Hydrating Lip Balm
A lip balm is one of those beauty products we keep on hand, stuffed in coat pockets and tote bags. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you.
A nourishing, non-sticky formula that helps soothe and moisturize lips. It’s infused with shea butter, jojoba oil and lysine.
Moisturizes
A lip balm with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, cocoa butter or other plant-based waxes forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. This keeps the lips hydrated, soft and supple for longer than normal. This type of hydration can help heal dry chapped lips. Some emollients also form a layer of protection that shields the lips from environmental stressors like cold climates or air-conditioned environments.
Because the lips lack oil glands, they can dry out quickly. Moisture is key to keeping the lips soft, supple and comfortable. A hydrating lip balm with ingredients like lipid-boosting oils like avocado and sunflower can help strengthen the lips’ lipid barrier to reduce moisture loss and keep them smooth and supple.
In addition to a proper lip care routine that includes hydrating lip balms and lip oils, you can also keep your lips healthy by drinking plenty of water, applying a humidifier in dry climates or using a humidifier at home, and sticking to a balanced diet that includes vitamins and essential fatty acids. Understanding the difference between hydration and moisture can empower you to select lip products that really work for you. Whether you choose lip oil or a nourishing lip balm, high-quality hero ingredients, balanced formulations and dermatologist-approved safety will help your lips look and feel their best.
Soothes
While lip balm is a great addition to any beauty routine, it can be especially helpful when you’re dealing with dry, chapped lips. A hydrating lip balm can soothe your skin, help restore the protective barrier that protects your lips and can also prevent dryness and itchiness from aggravating your lips.
When your lips are dry, they’re susceptible to irritation and may become irritated from the weather, certain foods or drinks, or even from licking them. In order to prevent this, look for a hydrating lip balm that contains ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile that have soothing properties. Additionally, formulations that are free of any synthetic fragrances and parabens can help prevent irritation and sensitivity in sensitive lips.
Another ingredient to look for in a hydrating lip balm is one that contains soothing ingredients like camphor or menthol. These ingredients can provide a cooling sensation to soothe your lips and help relieve discomfort from dryness and itching, while salicylic acid Hydrating lip balm can be used to exfoliate the lips, which can help improve their appearance over time.
You can also try a homemade solution for your lips that uses natural oils and butters. One option is to combine coconut oil with honey, which not only offers nourishing benefits but can help soothe your lips from irritation. Then, apply the mixture to your lips and rub it in to keep them soft and supple. Another option is to use Tower 28’s lip treatment, which is formulated with shea butter, jojoba oil and lysine to keep your lips hydrated and nourished.
Shines
The skin on your lips is much thinner than the rest of your body’s, and it lacks the hair follicles and oil glands that help keep other areas cosmetic manufacturing company of the face and body moisturized. When you apply a hydrating lip balm, it creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. The hydration also gives your lips an extra glow that makes them appear healthier, brighter and more youthful.
A good hydrating lip balm will contain sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against UV damage, and antioxidants like Vitamin E to fight free radicals that can contribute to dryness. It should also be free of synthetic chemicals, fragrances and other additives that can irritate the delicate skin on your lips.
Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil to deeply hydrate the lips. A formula that’s also formulated with linoleic acid helps the lips to retain that moisture, making it last longer. Some hydrating lip balms also have added hyaluronic acid for added plumping benefits.
Lanolin, derived from wool, is a super emollient that helps to smooth and heal chapped lips. Another ingredient to look for is squalane, which hydrates and improves the appearance of fine lines. Charlotte’s Magic Lips and Summer Fridays have some great hydrating lip balms with squalane.
Exfoliates
Because your lips are a delicate area, it’s important to keep them soft and smooth. Keeping dead skin off of your lips will help them stay hydrated, and the right lip balm can make this process even easier. Most hydrating lip balms use ingredients that are gentle enough to exfoliate the lips without causing irritation. These products often feature soothing and natural ingredients, like aloe vera and chamomile, to calm irritated lips and prevent dryness. They also tend to be hypoallergenic, which minimizes the risk of allergic reactions for sensitive lips.
There are two ways to exfoliate your lips: physically or chemically. Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or poly-hydroxy acid (PHAs) work to slough away dead skin cells over time while protecting and moisturizing healthy skin underneath. Physical exfoliants, on the other hand, are rough or granular textures that buff and polish away flaky skin, revealing softer, smoother lips.
Using these textures can be great for preventing lip dryness, but it’s important to remember that your lips are a thin area of skin and are susceptible to damage from the sun, air pollution and other environmental stressors. This is why it’s important to choose a non-irritating exfoliant that is suitable for your specific lips. When you do decide to exfoliate your lips, be sure to only apply a small amount at a time and to always moisturize afterward.