Woman says cheap skin care product gives lip plumping effect — but does it?

A plump pout is on the beauty wish list for many, but the journey of lip fillers, lip lifts and other treatments can get expensive.

While the invasive route may seem like the only option for lip augmentation, there may be a local alternative at a fraction of the cost. In a viral video shared on her TikTok account, Juliana Ball (@incerely.juliana) showed her applying a lip balm, and the good news is that it might already be part of your skincare routine.

Ball applied a serum to her lips, with text on the screen reading: “Can’t afford lip filler so use hyaluronic acid.”

Lip fillers have become an extremely popular beauty treatment in the United States and beyond, with the global lip augmentation market expected to reach $11.61 billion by 2030, according to research by Grand View Research. While this topical alternative could be a better option both in terms of pain and cost reduction, said cosmetic doctor Vivian Chin Newsweek that she is not so sure about the long-term impact.

Chin, founder of Koru Wellness & Aesthetics NYC, said that “topical application of hyaluronic acid cannot act as an alternative to injectable lip fillers because of the difference in injectable versus topical that offers two different results.”

Chin added: “The effectiveness of topical application instead of injection is due to two reasons:

“Hyaluronic acid molecules are too large to penetrate deep into the skin when applied topically. This means they can’t reach the deeper layers where they need to be to provide the volume and structure that injectable fillers offer. injectable fillers are placed directly into the dermis or subcutaneous layers, providing structural support and volume.”

Chin added that unlike filler, topically applied hyaluronic acid provides a hydrating and firming effect by drawing moisture into the skin, working on its surface.

Despite the fact that there is no real long-term benefit, the hack is still worth incorporating into your routine as it can enhance and support the desired effect.

Chin said: “Topicals can still be beneficial, although they don’t replace what a filler can do.

“Use a high-quality hyaluronic acid lip serum or product to keep your lips hydrated and smooth. Look for products with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as they can penetrate slightly better than higher molecular weight versions.”

Don’t forget to include your lips in your skincare routine, as sometimes lip balm alone isn’t enough to keep them in tip-top condition. Instead, layer your products, as Chin said: “It’s also important to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, allowing the hyaluronic acid to work more effectively. re-use it on the lips, lock it in with a lip balm lips.”

As with all skin care routine changes, don’t expect immediate results. It is important to be patient and give the products time to work their magic. The most important rule for Chin is to be consistent.

“Regular use of hyaluronic acid can help maintain hydration and improve the appearance of fine lines on the lips over time. Look for brands/products that contain other powerful ingredients such as peptides, ceramides and antioxidants for enhanced results,” she added. Chin. “Finally, sunscreen is the most important step in protecting lips from UV damage, which is accelerating again.”