

Pow! Right in the Kisser The Best Natural Lip Care Our smile is the gateway to letting others know we welcome them and it can also display the positive emotions we are feeling. Critical to smiling is the condition our lips are in. Our lips have very thin skin and require separate care in addition to what we provide to our facial skin. Our lips can dry out easily, whatever the season, especially since we spend most of our time indoors, either in central heating or air conditioning. So what can help keep our lips protected, soft and moist throughout the day and night? Let’s take a look at some commonly used options:
1. Chap sticks- Who hasn’t used a chap stick at one point or another? These products are easy to find, especially at the cashier counter in drugstores. They are primarily petroleum based and made from paraffin wax and mineral oil, another petroleum by-product. They tend to go on ‘sticky’ and can make the lips feel dry and gummy relatively quickly. They will prevent moisture loss, but won’t impart moisture to the lips.
2. Petroleum jellies- Petroleum jelly was discovered when it accumulated on oil rigs and had to be removed for the rig to continue to function. It is literally liquid petrolatum or paraffin, and although it is used to treat or prevent chapped lips, it has no healing or moisturizing properties. At best, it coats the skin to prevent moisture loss and gives your lips some shine until it ‘dries out.’
3. Lip balms- These can be found in little pots or in sticks; the more effective kind can moisturize the lips and create a barrier to prevent moisture loss. Natural lip balms can do both, so look for a brand that is free from any petroleum ingredient. A good quality lip balm should not have more than three to five ingredients and should contain natural waxes like beeswax or candelilla, botanical oils, plus essential oils for flavour and scent.
Many people don’t use any lip products at all, however this can lead to dry, chapped lips. Our lips don’t produce any natural oils for protection, and eventually the skin on the lips can crack and bleed. Repeatedly ‘licking your lips’ can also dry them out, so make it a habit to carry lip balm with you. Don’t forget to apply lip balm before you go to bed at night to protect your lips while you sleep.
DIY! Try making your own lip balm with this easy recipe: Mix together in a small pot at low heat 1/4 cup of cosmetic-grade beeswax and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of pasteurized honey and mix well. While the mix is still liquid, pour into sterilized containers. You can re-use a sanitized lip balm pot or stick, or any cosmetic container or tiny glass jar that you like. Allow the mix to cool completely before using. Don’t have time to DIY? Try these brands: Whole Foods Organic Lip Balm Trio, Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm or Organic Lip Balm by Aubrey Organics.
Lori Stryker
~ is President of The Organic Makeup Company, a consulting firm dedicated to providing information about organic skin care and beauty.
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Wonderful article!!! I am always looking for great info like this to share with my clients...