Lip balms are necessary in any season, but they are especially important in the winter when people complain of dry, chapped lips. Soft, pillowy lips may lose moisture when the cold weather and low humidity indoors are combined.
Dry skin and, possibly worse, chapped, cracked lips can result from cold weather. But more often than not, you have probably noticed that your lip balm is making your lips dry and chapped instead of helping them. This is due to the fact that certain chemicals, such as camphor and menthol, can induce dry lips.
Does Lip Balm Work?
Lip skin is thin and devoid of some moisture-locking features seen in other parts of the skin, like oil glands, hair follicles, and a thick layer of dead skin cells. These contribute to the lips’ sensitivity and softness. Lip irritation and dryness can be brought on by environmental stresses such as UV light, air pollution, extremes of temperature, and specific meals and beverages.
However, some people are intolerant to the flavours, scents, and preservatives contained in common balms. They can sting rather than calm when applied.
How to Soothe Lips that are Chapped
To combat the dry air, try wearing a scarf over your lips when you’re outside or using a humidifier indoors.
Drinking water is also a good idea because dehydration can result in dry lips.
Avoid the lip-licking response.
Because saliva contains digestive enzymes that can irritate dry lips, licking your lips might make the condition worse.
Typical Lip Balm Ingredients That Cause Dry Lips
Mineral oil
Petroleum jelly is a well-known remedy for dry lips. Lip balms frequently contain this substance. People are unaware that petroleum jelly doesn’t hydrate your lips. When the product wears off, it leaves a barrier on the lips that traps moisture underneath and causes dry lips. To help moisturise your lips, look for balms that contain natural oils like coconut oil or shea butter.
Menthol and Camphor
The majority of people enjoy mint lip balms, but regrettably, the cooling effect of these balms is caused by menthol and camphor, which exacerbates lip dryness and irritation. Choose balms with moisturising, calming ingredients like beeswax or aloe vera.
Salicylic Acid
Lip balms frequently contain salicylic acid, an active element in skincare products. While exfoliating is beneficial for the skin, excessive salicylic acid can make the lips more sensitive and more likely to peel and become dry. Lip balms with sugar and other hydrating and mild exfoliating components can help hydrate and nourish your lips.
Flavours and Fragrances
The majority of individuals adore lip balms that smell amazing and have colours. Because of their sweet fragrance and aroma, they appear to be quite inviting. These artificial flavours and scents, however, have the potential to deprive the lips of their natural moisture, leading to allergic reactions and sensitivity. Seek out lip balms that are composed of natural substances and don’t have any scent.
Alcohol-Based Ingredients
To preserve the product, the majority of lip balms use alcohol-based chemicals such ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. They dehydrate the skin, leaving the lips feeling drier than they were before they were applied. To keep lips nourished and supple, use alcohol-free lip balms instead, and choose ingredients like butter, honey, and jojoba oil.
