What is the lip gloss effect ?
The gloss effect is a lip injection technique that hydrates without adding volume. It treats chapped lips, prevents dryness and creates a plump effect for more attractive lips.
Insufficient lip hydration is a fairly common reason for consultation and is not necessarily related to ageing. Hyaluronic acid injections effectively address this concern.
How can you prevent dry lips ?
Lips lack the sebaceous and sweat glands that produce a protective surface hydrolipidic film.
This is why they become dehydrated, chapped and damaged. External stresses such as cold and smoking worsen the condition.
The severity and speed of these changes do not necessarily depend on age, but rather on each person’s individual lip anatomy.
Lip hydration varies throughout the day. Topical treatments (such as lip balms) provide temporary relief, but a lack of deep hydration can only be treated with hyaluronic acid injections.
How can chapped lips be hydrated ?
Prefer balms (rather than sticks) containing fats, occlusive ingredients (beeswax…), healing ingredients (vitamin E) and soothing ingredients (oats).
What to avoid when you have chapped lips
When lips are chapped, it is advisable to :
- Avoid applying any product containing fragrance.
- Avoid applying heat to the lips, as it accelerates loss of the protective lipid film.
- Avoid poor-quality cosmetics.
- Avoid sun exposure : ideally apply lip balms with UV protection.
- Avoid licking your lips because of the enzymes in saliva.
How are hyaluronic acid injections for the lips performed ?
Hyaluronic acid injections hydrate the lips.
Injections use a needle, placing the product in the superficial submucosal layer.
The doctor must be trained in this technique : poor injections can cause lip eversion, better known as duck lips (product injected too deeply), or visible surface lumps (product injected too superficially).
The hyaluronic acid is lightly cross-linked with very fine particles.
Injections are slightly painful, but the anaesthetic contained
in the product acts fairly quickly. Dr Romano does not apply anaesthetic cream because it swells the lips, reducing the visibility needed to identify the correct injection plane.
Volumising lip injections can complement this procedure if the patient wishes and their anatomy permits.
Daily habits are also recommended for hydrated lips : daily lip balm application, a healthy balanced diet, good-quality cosmetics, removal of lip make-up, avoidance of aggravating factors (smoking, sun…) and exfoliation with a soft toothbrush.
Results and after-effects
The result is not immediate. Although the final effect is hydration without increased volume, post-injection swelling is common and varies between patients.
Dr Romano always advises patients to expect two days of significant swelling. The final result appears seven days after injection and lasts between six and ten months.
Lip gloss effect : what does it cost ?
For a subtle “gloss effect”, a hyaluronic acid injection (one syringe) costs 650 CHF. This includes : the assessment consultation, treatment at the practice in accordance with safety standards and follow-up. Price depends on the amount injected rather than the technique, limited to one syringe for this indication to ensure a natural result.
In a randomised trial involving 225 adults on lip enhancement, one hyaluronic acid gel was associated with improved hydration reported by 54.5% of patients at three months. Natural appearance and feel were also well rated. These data concern the product studied and a volumising treatment, rather than an isolated demonstration of a gloss effect without volume.
A clinical study assessed the lip surface after hyaluronic acid injections using photographs analysed with measurement tools. At eight weeks, the lips were significantly smoother and their red colour was more pronounced. Fine wrinkles on the lower lip had also decreased. These results document improvements in lip texture and colour, two aspects sought in subtle enhancement. Shine itself was not measured.
Two clinical studies assessed a topical lip treatment combining peptides and hyaluronic acid. After three weeks of use, assessments showed improvements in shine, texture and lip contour. One study included people who had previously received injections and had a placebo group. These data directly address the shiny appearance sought, but concern a topical treatment and do not demonstrate that injections produce the same effect.
Frequently asked questions about lip hydration
How can you hydrate your lips ?
Regularly apply a balm rich in nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, sweet almond oil or hyaluronic acid. Drink enough water, avoid licking your lips and gently exfoliate to remove dead skin.
What is the best lip moisturiser ?
The best lip moisturiser contains natural, repairing ingredients such as cocoa butter, honey, jojoba oil and vitamin E. Hyaluronic acid balms also effectively restore volume and deep hydration.
Why are lips more susceptible to dehydration than the rest of the face ?
Lips lack sebum-producing sebaceous glands, making them more vulnerable to dehydration. Their thin skin and exposure to external stresses (sun, wind, cold) further increase sensitivity.
What signs indicate that lips lack hydration ?
Signs include chapping, cracks, tightness, peeling and sometimes small painful cuts. Lips may also look dull and lack suppleness.
Which factors can worsen dry lips ?
Cold, wind, prolonged sun exposure, indoor heating, inadequate hydration and drying cosmetics can worsen lip dryness. Frequent licking also aggravates dehydration.
Do seasonal changes affect lip hydration ?
Yes, seasonal changes affect hydration. In winter, cold and wind dry the lips, while summer sun exposure can cause chapping. Adapt moisturising care to the seasons to keep lips supple and healthy.
