Discover the Benefits of Lip Peel Treatments for Smoother, Softer Lips

Understanding Lip Peel Treatments

Having smooth, soft lips is something many people desire. However, factors like sun exposure, dehydration, smoking, and cold weather can all contribute to dry, flaky, chapped lips. If you're looking to revitalize your pout, a lip peel treatment may be the solution.

A lip peel is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layer of dry, dead skin cells on your lips. This reveals the younger, smoother skin underneath. Lip peels are often used to treat chapped or flaky lips and can leave your pucker with a more even tone and texture.

How Do Lip Peels Work?

Lip peel solutions typically contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. These ingredients work as chemical exfoliants that dissolve the bonds between skin cells on the lips.

The dead skin cells are shed away, promoting cell turnover. This reveals fresher skin that has a soft, supple appearance. Lip peels may also contain additional moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like vitamins, plant oils, butters, and waxes to hydrate the lips.

Benefits of Lip Peel Treatments

Some benefits of getting a lip peel include:

• Removing flaky, dry skin and revealing smoother lips
• Improving texture and creating a more even tone
• Softening rough patches and fine lines on the lips
• Increasing moisture levels and hydration
• Minimizing the appearance of vertical lip lines
• Enhancing the color and shine of lip products
• Exfoliating away dead skin cells that can cause chapped lips

By getting rid of dryness and promoting new cell growth, lip peels can restore a more plump, youthful look to your pout. This makes your lips a better canvas for lipstick, gloss, and other cosmetics.

Types of Lip Peels

There are a few different types and methods of lip peel treatments.

In-Office Lip Peels

Professional lip peels are often performed at dermatology or cosmetic surgery offices. Stronger chemical exfoliants like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol may be used under medical supervision.

The solution is applied to the lips and allowed to penetrate for a few minutes before being neutralized. This type of lip peel promotes dramatic exfoliation and peeling of the top layers of skin.

At-Home Lip Peels

For a more gradual lip exfoliation, at-home lip peel products are also available. These typically contain gentler acids like glycolic acid or fruit enzymes.

The lip peel solution can be applied and left on for a few minutes before being rinsed or wiped off. After a few days, your lips will naturally shed their top layer of skin without significant peeling or downtime.

Overnight Lip Treatments

Some lip masks or treatments also have a mild peeling effect when left on overnight. Ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or papaya enzymes help loosen and shed the superficial skin cells.

You can wake up to softer, smoother lips after using these types of overnight lip care products 1-2 times per week.

What to Expect During a Lip Peel Treatment

Here's a step-by-step overview of what you can expect during a professional in-office lip peel treatment:

1. Your lips will be cleansed to remove any traces of makeup, sunscreen, or other products.
2. The lip peel solution will be applied evenly over your lips and allowed to sit for 2-5 minutes.
3. You may feel a slight stinging or tingling sensation as the acids get to work.
4. Your practitioner will gently wipe away the peel solution.
5. A neutralizing solution is applied to deactivate the acids.
6. Your lips will be rinsed with water and patted dry.
7. A nourishing lip balm or mask may be applied to soothe and hydrate the lips.

The entire appointment usually takes around 15-20 minutes. After the treatment, your lips may look slightly red or swollen. This usually resolves within a few hours.

The Peeling Process

In the next 3-5 days after the peel, your lips will begin to shed their top layers of epidermis. Dry, flaky skin will slough off, revealing the new skin underneath.

Try to resist the urge to pick or peel the skin yourself. Allow your lips to naturally exfoliate the dead cells. Keep your lips moisturized with lip balm during this time.

The peeling process is usually complete within a week. Your practitioner may recommend using a gentler lip scrub 1-2 times during the peeling phase to remove any excess flaky tissue.

Downtime

There is minimal downtime after a professional lip peel, about 3-7 days for the peeling/flaking process to finish. During this time, your lips may appear slightly red, swollen, dry or flaky.

You’ll want to avoid wearing lipstick or lipgloss until the peeling is complete since it can cling to the loose tissue. Stick to hydrating lip balms and masks only.

Use a lip balm with SPF protection if you will be in the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible until your lips have fully healed.

Aftercare

Proper aftercare can help ensure you achieve the best results from your lip peel treatment. Be sure to:

• Avoid picking, peeling or scrubbing the skin yourself during the exfoliation phase
• Use a gentle, hydrating lip balm and avoid other lip products until peeling is finished
• Protect your lips with SPF lip balm before sun exposure
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Take antioxidant supplements to support healing
• Rinse your lips and apply balm after eating to remove food debris

Following your practitioner’s aftercare advice can help you get the most out of your lip peel for maximally soft, smooth lips.

Recovery and Results

Healing Time

Your lips will need about 1 week to fully recover and heal after a professional lip peel treatment. Redness, swelling, dryness, and flaking generally resolve within 3-5 days.

It takes about 4 weeks for the full results of increased smoothness, softness, and hydration to become apparent. Lip peptides and vitamins in aftercare products help strengthen the lips during the healing phase.

Improved Texture and Tone

As your lips heal and regenerate after the peel treatment, you should notice improvements in the texture and tone. Flakiness, cracks, roughness, and uneven pigmentation will be diminished.

Your lip color will appear more uniform. Subtly enhanced blood circulation also helps give your lips a more natural, rosy hue.

Enhanced Definition

The shedding of rough, dry skin helps define and accentuate the natural lip line. Your Cupid’s bow and vermilion border will appear more distinct.

Lip peels remove diffuse edges by revealing the younger skin and tissue underneath. This can create the illusion of a subtle lip plumping effect.

Longevity of Results

The results of a lip peel treatment can last about 1-3 months. Following proper aftercare and protective measures can help extend the effects.

