Introduction

When we think about anti-aging skincare, most of us focus on our face, forgetting that our lips are just as prone to aging. Lips are one of the most delicate parts of the body, and over time, they can lose their youthful plumpness, develop fine lines, and appear dry or discolored. This is why a dedicated lip care routine is essential to maintaining a youthful, fresh look.

The Importance of Lip Care in Anti-Aging Skincare Routines

Lips don’t produce oil like the rest of our skin, making them more susceptible to dryness and early signs of aging. Without proper care, lips can become thinner, lose volume, and develop wrinkles around the mouth. Including a specialised lip care routine in your anti-ageing regimen ensures that your lips stay smooth, hydrated, and plump.

A youthful smile isn’t just about white teeth—healthy, well-maintained lips contribute to a vibrant, youthful appearance. Just as we apply serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to our face, our lips need targeted treatments to slow down the aging process and maintain their natural beauty.

Why Lips Show Signs of Aging Faster Than Other Areas

Lips tend to age faster than other parts of the face due to their unique structure and constant exposure to external factors. Unlike the skin on the rest of the body, lips have a thinner epidermis and lack sebaceous (oil) glands, making them more vulnerable to dehydration, fine lines, and volume loss.

Here’s why lips show aging signs quicker than other areas:

1. Lack of Natural Oils: Since lips don’t have sebaceous glands, they can’t produce their own moisture, making them prone to dryness, chapping, and cracking.
2. Thin Skin Barrier: The skin on our lips is much thinner than the rest of our face, making it more susceptible to sun damage and environmental aggressors.
3. Collagen Loss: As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to thinner lips and more prominent wrinkles around the mouth.
4. Constant Movement: Talking, smiling, eating, and other mouth movements contribute to the breakdown of skin elasticity, leading to fine lines and creases.
5. Sun Damage: UV exposure breaks down collagen and causes pigmentation, making lips appear aged and wrinkled.

Key Factors That Contribute to Lip Aging and How to Prevent Them

To keep your lips looking young and plump, it’s important to understand the key factors that contribute to lip aging and take preventive measures.

1. Sun Exposure

Problem: UV rays accelerate collagen breakdown, leading to premature wrinkles and discoloration.
Prevention: Always apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to protect your lips from harmful sun damage.

2. Dehydration

Problem: Lack of hydration can make lips appear dry, cracked, and shriveled.
Prevention: Drink plenty of water daily and use hydrating lip balms with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or vitamin E.

3. Smoking

Problem: Smoking reduces blood flow to the lips, causing them to lose color and develop deep wrinkles around the mouth (smoker’s lines).
Prevention: Quitting smoking will improve blood circulation, restore natural lip color, and slow down wrinkle formation.

4. Excessive Licking of Lips

Problem: Saliva contains enzymes that break down the delicate skin on the lips, leading to chronic dryness.
Prevention: Instead of licking your lips, apply a nourishing lip balm whenever they feel dry.

5. Poor Diet

Problem: Lack of essential nutrients, like vitamins C and E, can cause lips to lose elasticity and appear dull.
Prevention: Eat a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins to maintain lip health.

6. Not Exfoliating Regularly

Problem: Dead skin buildup makes lips look rough, dull, and aged.
Prevention: Use a gentle lip scrub or a DIY sugar and honey scrub once or twice a week to remove dead skin and boost circulation.

7. Using Harsh Lip Products

Problem: Lipsticks and balms with drying ingredients (like alcohol or artificial fragrances) can make lips more prone to wrinkles.
Prevention: Choose lip products with nourishing ingredients such as beeswax, cocoa butter, and natural oils.

8. Lack of Nighttime Lip Care

Problem: Skipping lip care at night allows moisture loss, making lips look aged by morning.
Prevention: Apply a thick layer of a hydrating lip mask or petroleum jelly before bed to lock in moisture overnight.

Why Do Lips Age Faster?

