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Achieving fuller lips<\/a> doesn\u2019t require a trip to the dermatologist\u2019s office (unless you want it to, of course). There\u2019s a simple ingredient that can give your lips a modest plumping effect: hyaluronic acid<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it\u2019s a molecule that attracts and binds to water, says Blair Murphy-Rose<\/a>, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California and the founder of Skincare Junkie.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water,\u201d helping the skin retain moisture<\/a> and prevent the water from evaporating, adds Pooja Rambhia<\/a>, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New York City. \u201c[Hyaluronic acid] can significantly increase skin hydration, it can improve skin elasticity, texture, and also the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Applying a topical hyaluronic acid serum<\/a> like the ones you\u2019d typically use in your skincare routine<\/a> can plump your lips. Dr. Rambhia explains that there\u2019s some clinical evidence that applying topical hyaluronic acid can \u201cdraw some water to the lip surface and into the superficial tissue, and create this temporary volumizing effect by way of hydration.\u201d<\/p>\n Both she and Dr. Murphy-Rose emphasize that the effects are subtle and will never be as dramatic as a lip filler<\/a>. \u201cIt will kind of hide the fine lines and wrinkles and just give more of a hydrated look rather than true volume increase,\u201d Dr. Murphy-Rose adds.<\/p>\n A lot of lip plumping glosses<\/a> have ingredients like Schezwan pepper, cinnamon, or peppermint, which cause vasodilation, or the widening of the blood vessels, Dr. Rambhia and Dr. Murphy-Rose explain.<\/p>\n This increases blood flow to the tissue, \u201cand by virtue of that, you get swelling, and there\u2019s your plumping effect,\u201d Dr. Rambhia says. \u201cOftentimes, this is accompanied by a tingling, burning sensation, which for patients who have more\u00a0sensitive lips<\/a>\u00a0can cause a contact dermatitis type of reaction.\u201d However, these spicy ingredients may create a more visible plumping effect than hyaluronic acid alone.<\/p>\n Using an occlusive product, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, in addition to applying hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture. \u201cYou\u2019re getting less transepidermal water loss, so it\u2019s going to keep the moisture in there for longer,\u201d Dr. Murphy-Rose explains.<\/p>\n Hyaluronic acid is a gentle, very well-tolerated, safe ingredient for sensitive skin<\/a>, Dr. Murphy-Rose says.<\/p>\n What you will want to look out for, though, is if the hyaluronic acid serum has other fragrances or preservatives, which could cause reactions, Dr. Rambhia notes. \u201cBut barring those types of contact reactions\u2026you can\u2019t really overdo it.\u201d<\/p>\n Have a beauty or wellness trend you\u2019re curious about? We want to know! Send<\/em> Vogue\u2019s senior beauty and wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nDoes hyaluronic acid really plump the lips?<\/h2>\n
How does hyaluronic acid differ from traditional lip plumping glosses?<\/h2>\n
How can I lock in the moisture after applying hyaluronic acid?<\/h2>\n
Is there anyone who shouldn\u2019t use hyaluronic acid?<\/h2>\n