Consistent use of AHA/BHA lip scrubs or masks 1-2 times per week will help maintain smooth texture. Diligent sun protection will prevent UV damage from diminishing results.

You may want to get single lip peel touch-ups every 3-4 months to refresh the effects. Some people also opt for a series of 2-3 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart for dramatic improvement of severely chapped, flaky lips.

Lip Peel vs. Lip Scrub

While both lip peels and lip scrubs exfoliate away dry, dead skin, they work in slightly different ways:

Lip Peel

• Uses acids to chemically dissolve bonds between skin cells
• Causes entire top layer of skin to shed off days later
• Stronger exfoliation for significant cell turnover
• Best for severe dryness, flaking, and damage
• Performed periodically as a treatment

Lip Scrub

• Uses physical abrasives like sugar or salt to mechanically scrub lips
• Removes some dead skin immediately during application
• Gentler daily or weekly maintenance exfoliation
• Best for mild dryness and roughness
• Can be used in between peel treatments

While lip peels offer more dramatic renewal, lip scrubs can provide light exfoliation for lip maintenance between treatments. Some products contain both physical scrubbing agents and chemical exfoliants to provide immediate and gradual peeling.

Preparation for a Lip Peel Treatment

There are a few things you can do to prep your lips before your peel appointment:

• Avoid abrasive lip scrubs for 2-3 days prior
• Discontinue use of lip plumping products which can be irritating
• Stop any retinol/vitamin A lip products 1 week before
• Stay hydrated and drink lots of water
• Apply a thick lip balm the night before
• Hold off on lip makeup the day of the peel

Let your practitioner know if you have any allergies or skin sensitivities. Avoid lip peels if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an active cold sore outbreak.

Finding a Lip Peel Provider

It's important to have your lip peel performed by an experienced, licensed aesthetic professional. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons often offer these treatments.

You can also find qualified cosmetic nurses, nurse practitioners, aestheticians, and other providers at med spas and cosmetic clinics. Ask to see before and after photos and client reviews.

Some things to look for in a good lip peel provider include:

• Medical-grade peel products
• Proper protocols for application and neutralization
• Client safety and comfort measures
• Customized treatment plans
• Quality aftercare program

The right provider will conduct a thorough consultation, set appropriate expectations, and tailor the treatments to your individual needs.

Cost of Lip Peel Treatments

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a lip peel treatment is around $150-$600 per session. However, prices can vary significantly based on your provider and geographic location.

In-office medical-grade lip peels cost more than at-home versions you can buy over the counter. Products with deeper penetration and more dramatic peeling effects also tend to be pricier.

Many providers offer package deals if you purchase a series of 3-5 lip peel sessions. This can give you a more significant discount compared to paying per individual treatment.

Home Lip Peel Options

While professional, medical-grade lip peels offer the most dramatic results, there are some home lip peeling products that provide milder exfoliation without the downtime or cost of in-office treatments.

Look for at-home lip peels containing gentle acids like glycolic, lactic, malic, or fruit acids from sources like apple, orange, lemon, sugarcane, etc. These provide lighter exfoliation than stronger peels.

Some popular options for drugstore lip peel kits include:

• Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Lip Peel
• Hanhoo BHA Blackhead Power Peel
• Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm
• Glow Iceland Berry Lip Peel
• Skin Laundry Sleep Peel

Apply any DIY lip peel according to the instructions. Always do a patch test before using any new skin product. Home lip peels can provide mild exfoliation maintenance between professional treatments or may be adequate for those with only minor dryness or flakiness.

Potential Side Effects

When performed properly by an experienced aesthetic professional, serious side effects from lip peels are uncommon. However, there are some potential temporary adverse reactions including:

• Redness, swelling, irritation
• Burning or stinging during application
• Lip tightness or mild blistering
• Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Infection risk if picking/peeling
• Prolonged healing if smoking or sun exposure

Make sure to follow your provider’s post-care instructions carefully to avoid complications. Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, oozing, bleeding or signs of infection.

Who Should Avoid Lip Peels?

While most people are good candidates for lip peels, they are not recommended for those who:

• Have active cold sores or herpes simplex virus
• Have skin infections, wounds, or irritations around mouth
• Have a history of keloid scarring
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have very sensitive skin
• Are taking isotretinoin acne medication
• Have an allergy to peel ingredients

Talk to your dermatologist before considering a lip peel if you have any concerns about whether it would be safe for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can you get a lip peel?

Most providers recommend waiting 4-6 weeks between lip peel sessions. Your lips need time to fully heal between treatments. Some people choose to do a series of 2-4 peels spaced 2 weeks apart for severely chapped lips or leading up to a major event.

Do lip peels really work?

Yes, professional-grade medical lip peels are an effective treatment for dry, flaky, chapped lips when performed correctly. The chemical exfoliation reveals smoother, softer skin by accelerating cell turnover. Improvements in texture and hydration can be dramatic.

How long does a lip peel last?

A single lip peel treatment provides visible results for about 1-3 months. Using diligent aftercare and protective lip products can help extend the effects. Doing periodic maintenance peels or scrubs helps sustain the benefits.

Can you do a lip peel at home?

There are some at-home lip peel products available containing gentler acids like glycolic or fruit acids. However, medical-grade trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels performed in a professional setting give more significant results. Diy lip peels provide lighter exfoliation best for minor flakiness.

What happens if you pick at peeling lips?

It's important not to pick, peel, pull, or scrub the skin during the exfoliation phase after a lip peel. This can cause scabbing, bleeding, infection, pigmentation, or scarring. Allow your lips to naturally slough off the dead skin for proper healing.

Can you wear lipstick after a peel?

Avoid wearing lipstick, lip liner, or lip gloss during the peeling process after a lip peel. These products can get

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.