Lips are one of the first areas to show signs of aging due to their delicate structure and constant exposure to external elements. Unlike other parts of the face, lips lack sebaceous (oil) glands, making them more vulnerable to dehydration, fine lines, and thinning over time. Several factors contribute to the premature aging of lips, including collagen loss, environmental damage, and lifestyle habits. Let’s explore why lips age faster and how you can slow down the process.

Loss of Collagen and Elasticity Over Time

Collagen is a crucial protein that keeps skin firm, plump, and youthful. However, as we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to noticeable changes in the lips.

How Collagen Loss Affects Lips:

• Thinning: Lips lose their natural fullness and start appearing smaller and less defined.
• Wrinkles: The skin around the lips develops fine lines and vertical wrinkles, commonly known as “lip lines” or “smoker’s lines.
• Loss of Firmness: Without enough collagen, lips become less supple and more prone to sagging.

How to Prevent Collagen Loss in Lips:

• Use collagen-boosting lip balms and serums with ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
• Eat a collagen-rich diet that includes bone broth, eggs, and leafy greens to support natural collagen production.
• Stay hydrated and apply moisturizing lip products to maintain elasticity.

Dehydration and Lack of Natural Oils in Lips

Unlike the rest of your skin, lips do not have sebaceous glands that produce natural oils. This makes them highly susceptible to dryness and dehydration, which accelerates the aging process.

How Dehydration Affects Lips:

• Dryness and Flakiness: Without moisture, lips become cracked, peeling, and rough in texture.
• Loss of Softness: Lips start feeling tight, uncomfortable, and less plump.
• Premature Wrinkles: Dehydrated lips are more prone to fine lines and creases.

How to Keep Lips Hydrated:

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain overall hydration.
• Apply a hydrating lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid.
• Use a lip mask or overnight treatment to lock in moisture while you sleep.

Sun Damage and Environmental Exposure

Lips are constantly exposed to harmful UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather conditions, which can accelerate aging. Since the skin on the lips is thin and lacks melanin (the pigment that protects against UV rays), they are more prone to sun damage.

How Sun Damage Affects Lips:

• Lip Discolouration: Prolonged sun exposure can cause pigmentation, leading to dark spots or uneven lip tone.
• Loss of Volume: UV rays break down collagen, making lips appear thinner over time.
• Wrinkles and Cracking: Sun damage leads to premature fine lines and chapped lips.

How to Protect Lips from Sun Damage:

• Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
• Reapply SPF-infused lip products every two hours when outdoors.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to provide additional sun protection for your lips.

Habits Like Smoking, Excessive Lip Licking, and Dehydration

Certain daily habits can significantly contribute to lip aging, making them appear older than they actually are.

1. Smoking

• Reduces blood circulation, leading to dull, lifeless lips.
• Causes deep wrinkles around the mouth due to repeated puckering.
• Depletes collagen and elastin, making lips lose firmness faster.

2. Excessive Lip Licking

• Saliva contains enzymes that break down the delicate skin on lips.
• Leads to chronic dryness and irritation over time.
• Increases the risk of cracking, peeling, and inflammation.

3. Dehydration

• Makes lips appear shriveled and wrinkled.
• Causes loss of natural plumpness and elasticity.
• Increases the formation of fine lines and dryness.

How to Break These Bad Habits:

• Quit smoking to prevent further damage and allow lips to heal.
• Avoid licking your lips—apply a moisturizing lip balm instead.
• Stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet to maintain soft, youthful lips.

Best Anti-Aging Lip Care Tips for 2025

1. Daily Hydration is Key

Keeping your lips hydrated is the foundation of any effective anti-aging lip care routine. Unlike the skin on the rest of your face, your lips lack oil glands, making them more prone to dryness, cracking, and premature aging. To maintain youthful, plump lips, consistent hydration is essential.

