Contents
We will tell you why lip balms are indispensable for basic care and which ones will help in moisturizing, nourishing, restoring the skin of the lips. A bonus to the article is life hacks on the non-standard use of this product and an overview of the best products, according to the editors of Healthy-Food.
What is lip balm
This is a special care product designed to protect, moisturize the skin of the lips so that they look decent and do not experience discomfort. But this zone is especially sensitive to external circumstances – frost, wind, sun, dry air.
Lip balm is most often produced in the form of a stick or in a small tube, has a delicate enveloping texture, and it contains oils and plant extracts. Balms of the latest generation can do almost everything, solving problems of any complexity:
moisturize;
nourish;
restore the skin;
protect from the sun.
In addition to the fact that balms save the delicate skin of the lips from dryness, many of them are capable of more serious feats: they accelerate the healing of cracks, eliminate peeling.
Why you need a lip balm
The delicate skin of the lips is devoid of the stratum corneum and loses moisture very quickly. Therefore, in dry air conditions, for example, in the cold, on an airplane, in an air-conditioned room, cracks and a feeling of tightness appear on the lips. Lip balm in such situations works as an SOS remedy.
Features of composition
On the main focus is on oils that protect and prevent drying of the skin of the lips:
shea;
coconut;
cocoa;
almond;
jojoba.
Lip balm protects the skin from dryness and flaking
The composition often includes moisturizing ingredients.
glycerol;
aloe vera extract.
As well as soothing and restoring:
panthenol;
allantoin.
Types of balms
There are at least four varieties of lip balms, here are the most basic ones.
Nourishing and restorative
These balms most often contain soothing ingredients such as panthenol (aka provitamin B5) and healing oils like shea butter.
Remember: even the richest formula will not be a panacea if you have a habit of licking your lips, especially in cold and windy conditions. Additional wetting of the skin of the lips with saliva aggravates dryness, contributing to the appearance of irritation and discomfort.
Moisturizers
You can appreciate moisturizing balms in dry and warm climates, as well as in extreme situations like long flights. Moisturizing balm based on oils (coconut, almond or jojoba) will create a protective layer on the skin of the lips, provide nutrition and prevent moisture from evaporating.
Sun protection
The skin of the lips is subject to photoaging and sunburn no less than the rest of the body, because it does not produce melanin at all – the pigment that is responsible for natural protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. Therefore, before going to the sea, to the mountains, or just before going out in the summer, do not forget to take a stick with an SPF index.
Shading
You will recognize tint balms by the inscription on the package – tinted balms. Their main task is still to moisturize the skin, but in addition, they enhance the natural shade of the lips and make them more expressive. Bonus: Even though balms leave a subtle color on the lips, you can apply them without looking in the mirror. Conveniently.
Lip balm can be moisturizing, nourishing, tinted
What shape are lip balms
The release form depends on the consistency: liquid or solid:
in a tube – usually with a beveled applicator, convenient for application;
in stick – close in shape to hygienic lipstick;
in a jar – applied by hand.
How to choose a balm
By season
In winter, you will need balms with regenerating and nourishing oils that can protect the skin from wind, frost and dry air from air conditioners. In the summer, balms with SPF in the composition will come in handy.
By appointment
For every day, use universal balms with the function of moisturizing and protecting. And tints (tinted balms) can replace, if not lipstick, then shine. If the lips are chapped, you can not do without products containing beeswax, shea butter to restore the skin.
According to personal preference
You can advise as much as you like, but the main criterion is the color, smell, texture, which are pleasant for you.
How to apply lip balm
No tricks are required to apply the balm, it is done intuitively.
Don’t forget to reapply it several times throughout the day as any lip product tends to wear off and wear off.
If your balm is formatted for application with your hands, make sure they are clean.
What else can lip balm do?
In some situations, lip balm will provide significant support to other parts of the face and body.
