Does Lip Balm Actually Make Chapped Lips Worse?
My Lips are Sealed
…Well just mostly chapped.
Winter season is always full of beautiful things, from wonderful and cozy fashion to delicious warm food many people love winter. However, for people who often reside in colder climates, the season also presents certain annoying inconveniences that frequently accompany this colder and drier time of year, and some of that inconveniences are chapped lips or cheilitis, it happens when the skin on your lips becomes dry, cracked, and sore.
What are Chapped Lips?
The skin on your lips is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body because your lips don’t contain any oil glands. As a result, they are at risk of becoming dry and chapped. Your lips are exposed to the elements more than the rest of your body and can become chapped from sun exposure, dry or cold weather conditions. Chapped lips, known medically as cheilitis, can occur from contact with an allergen or a medical condition.
What is the Most Common Cause of Chapped Lips?
Sunburn.
Cold weather.
Hot or dry weather.
Frequently licking your lips.
Medical conditions (allergies, thyroid disorder, some auto immune disorders) or reaction to a medication.
Vitamin deficiency (iron, vitamin B).
Dehydration.
For many people, a quality lip balm is necessary to fight the winter chap. However, many speculations online said that using a lip balm can actually worsen chapped lips. To find what is really true about using lip balm, this article will explain the advantages and disadvantages of using it, and we’ll give you also some helpful advice on how to keep your lips hydrated throughout these dry months, so make sure to keep scrolling!
What is Lip Balm?
Lip balm is a cosmetic product designed to moisturize and protect the lips from external elements. It generally comes in a small, round container that can be found in various colors, flavors, and varieties.
Many different brands offer lip balms in various flavors such as mint, cherry, coconut, or vanilla. Depending on the brand, some even have added beneficial ingredients like Vitamin E for extra hydration and antioxidants for added protection from free radicals. Some people choose to make their own lip balm with natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, honey, olive oil, or essential oils for the fragrance to make sure it is 100% safe for them to use
What are the Benefits of using Lip Balm?
Aside from the beauty it adds to your lips, Lip balm is a product that many people use to keep their lips soft and healthy. It can offer a number of benefits, including the following:
Moisturizes Dry Lips
Using lip balm regularly can help prevent and treat dry, chapped lips by providing hydration, protection, and relief. It is an essential skincare item that works as a barrier to lock moisture in the lips and provide them with much-needed hydration.
Helps in healing Chapped Lips
A high-quality lip balm made from natural ingredients like cocoa butter, beeswax, lanolin, and vitamin E oil has emollient properties that help to soften and soothe chapped lips while providing protection against external irritants like windburn, sunburn, and dry air. They help protect the delicate lip area by forming a protective layer on the surface of the skin that acts as a shield against harsh temperatures that can cause other lip damage such as chapping.
Protects Against the Sun
Lips are some of the most sensitive parts of our body. Without proper protection, they can become chapped and dry due to exposure to the sun. Lip balm is a great way to help protect lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays without compromising on style and glamour. Not only does lip balm hydrate and nourish your lips, but it also helps in providing a protective layer against damaging UV rays.
When selecting a lip balm for sun protection, make sure you pick one with an SPF rating of at least 15% or higher it acts as a physical blocker from the sun’s UV rays. In addition, look for moisturizing ingredients like beeswax and natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil which will keep your lips hydrated during exposure to the sun.
Drawbacks of Using a Lip Balm
Like any other thing even though Lip balm has many benefits that can give it also has some potential drawbacks that you should consider before using it.
Might Worsen Lip Chapping
For the common question “does lip balm worsen chapped lips?”, the answer is Yes!
Some common brands of lip balm you can find in the market contain artificial ingredients and chemicals that can worsen chapped lips and dry them out.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions are another potential drawback of using lip balm, particularly if the user isn’t aware of what ingredients they may be allergic to. Symptoms caused by an allergic reaction can range from mild, such as itching or redness, to more severe cases like hives or swelling.
Experts suggest that those who experience an allergic reaction after using a lip balm should avoid using that product in the future and consult with their doctor for help identifying which ingredient triggered the reaction. Additionally, individuals should exercise caution when trying new products and always check ingredient labels for potential allergens before applying them to their lips or any other part of their body. Taking these steps can help reduce discomfort and prevent further adverse effects from occurring.
Dangerous Chemicals
Lip balms are made up of various ingredients, many of which are petroleum-based or synthetic derivatives. These compounds can be toxic, especially if applied often or when ingested. Some common toxins found in lip balms include parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum, all of which have been linked to endocrine disruption and other health risks.
These toxins can enter our bodies through inhalation, absorption through the skin, or ingestion, all of which can lead to serious health conditions like cancer and birth defects. It’s important for consumers to be aware that many lip balms on the market today contain potentially hazardous ingredients such as those mentioned above and avoid them. Opt for a lip balm made with natural ingredients for soft and healthy lips.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Lip Balm
When considering which lip balm to use, it is important to look for one that is safe and will not cause any harm. First, read the ingredients list carefully. Make sure all of the ingredients used in the product are natural and free from synthetic fragrances or preservatives. Look for organic or plant-based oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter, and other natural oils that provide moisture without any harsh toxins or chemicals.
It is also important to choose a lip balm with SPF protection to protect your lips from sun damage and make sure it doesn’t contain any allergens like nuts or gluten that could cause irritation.
And remember, Using the wrong type of lip balm can worsen chapped lips. Synthetic fragrances and preservatives are often culprits when it comes to worsening dryness and irritation, so it is important to make sure you are buying a lip balm that does not contain them. Look for brands with natural ingredients that will help keep your lips hydrated and healthy without causing any further damage.