How to Keep Lips Moisturized All Day Long

Achieving long-lasting lip hydration requires more than just applying lip balm sporadically. Here’s how you can ensure your lips stay moisturized throughout the day:

• Start with a Hydrating Lip Mask: Before bed, apply a rich overnight lip mask to deeply nourish and repair your lips.
• Use a quality lip balm frequently: Choose a balm that contains humectants (which draw moisture in) and occlusives (which lock it in). Apply it in the morning, before bed, and throughout the day as needed.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Dehydration affects your lips just as much as your skin. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid Licking Your Lips: This common habit actually dries them out even more, leading to further chapping and irritation.
• Apply a Humidifier at Night: If you sleep in a dry environment, using a humidifier can prevent moisture loss from your lips and skin.
• Exfoliate Gently: Once or twice a week, use a gentle lip scrub (or a soft toothbrush) to remove dead skin cells, allowing your lip balm to absorb better.

Best Hydrating Ingredients for Lips

To combat aging and dryness, look for these powerhouse ingredients in your lip care products:

• Hyaluronic Acid: This super-hydrator attracts and retains moisture, plumping up the lips and reducing fine lines.Aloe
• e Vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera helps repair dry, cracked lips while providing lightweight hydration.
• Squalane: A natural emollient that mimics your skin’s natural oils, helping to restore moisture without feeling greasy.
• Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter deeply nourishes and protects against environmental damage.
• Glycerin: A humectant that draws water into the lips, keeping them soft and supple throughout the day.
• Coconut Oil: Provides intense moisture while also acting as a barrier against moisture loss.

Why Petroleum-Based Lip Balms Aren’t Enough

Many people rely on petroleum jelly-based lip balms to prevent dryness, but these products alone aren’t always effective for anti-aging lip care. Here’s why:

• They Provide a Temporary Barrier, Not Hydration: Petroleum jelly works as an occlusive, meaning it seals in existing moisture but doesn’t add hydration itself. If your lips are already dry, it won’t replenish lost moisture.
• Lack of Essential Nutrients: Unlike plant-based butters and oils, petroleum-based balms lack vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and repair the lips.
• Potential for Dependency: Overuse can make lips feel drier over time because they rely on the occlusive barrier rather than restoring their natural hydration balance.
• Limited Anti-Aging Benefits: While it protects against moisture loss, petroleum doesn’t contain antioxidants, peptides, or other anti-aging ingredients that help prevent fine lines and loss of elasticity.

2. Exfoliate for Smoother, Plumper Lips

How Exfoliation Removes Dead Skin and Enhances Lip Texture

Exfoliating your lips is a crucial step in any anti-aging lip care routine. Over time, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the lips, leading to dryness, flakiness, and a dull appearance. Regular exfoliation helps slough off this dead skin, revealing smoother, healthier lips underneath.

Here’s how exfoliation benefits your lips:

• Removes Dry, Flaky Skin: Gently buffs away dead cells that make lips look chapped and aged.
• Boosts Circulation: Massaging lips during exfoliation increases blood flow, making them appear naturally plumper and more youthful.
• Enhances Product Absorption: Once the dead skin barrier is removed, lip balms and treatments penetrate deeper, delivering hydration and nutrients more effectively.
• Prevents Lip Wrinkles: Regular exfoliation reduces the buildup of rough patches that can contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Best DIY Lip Scrubs: Sugar + Honey, Coffee + Coconut Oil

Homemade lip scrubs are a natural and effective way to exfoliate without harsh chemicals. Here are two of the best DIY lip scrubs for anti-aging benefits:

1. Sugar + Honey Lip Scrub

• Why It Works: Sugar acts as a gentle exfoliant, while honey is a natural humectant that locks in moisture and provides antibacterial properties.
• How to Make It:
  • 1 teaspoon of brown or white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of raw honey
  • A few drops of olive or coconut oil (optional for added moisture)
  • Mix the ingredients and gently rub the scrub onto your lips in circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Rinse off with lukewarm water and apply a hydrating lip balm.

