Aesthetically plump lips have long been considered a sign of attractiveness. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with this feature. However, there are several easy, non-invasive methods to give your lips a natural boost. Keep reading to learn how to augment your pout and embrace your natural self.
Lip Volume and its Importance
Cosmetically, lip volume refers to the balance, proportions, fullness, and shape of the lips. It is an important feature because it enhances facial symmetry and projects a youthful and attractive aesthetic. Though the qualities for perfect lip volume stay the same, the overall proportions differ based on cultural norms, individual features, and beauty standards worldwide.
The Anatomy of Lips And Effects of Aging
The important anatomical structures of the lips include:
- The vermillion border which is between the lip line and skin
- Cupid’s bow which is the curve or indentation in the center of the upper lip
- Philtral columns which are the ridges on both sides of the cupid’s bow
- Oral commissures which are the lip corners where the upper and lower lips meet
- White roll which is the raised line at the lip margin that gives lips a distinct shape
Aging has a profound effect on the lip anatomy. Lips are very closely related to various facial muscles and structures. As the lower part of the face sags due to age, so do the lips. Aging causes the lips to lose their definition and fullness. Wrinkles begin to appear in the adjacent skin. Horizontal lines appear at the vermillion border, particularly in smokers and people who habitually purse their lips.
How to Achieve Natural Lip Enhancement?
There are several ways to naturally enhance lips or to increase lip volume. These include:
Lifestyle Considerations
The secret to natural lip augmentation lies in consistent and supportive lifestyle changes. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and wearing a UV-protective lip balm help minimize photochemical damage and collagen loss in the lips. Having good oral hygiene and avoiding harmful habits like smoking prevent lip discoloration and assist in maintaining optimum health.
Proper Hydration
Proper hydration prevents cracking and drying of lips and keeps them plump and wrinkle-free. Along with maintaining adequate water intake, the use of emollients like shea butter or coconut oil protects the lip surface and keeps it moisturized.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the key to smoother and plumper lips. Natural scrubs like coffee grounds and honey gently exfoliate dead cells, enhance circulation, and impart a fuller contour to the lips.
Lip Exercises, Massage, And Circulation
Another popular way for a natural-looking lip augmentation is lip exercises and massage. Lip massage also augments local circulation, improving vitality and imparting an aesthetically pleasing rosy tint to the lips. The most important thing you should be careful about is consistency.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for natural lip enhancement for a long time. Oils like peppermint and cinnamon have a visible plumping effect on the lips when applied topically. They are used in many cosmetic products (plumping lip balms and glosses) to temporarily increase lip volume.
Topical Hyaluronic Acid
When applied topically, hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the lip tissue, by imparting a smoothing and plumping effect. Although the effect is not very pronounced, consistent use subtly enhances and uplifts the lip contours.
What Are Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options For Lip Enhancement?
The term “non-surgical lip enhancement” means cosmetic procedures that enhance the natural contours, size, and shape of the lips without surgical intervention. These procedures are desirable due to their flexibility and non-invasive nature. They include:
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectables that produce a short-term increase in lip volume. The effects usually last between 6 to 12 months. Fillers use synthetic Hyaluronic acid compounds to enhance lip volume and contours. The procedure gives quick and natural results and is minimally invasive.
Botox
Botox is an alternative to lip fillers. Rather than increasing the lip volume, botox relaxes muscles strategically in and around the lip to evert the lip borders and make the lips appear plumper and larger.
Lip Plumping Devices
Lip-plumping devices use suction or vibrations to stimulate blood flow and produce a mild swelling effect on the lips. This makes them appear larger than normal temporarily. The electronic version of the lip-plumping device aims to stimulate collagen production to further augment the results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can vitamins plump up the lips?
Vitamins (C and E) can enhance lip volume by indirectly increasing collagen production, and improving hydration, and elasticity.
Is lip size a genetic trait?
Yes, the size, shape, fullness, and elasticity of the lips are based on your genetics.
Do spices enhance lip volume?
Spices like cinnamon stimulate and increase blood flow to the lips. The increased blood flow produces mild swelling of the lips and makes them appear plumper.
