August signals a subtle shift—less heat, softer light, and more intention in how we care for ourselves. At Mental, we believe every season invites a check-in—not just with your skin, but with your self. So let’s start with a part of you that often gets overlooked: your lips.
Your lips speak volumes… even when they’re not saying a word. They reveal hydration levels, sun damage, stress, and skincare habits—all in one delicate (and under-protected) area.
This month, we’re answering the top five lip-health questions we’ve heard—because healing starts with knowledge, and protection starts with awareness.
Q1: Why are my lips always chapped, even when I use balm?
You’re not alone. Chronically dry lips are often the result of using the wrong kind of balm. Balms heavy in petroleum jelly can feel soothing but form a barrier without adding hydration underneath.
The Fix: Look for hydrating + sealing ingredients:
- Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid draw moisture in.
- Shea butter, plant waxes, and squalane seal it in.
- Peptides can help repair damage and improve texture over time.
And yes—SPF matters, even indoors. Lips are vulnerable to UV exposure in every environment, which can dry and damage cells further.
Q2: Do I really need to reapply lip balm with SPF every 2 hours?
In a word? Yes.
Your lips don’t have oil glands, and sunscreen wears off faster on them due to talking, eating, and drinking. Experts at Paula’s Choice and Curology agree that lips are especially susceptible to sunburn and long-term UV damage.
The Fix:
Apply your SPF lip balm every 2 hours, especially outdoors, especially in the sun.
Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula (think: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) with SPF 30+. Mineral formulas, like Mental- offer safer daily use and are gentle for sensitive skin.
Q3: Can stress or diet cause my lips to peel?
Yes—and surprisingly enough- your lips might be the first place your body shows it. Stress weakens the skin barrier, making lips more prone to flaking, inflammation, and cold sores. Diets low in vitamin B, iron, or essential fatty acids can also show up in the form of cracked corners or dry lips.
The Fix:
- Try a lip balm with calming ingredients like oat extract, vitamin E, or chamomile.
- Eat more leafy greens, nuts, and healthy fats to support your skin from within.
- And (I love this) most importantly: pause. A single deep breath before balm application = micro-moment of mindfulness.
Q4: Are tinted lip balms as effective as clear ones?
If you’re choosing the right tinted balm, absolutely. Today’s best formulations combine buildable color, SPF protection, and active treatment ingredients—no trade-offs required.
The Fix:
Reach for tinted balms that double as skincare—those with zinc-based SPF, peptides, and vitamin-rich oils. They're perfect for that "put-together without trying" look and essential UV protection. Color that cares? That’s the future of beauty.
Q5: What’s one lip-care mistake almost everyone makes?
Easy: forgetting to exfoliate—gently. Lip skin regenerates like any other skin, but buildup from old product, environmental pollutants, or sun damage can prevent healing and hydration.
The Fix:
Exfoliate once or twice weekly with a non-abrasive scrub or damp washcloth. (you know weve got it if youre in need/want) Follow with a nourishing balm packed with occlusives and peptides for repair and renewal.
Final Thought: Your Lips Are the Gateway
When your lips feel off, it’s often a sign your self-care rituals need a little fine tuning. At Mental, we believe lip care isn’t just cosmetic—it’s protective, therapeutic, and emotionally grounding. Each swipe of balm is a whisper to yourself: You matter. You're cared for.
August Affirmation:
“I nourish with intention, I protect with love, and I soften into calm with every small act of care.”
August is the perfect moment to reset, refocus, and simplify. As routines pick up, school resumes, schedules get busy- and the pace of life quickens, prioritizing your well-being can be as simple as sticking to small, nourishing rituals—like applying a multitasking lip balm that protects, soothes, and supports your mental glow.
Let’s move through the month with calm yet bold intention, embracing ease, protection, and mindful confidence—one swipe at a time.