2. Coffee + Coconut Oil Lip Scrub

• Why It Works: Finely ground coffee is a natural exfoliant that also contains antioxidants to combat lip aging, while coconut oil deeply nourishes and softens the lips.
• How to Make It:
  • 1 teaspoon of finely ground coffee
  • ½ teaspoon of melted coconut oil
  • A pinch of cinnamon (optional for extra plumping effect)
  • Mix together, gently massage onto lips, and let it sit for 1–2 minutes before rinsing off. Follow up with a moisturizing lip treatment.

How Often Should You Exfoliate Lips for Anti-Aging Benefits?

Exfoliating too frequently can strip your lips of essential moisture and cause irritation, while too little exfoliation won’t effectively remove dead skin. The ideal frequency depends on your lip condition:

• For normal lips: Exfoliate 2–3 times per week to maintain smooth texture and hydration.
• For dry or sensitive lips: Limit exfoliation to once a week to avoid excessive irritation.
• For aging lips with fine lines: Exfoliate twice a week, followed by an anti-aging lip treatment rich in peptides and antioxidants.

Pro Tip: Always follow exfoliation with a nourishing lip balm or treatment to replenish lost moisture and keep lips soft and youthful.

3. SPF Protection—The Secret to Youthful Lips

Why UV Rays Accelerate Lip Aging and Discoloration

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a significant contributor to premature skin aging, a process known as photoaging. While many are vigilant about applying sunscreen to their face and body, the lips often remain unprotected, making them susceptible to UV-induced damage. Here’s how UV rays impact your lips:

• Collagen Breakdown: UV exposure accelerates the degradation of collagen fibers, essential for maintaining the lips’ firmness and elasticity. This breakdown leads to wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth area.

• Discoloration: Prolonged sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, resulting in uneven lip color or dark spots. Conditions like actinic cheilitis, characterized by rough, scaly patches, are directly linked to chronic UV exposure and can be precancerous.

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• Loss of Volume and Elasticity: The delicate skin of the lips is particularly vulnerable to UV radiation, leading to a loss of natural fullness and suppleness over time.

Choosing the Right SPF Lip Balm (SPF 30+ Recommended)

Incorporating a lip balm with adequate sun protection into your daily routine is crucial for preventing UV-induced damage. Here’s what to consider when selecting an SPF lip balm:

• SPF Rating: Opt for a lip balm with at least SPF 30 to ensure sufficient protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Broad-spectrum formulas are ideal as they shield against the full range of UV radiation.

• Water Resistance: If you’ll be swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant lip balm to maintain protection.

• Hydrating Ingredients: Look for balms enriched with moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or natural oils to keep lips hydrated and prevent dryness.

• Free from Irritants: Avoid products with potential irritants such as fragrances or artificial colors, especially if you have sensitive skin.

• Reapplication Needs: For sustained protection, reapply your SPF lip balm every two hours, or more frequently if eating, drinking, or swimming.

4. Collagen-Boosting Lip Treatments

How to Naturally Restore Collagen for Plumper Lips

As we age, collagen production diminishes, leading to thinner lips and the appearance of fine lines. Restoring collagen naturally can enhance lip fullness and maintain a youthful look. Here are effective strategies:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and broccoli, supports collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is essential for the production of hyaluronic acid, which promotes collagen in the body.

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• Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake keeps lips hydrated, supporting their natural plumpness and elasticity.

• Protect from UV Damage: Sun exposure accelerates collagen breakdown. Applying a broad-spectrum lip balm with SPF 30 or higher shields lips from harmful UV rays, preserving collagen levels.

• Use Lip Products with Hydrating Ingredients: Lip balms or serums containing hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and ceramides help maintain moisture, supporting the lips’ natural barrier and promoting a fuller appearance.

• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can impair collagen production and accelerate skin aging. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption can support healthy collagen levels.

