The lips don’t lie — why our pouts can give away our age

IN IRELAND, we love a generous pout. So much so that lip augmentation was the most popular non-surgical treatment of 2015.

Many studies have shown that we associate fuller lips with sensuality and youth, and there is indeed science behind this, says Vaseline R&D expert Carol Bosko. She says your upper lip gets less visible as you get older, and the skin on the lips actually age in a different way.

‘Our studies have also shown that lip colour declines with age, likely the result of blood vessels beneath lip skin being less visible,’ she says. Lip ageing usually becomes visible in your mid-30s (this is when vertical lip wrinkles begin to appear). A decrease in lip dryness, elasticity and sensitivity continues to intensify as you approach your 40s and 50s.

And even if you’re younger, you’re not infallible. Dehydration and weather can play havoc with your lip service.

‘Cold and windy weather can make skin dry as the air con- tains less moisture. The skin on our lips is the most delicate and prone to dryness,’ says Bosko.

That’s why you need to get on the balm bandwagon. An emollient lip product, like Vaseline Lip Therapy, will seal your pout’s natural moisture, replenishing the skin’s protective barrier.

And now there’s an even sweeter reason to look after your lips. Vaseline has introduced a new limited edition balm, Vaseline Sugar Coated, which has an iridescent sugarlike sheen to keep your lips supple and shiny.

VASELINE Sugar Coated, €4.99, pharmacies and select outlets nationwide