How to Use a Collagen Lip Mask

Co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD

Last Updated: April 5, 2024

A collagen lip mask is a gel-like mask that fits over your lips. The idea is to hydrate and plump your lips. While there is no scientific evidence that topical collagen can effectively plump the lips, some people enjoy these masks for their temporary hydration and pout-puffing effects.^{[1]
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Research source} You can apply these masks every day or several times a week. Start by getting your lips ready, and then simply apply the mask. Leave it on for the recommended amount of time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing Your Lips

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Decide on a collagen lip mask. Lip masks can vary by several factors, such as size and taste. You may want a bigger lip mask to get the dry skin around your lips or if you have plumper lips to begin with, for instance.^{[2]
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Research source} Some also have tasty flavors, and that can be a deciding factor.
- Most of these masks have hydrating ingredients, so you if you have an allergy, be sure to check out the ingredients before buying.
Most lip masks recommend exfoliating your lips first, especially if your lips are a bit shaggy with dry skin. You can use a lip scrub, or you can simply rub a wet washcloth over them to help remove dead skin.

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Before applying the lip mask, your lips need to be dry. Otherwise, the mask will have trouble sticking to your face. Plus, you don't want to dilute the product with water, as you want its full benefits.

Part 2

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Applying the Collagen Lip Mask

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Most lip masks will come in a large box. Inside the box, you'll find individual packages of lip masks. Take them out of the box, then remove one mask from an individual package. Be careful when opening the individual package, as most lip masks are packed in liquid.
The mask goes over your mouth. Make sure you cover all of your lips, so the mask has a chance to work. In fact, some masks extend well beyond the edges of your lips.^{[3]
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Research source} Some masks are one whole piece, meaning you can't breathe through your mouth, so keep that in mind if you have a stuffy nose.
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Leave the mask on for the specified amount of time. To work well, the mask needs to stay on your mouth for about 10 to 15 minutes, though some run up to 30 minutes or longer. Read the directions for your specific mask. Set a timer so that you're not tempted to pull it off early.
- You may need to lay down while it's working, as some aren't terribly sticky. In fact, some masks are meant to be left on during the night.
Once the time is up, you simply peel the mask off. These masks are not reusable, so you toss it in the trash at the end. After you're done, apply your makeup or go on with your day as you normally do.

Expert Q&A

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Will a collagen lip mask make my lips bigger?

Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Kaveri Karhade, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

While the majority of the skin is made of collagen, applying it topically (or consuming it orally) does not necessarily lead to increased collagen in your skin. You'll get better results by using topical retinoids regularly.

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Tips

Any lip plumping effects experienced from these masks will be very temporary.

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Warnings

There is no evidence to support topical collagen treatments as an effective means of plumping the skin. The collagen molecule is too large to penetrate the skin's natural barrier when applied topically.

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