Why Lip Masks with Collagen and Ceramides Are Trending in 2025

In 2025, lip masks infused with collagen and ceramides have gained popularity due to their intensive treatment benefits. Here’s why they’re trending:

• Deep Hydration: Collagen and ceramides work synergistically to lock in moisture, providing deep hydration that plumps the lips and smooths fine lines.

• Barrier Restoration: Ceramides are essential lipids that restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting lips from environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss.

• Enhanced Lip Texture: Regular use of these masks results in softer, smoother lips with improved elasticity, addressing common aging concerns.

• Convenience and Efficacy: Lip masks offer a convenient way to deliver concentrated active ingredients. Many users incorporate them into their nighttime routine, allowing the ingredients to work overnight for optimal results.

The trend towards lip masks with collagen and ceramides reflects a broader shift in skincare towards targeted treatments that offer both immediate and long-term benefits, catering to the desire for youthful and healthy lips.

5. The Role of Diet in Lip Health

Best Foods for Naturally Fuller, Youthful Lips

What you eat plays a crucial role in maintaining soft, plump, and youthful lips. A diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can naturally enhance lip volume, prevent dryness, and slow down ageing. Here are the best foods to incorporate for healthier lips:

• Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit): Packed with Vitamin C, these fruits boost collagen production, which helps maintain lip firmness and prevents thinning.
• Avocados: Loaded with healthy fats and vitamin E, they nourish the lips and improve skin elasticity.
• Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard): High in antioxidants and iron, these greens promote blood circulation, ensuring well-hydrated, rosy lips.
• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries): Rich in antioxidants, they fight free radicals that cause premature aging and keep lips youthful.
• Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Chia Seeds, Flaxseeds): Provide Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, essential for keeping lips soft and preventing chapping.
• Tomatoes: Contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects lips from sun damage and discoloration.
• Dark Chocolate (at least 70% cocoa): High in flavonoids and healthy fats, it helps maintain lip hydration and prevents fine lines.

How Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, and Antioxidants Slow Aging

Aging affects the lips by causing collagen loss, thinning, and dryness. Key nutrients can slow this process and help maintain youthful lips:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Found in Fish, Walnuts, and Flaxseeds): These essential fats keep lips soft, hydrated, and protected from environmental damage. They also reduce inflammation and prevent cracking.
• Vitamin E (found in sunflower seeds, almonds, and olive oil): Acts as a natural moisturizer and protects lips from free radical damage, reducing signs of aging.
• Antioxidants (found in green tea, dark chocolate, and berries): Help neutralize oxidative stress, preventing wrinkles and discoloration on the lips.

The Importance of Staying Hydrated for Lip Elasticity

Dehydration is one of the primary causes of dry, cracked lips. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining lip elasticity and plumpness.

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily: Water keeps lips soft and smooth and prevents premature wrinkling.
• Eat Water-Rich Foods (Cucumber, Watermelon, Celery): These foods contribute to hydration while providing essential vitamins.
• Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: These beverages dehydrate the lips, making them more prone to fine lines and chapping.
• Use Hydrating Lip Balms with Hyaluronic Acid: These help lock in moisture and keep lips plump.

6. Avoiding Lip Aging Triggers

Smoking and Alcohol—How They Speed Up Lip Wrinkles

Both smoking and alcohol consumption contribute significantly to premature aging of the lips, causing fine lines, dehydration, and discoloration.

• Smoking:

  • Reduces blood flow to the lips, leading to a loss of natural color and elasticity.
  • Promotes collagen breakdown, which accelerates the formation of lip wrinkles (often called “smoker’s lines”).
  • Exposes lips to harmful free radicals, increasing oxidative stress and aging.
  • Causes repetitive pursing of the lips, which deepens wrinkles over time.
  • Nicotine and tobacco chemicals dry out lips, making them more prone to cracking and irritation.