The stick format is the most practical and popular
Can act as a restorative mask
For example, for instant restoration of chapped lips. In this case, you need to use it as a mask: apply in a thick layer, remove the excess after 5 minutes. You will see: the transformation will be radical.
Replaces SPF cream in “risk areas”
We won’t reveal a secret if we say that in sunny weather, the protruding areas of the face and body are the first (and most severely) burned: ears, nose, shoulders, décolleté. If suddenly you left the house, forgetting to treat your face with sunscreen, and there is no sunscreen in your purse, but there is a balm with an SPF filter – do not hesitate to apply it to vulnerable areas. Even if the gloss is slightly excessive, it is better than the risk of burns.
Will be an addition to lymphatic drainage massage
Another life hack: before applying the balm, do a lymphatic drainage massage to enhance its beneficial effects.
Place the pads of your thumbs under your chin, right in the center.
Gently apply pressure to the skin, moving towards the earlobes.
Lightly press with your fingers on the points behind the ears.
If something went wrong …
Do you know the case when the vaunted lip balm did not work the promised miracles? Or your favorite lip balm has stopped working? No panic. Lip balm is an individual product. Perhaps at the moment the skin needs a product with a different effect (for example, nourishing instead of moisturizing).
Lip balm at home: recipes
You can also make your own lip balm. The main thing is to stock up on butters, that is, solid oils, wax and the remnants of old lipstick. Essential oils for smell and small containers, for example, from finished balms or creams, will not interfere. And, of course, your imagination.
Fragrant ingredients can be added to the “home” balm
Nourishing tinted balm
Take in equal parts coke oil and wax (it is better to grate it beforehand).
Melt the ingredients in a water bath or in the microwave.
Add vitamin E (a teaspoon), a piece of lipstick, a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil.
Melt again until all ingredients are combined (do not boil!).
Let the mixture cool slightly and pour into containers.
Put in the refrigerator.
When the mixture hardens, your balm is ready.
Chocolate-menthol balm
Melt 2 tsp. grated beeswax in a water bath or microwave.
Add 1 tsp. cocoa powder, 2 tsp sweet almond oil and peppermint essential oil (a couple of drops).
Cool and pour into containers.
Lemon honey balm
Melt one tablespoon each of wax, coconut oil and shea butter in a water bath.
Beat in 1 tbsp. l. honey
Add a few drops of lemon essential oil.
Cool and pour into a jar.
All of the above recipes contain rather aggressive ingredients, so before using the balm, check if you have an allergic reaction to the ingredients.
lip balm rating
We have collected the best, according to the editors of Healthy-Food, lip balms. Our selection is backed up by user reviews.
Nutrient
Nutritic Lèvres, La Roche-Posay Nourishing balm for deep restoration of the skin of the lips with biolipids and ceramides nourishes and restores the skin of the lips, protects against chapping and flaking, and promotes the healing of cracks. Suitable for children from 3 years old.
Nourishing lip balm Absolue Precious Cells, Lancôme– Melting texture makes lips smooth and supple.
Restorative
Lip balm Cicaplast, La Roche-Posay – hypoallergenic product with shea butter and panthenol, suitable for adults and children whose skin is prone to allergies. Can be applied to the wings of the nose when irritated.
“Lip Balm #1”, Kiehl’s with soothing ingredients squalane, allantoin, tocopherol, as well as cotton and wheat germ oils, restores dry lips.
Sun protection
Stick for sensitive areas Anthelios XL SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay contains a mexoplex filter system, senna extract and selenium-rich thermal water, provides prevention of photoaging.
Lip balm Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 25, Kiehl’s based on coconut oil nourishes and softens the skin, while lemon oil serves as an antioxidant. Suitable for children.
Shading
Lip balm “Baby Lips, Cherry”, Maybelline New York with a slight shade moisturizes the skin of the lips and has a pleasant aroma.
Lip balm stick with a hint of Butterstick Lip Treatment, SPF 30, Kiehl’s in addition to giving the lips a beige, pink or berry shade, it nourishes the skin and fights free radicals.