Have you been looking for a way to get fuller lips without using harsh products?
Retinol has long been a skin-care favorite, and dermatologists urge patients to make sure they’re using a prescription product or one that contains the so-called miracle ingredient.
Increases elastin and collagen production, which works to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots and uneven skin tone.
Retinol also speeds up the production of new skin cells and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, so 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 exactly how beauty lovers should go about it.
Retinol increases elastin and collagen production, which works to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots and uneven skin tone (stock image)
Primera makes a retinol lip serum in a clear, pink shade that’s available on Amazon for $23.
PRMR brand manager Jin-kyung Park told DailyMail.com that this product can be a great lip plumping product for people with sensitive skin as it “combines retinol and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and firm lips” and increases volume, especially after prolonged use.
“The more you use it, the plumper and more elastic your lips will become,” Jin-kyung said, which is also because the serum contains plant-derived collagen and is designed to improve lip lines by promoting natural collagen production.
VERSO Lip Serum is another retinol-infused lip treatment for $68, which is a combination of lip gloss, lip balm, and lip plumper.
The serum includes Retinol 8, an anti-aging ingredient that helps with uneven skin tone and fine lines around the lip while providing hydration with hyaluronic acid and peptides.
Beautician Danuta Mielochfounder of the renowned Rescue Spa in New York and Philadelphia, told FEMAIL: “Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient known for its ability to promote cell turnover and increase 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 delicate than other areas of the face, making it more susceptible to irritation and dryness.”
“If you’re thinking about adding a retinol lip product to your routine, start slowly by applying it every few nights and monitor how your lips respond,” Danuta advised.
Esthetician Danuta Mieloch, founder of the popular Rescue Spa in New York and Philadelphia, told FEMAIL the pros and cons of lip products containing retinol.
Primera makes a retinol lip serum in a clear, pinkish shade that’s available on Amazon for $23 (left) and VERSO Lip Serum is another retinol-infused lip treatment for $68, which is a combination of lip gloss, lip balm, and lip plumper (right).
“If you’re noticing excessive dryness or irritation, it may be better to opt for gentler alternatives, such as peptides or hyaluronic acid, which can also provide anti-aging benefits without the risk of irritation,” Danuta continued.
Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman Cosmetic surgeon Dr Kopelman Kopelman, a New York-based specialist, told DailyMail.com that her patients often ask about using retinol lip products, especially if they want to reduce fine lines around the mouth.
Dermatologist Dr Hannah Kopelman told DailyMail.com that her patients often ask about using retinol lip products.
He The Derm Club podcast host said that while she’s seen many patients benefit from incorporating retinol into their skincare routine, and using it in a lip product can help smooth and rejuvenate the delicate skin in this area, 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 those with sensitive lips or a history of cold sores,” Dr. Kopelman said.
‘In these cases, retinol can cause irritation, dryness, or even a cold sore outbreak, something no one wants to deal with.’
If you’re considering a retinol-based product, Dr. Kopelman suggested starting slowly and using it every other night while pairing it with a hydrating lip balm to prevent dryness or peeling.
“I’ve found that retinol lip products can be a great tool for those looking to reduce fine lines and maintain youthful-looking lips, but it’s important to use them judiciously,” said Dr. Kopelman.