Should you be using retinol on your lips? Beauty experts reveal why the anti-aging treatment is now all the rage in pout products
Are you looking for a way to get fuller lips without using harsh products?
Retinol has long been a favorite skin care product, and dermatologists advise patients to make sure they are using a prescription product or one that contains this so-called miracle product.
It stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, which reduces fine lines, wrinkles, pigment spots and uneven skin tone.
Retinol also accelerates the production of new skin cells and reduces wrinkles. Should you use it on your lips too?
FEMAIL spoke to experts to find out who would benefit from adding retinol to their lip products, whether there are any risks, and how beauty lovers can best approach it.
Retinol stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots and uneven skin tone (stock image)
Primera makes a retinol lip serum in a bright, rosy shade that’s available on Amazon for $23.
Jin-kyung Park, brand manager at PRMR, told DailyMail.com that this product can be a great product for people with sensitive skin to plump their lips, as it “combines retinol and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump your lips” and increase volume, especially after prolonged use.
“The more you use it, the fuller and more bouncy your lips will become,” says Jin-kyung. That’s also because the serum contains plant collagen and is designed to reduce the appearance of lip lines by promoting natural collagen production.
VERSO Lip Serum is another retinol lip treatment for $68. It’s a combination of lip gloss, lip balm, and lip plumper.
The serum contains Retinol 8, an anti-aging ingredient that helps with uneven skin tone and fine lines around the lips, while simultaneously hydrating with hyaluronic acid and peptides.
Beautician Danuta Honeythe founder of the beloved Rescue Spa in New York and Philadelphia, told FEMAIL: ‘Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient known for its ability to promote cell renewal and stimulate collagen production, which can be beneficial for maintaining youthful skin.’
However, Danuta is concerned that “the skin on the lips is much thinner and more fragile than other parts of the face, making it more susceptible to irritation and dryness.”
“If you’re considering adding a retinol lip product to your routine, start slowly by applying it every few nights and monitor how your lips respond,” Danuta advises.
Esthetician Danuta Mieloch, the founder of the beloved Rescue Spa in New York and Philadelphia, told FEMAIL the pros and cons of retinol lip products
Primera makes a retinol lip serum in a clear and rosy shade that’s available on Amazon for $23 (left) and VERSO Lip Serum is another retinol lip treatment for $68 that’s a combination of lip gloss, lip balm, and lip plumper (right)
“If you find your skin is extremely dry or irritated, you may want to opt for gentler alternatives like peptides or hyaluronic acid, which can also provide anti-aging benefits without the risk of irritation,” Danuta continues.
Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York, told DailyMail.com that her patients often ask about using retinol products for the lips, especially if they want to reduce the appearance of fine lines around their mouths.
Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman told DailyMail.com that her patients often ask about using retinol lip products
The The Derm Club podcast host said she’s “seen many patients benefit from incorporating retinol into their skincare routine and that using it in a lip product can soothe and rejuvenate the sensitive skin in this area,” but she always advises caution.
“The skin on our lips is much thinner and more sensitive than the rest of our face, so retinol can sometimes be too harsh, especially for people with sensitive lips or those who tend to get cold sores,” says Dr. Kopelman.
“In these cases, retinol can cause irritation, dryness, or even cold sores, which is something no one wants.”
If you’re considering a retinol-based product, Dr. Kopelman recommends starting slowly and using it every other night. Pair it with a hydrating lip balm to prevent dryness or flaking.
“I’ve found that retinol products for the lips can be a great tool for people looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep their lips looking youthful. But it’s important to use them wisely,” says Dr. Kopelman.