Lip Plumper Myths

Leading Cosmetic Expert Mouths Off On Common Lip Plumping Ingredients

Lip plumpers! Almost every beauty brand makes them and women flock to buy them. Here’s the real skinny from Dr. Mitchell Chasin, Medical Director of Reflections Center for Skin and Body.

We all want a fuller, sexy, more voluptuous pout. However, do we know the best way to get it? Sure, the market is saturated with lip plumpers galore, but do they really work?

Dr. Mitchell Chasin, Medical Director of Reflections Center for Skin and Body uses his medical expertise to weigh in on the topic.

"While there is NO science to support the use of lip plumpers other than the fact that they simply cause allergic reactions and/or irritation, there are some that work better than others," says Dr. Chasin.

Here's the skinny on some major lip plumping ingredients found on the market today:

1) Peptides - Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline and palmitoyl oligopeptide (peptides) enhance collagen and hyaluronic acid production. This increases the volume in the lip tissue and is supposed to provide a plumping effect. These ingredients penetrate the dermal matrix to stimulate the production of collagen and promote the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. Though this one rates pretty high, it has not been scientifically proven!

2) Ceramide and Candelilla Wax locks in moisture.

3) Retinols, including retinaldehyde, can improve fine lines and texture (over time) thru collagen synthesis. This particular ingredient does have has science to backup the claims.

4) A vitamin B derivative is intended to increase circulation to the lip area, resulting in the illusion of a fuller lip

5) Menthol, paired with l-arginine, acts as the delivery agent and promotes absorption, while l-arginine stimulates the blood flow and circulation of the lip area.

6) Ginger Root Extract, Cinnamon Leaf Oil, and Peppermint Oil all irritate the lips, resulting in short-term swelling and irritation of the mucosa of the lips. While this temporarily plumps and turns out the lips, it can also cause burning of the lip tissue, peeling, dryness and other adverse reactions.

7) Niacin causes tingling and flushing thru dilation of capillaries in the skin, for some slight redness and swelling, though many patients can't tolerate this ingredient, either topically or orally.

8) Topical or Marine Collagen, both commonly used in lip plumpers, do NOT penetrate the skin nor increase collagen content in the lips.

More About Dr. Chasin

Dr. Chasin is the Medical Director of Reflections, center for skin and body, one of New Jersey's first dedicated Laser and Aesthetic Medical Practice. Dr. Chasin received a BA in Biology and Psychology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY in 1981 where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He earned his Medical Degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. His internship and residency were served at Overlook Hospital, a major teaching affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons located in Summit, New Jersey.