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Hydration is key for glowing skin, but that extends past just your complexion to include your lips as well. Lip balms only function to moisturize cracked, peeling lips, but what if you found out that your product was actually creating further dryness instead of remedying the issue? While there are certainly balms which can help to hydrate and plump your lips, a good majority of the popular options on the market contain one specific ingredient which causes you to use the product over and over without it ever actually improving your skin. The next time you run out of lip balm and are considering what to purchase next, dermatologists say there’s one particular variation that is better left on the shelf.
Your lips get just as much exposure to the sun as the rest of your skin, so it’s important to care for that area of your face just as well. “The summer sun's harmful UV rays can cause significant damage to our lips. Composed of thin layers of skin and lacking oil glands, lips need protection from prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays,” warns Founder and Chief Surgeon at PH-1, Dr. Zachary Okhah. “When choosing a balm to soothe and moisturize your lips, be sure to avoid lip balms that contain menthol, camphor, or phenol--basically, any alcohol component.”
Menthol based lip products may be especially tempting to use in the summer months due to their cooling properties, but the reality is that they do very little to actually nourish your lips, making only a short term impact before drying the skin out again. “[These balms] can irritate the skin and remove outer layers, leaving your lips vulnerable to further sun damage and even sunburn,” says Okhah. In addition to menthol lip products, scented and flavored balms may have the same effect. “These contain chemicals that merely act as flavorings and fragrances and have little benefit in protecting the lips. More often, they can cause further irritation.”
While this rules out many of the most popular lip balms at the drugstore, there are more nourishing options that can actually help to hydrate your lips while protecting them from sun damage as well. Okhah suggests looking for a balm that contains aloe, mineral oil, or glycerin, as these ingredients moisturize the skin without causing irritation. “Vitamin E and beeswax are good natural alternatives but may still irritate those with sensitive skin. And, as in choosing other sun care products, opt for a lip balm with an SPF. One that has an SPF of 15 or higher is preferable,” he concludes.
Taking care of your skin extends to the products you’re putting on your lips, so finding a balm that actually hydrates you can make all the difference in banishing flaky, cracked skin, for a plump and luscious pout. Knowing which ingredients are most likely to cause irritation can help you to improve your appearance across the board, reducing harmful products in your beauty lineup for a better approach to skincare. Particularly in the summer heat, finding a lip balm which contains SPF and actually works to hydrate your lips is an essential fixture for your makeup bag.