• Alcohol:

  • Dehydrates the body, leading to moisture loss and chapped lips.
  • Depletes essential vitamins (like vitamins A and E) that maintain skin elasticity.
  • Increases inflammation, making lips more prone to dryness and premature aging.
  • Dark-colored alcoholic drinks, like red wine, can stain lips and cause long-term discoloration.

Lip Licking and Biting—Why They Cause Irritation and Dryness

Many people habitually lick or bite their lips, but these habits actually worsen dryness and contribute to aging.

• Lip Licking:

  • Saliva briefly moistens lips but evaporates quickly, leaving them drier than before.
  • Enzymes in saliva break down the protective barrier of the lips, making them more vulnerable to irritation.
  • Frequent licking can lead to lip dermatitis, causing redness, peeling, and chronic dryness.

• Lip Biting:

  • Creates tiny cracks in the lips, making them prone to infections and irritation.
  • Disrupts the natural healing process, leading to prolonged dryness and damage.
  • Repeated trauma to the lips can cause long-term thinning and loss of smoothness.

How to Break the Habit:

• Apply a hydrating lip balm frequently to prevent the need to lick your lips.
• Use a flavored lip balm (like mint or citrus) to discourage unconscious licking or biting.
• Stay hydrated to naturally reduce the urge to moisten lips.

Choosing Lip-Friendly Lipsticks and Glosses with Hydrating Formulas

Many conventional lipsticks and glosses contain drying ingredients that can accelerate lip aging. Choosing the right formulas helps maintain soft, youthful lips.

What to Look for in Lipsticks and Glosses:

• Hydrating Ingredients: Choose products with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane, or coconut oil to keep lips moisturized.
• SPF Protection: Sun exposure accelerates lip aging, so opt for lip products with SPF 30+.
• Non-Drying Formulas: Avoid matte lipsticks with high alcohol or wax content, as they can strip moisture from the lips. Instead, go for satin or creamy finishes.
• Antioxidant-Rich Lip Colors: Look for lipsticks infused with vitamins E, C, and peptides to prevent free radical damage.

What to Avoid:

• Long-Wearing or Matte Lipsticks Without Moisturizers: These tend to dry out lips and emphasize fine lines.
• Lip Plumpers with Irritants: Many contain menthol or cinnamon, which temporarily plump lips but can cause long-term dehydration.
• Glosses with High Alcohol Content: These can strip moisture, leading to chapped and flaky lips.

Conclusion

Why Lip Care Is Just as Important as Skincare for Youthful Looks

When it comes to anti-aging, most people focus on skincare for the face but often neglect their lips. However, the skin on the lips is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, making it even more susceptible to aging. Just like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin appear on the face over time, lips also lose volume, hydration, and elasticity. Without proper care, they can become dry, cracked, and lined, which can make you look older than you actually are.

Lips also lack oil glands, meaning they don’t naturally produce moisture the way the rest of the skin does. This makes them more prone to dryness, chapping, and premature wrinkling. External factors like sun exposure, pollution, dehydration, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption further accelerate lip aging. That’s why a dedicated lip care routine is just as crucial as a skincare regimen to maintain a youthful appearance.

By incorporating hydration, exfoliation, SPF protection, collagen-boosting treatments, and a diet rich in essential nutrients, you can keep your lips plump, smooth, and youthful for years to come.

Encouraging Readers to Start an Anti-Aging Lip Routine Now

The best time to start an anti-aging lip care routine is now—prevention is always easier than reversal. Just like you wouldn’t skip your daily skincare routine, your lips deserve the same level of care and attention.

A few simple steps, like using a hydrating lip balm, exfoliating weekly, protecting with SPF, and nourishing with collagen-boosting treatments, can make a significant difference in preventing lip wrinkles and dryness. Investing in high-quality lip products and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices will help keep your lips youthful, soft, and naturally plump over time.

Don’t wait until signs of aging become visible—start your anti-aging lip care routine today and enjoy soft, beautiful, and youthful lips for years to come!

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