Lips are easily the most neglected part of our face.
Although they look nothing like facial skin, they are in similar in some ways.
Structural similarities and differences
Like the skin of our face, skin on lips are also consists of 2 main layers - (outer) epidermal layer and (inner) dermal layer.
Unlike facial skin, lips
The lips' outermost layer of epidermis (stratum corneum) is about 5 times thinner than that of normal facial skin.
As lips lack oil glands, they do not produce oil (sebum). They are also free from hair and sweat glands.
Lips have much less pigment (melanin), which means they are not as coloured as the rest of our skin. Therefore, they take on the red colour of the underlying dermis layer, which has lots of blood vessels.
What it all means
What do these differences translate to?
Their thinnest and lack of oil production means lips are very prone to dryness and sensitivity, more so than other parts of the face. That's why your lips can be constantly chapped even though the rest of your skin is oily.
Our lips need extra protection and moisture. You would think using any lip balm should do, but that isn't always the case. Find out why in our next lips installment!