On our quest to transform dry lips, it helps to know what's actually causing the flakiness to begin with. According to Rodney, unlike our face, our lips don't contain sebum-releasing oil glands that keeps the skin soft and moisturized. "When the environment is cold and dry (think: winter months), the lips are more likely to become cracked. Extremely hot or windy conditions can also trigger chapped lips," she explains, adding that licking the lips can also be the source of flakiness. "While the saliva temporarily appears to renew moisture, frequent lip licking actually worsens the dryness."

All this to say, exfoliation comes with some serious lip-loving benefits. One main benefit is that it removes dead skin cells. "Exfoliating the lips reveals fresh, smooth skin beneath," says Rodney. "An added benefit is that lipstick can then be applied evenly, and the lips immediately look plumper." It can also temporarily increase blood flow to the lips for plumper-looking lips. Finally, Rodney notes that exfoliation can help improve discoloration and dark spots on the lips. "The discolored surface cells slough off, and are replaced by new, even-toned skin," she says.

How to Exfoliate Your Lips

Below, Rodney breaks down exactly how to exfoliate lips.

• Clean and pat dry lips: Before exfoliating, it’s important to ensure that your lips are clean and dry. This means removing any trace of lipstick or gloss, and following up by patting dry.
• Exfoliate gently: Use a circular motion to rub the skin on the lips. "Be sure not to scrub, irritate, or break the skin," notes Rodney.
• Moisturize: Follow up with a thin layer of lip balm to form a protective barrier.