu and the worst enemy of our bodies, stress. The best way to prevent cold sores and other damage to our bodies is by taking care of your overall health.

Your lips are an essential part of your body, and it’s important to look after them. Follow these guidelines and you will have luscious lips for many years to come.