Chapped or cracker lips can be caused by a number of factors such as cold and windy weather, frequently licking your lips, contact dermatitis, dehydration, certain types of medication, cold sores, nutritional deficiencies and sun burn. Lip balm is a moisturizing salve that is smoothed onto the lips to protect from sun burn, harsh weather and sometimes cold sores. They work by sealing in the natural moisture content of your lips, which prevents them shrinking and becoming cracked and sore.
Lip balms include a variety of moisturizers, though the most common ones are cocoa butter, beeswax, shea butter, aloe and petroleum jelly. Lip balms may contain menthol and peppermint oils to reduce the effects of cold sores. Many also come in a variety of flavors, including fruit, mint, bubblegum and even chocolate.
What to Look for
Look for lip balms with as few ingredients as possible, particularly if the ingredients are natural. Honey is a great moisturizer, so any salve containing honey will help your lips retain their natural moisture while protecting them from the harsher outdoor elements. Beeswax is another top ingredient. It stops lips getting chapped and is not as thick and greasy as some less natural lip slaves.
Other favorites are vitamin-enriched lip balms which prevent your lips shrinking and cracking due to lost moisture, and lip balms made from coconut or almond oils. There are also extensive ranges of lip balms containing only organic products, which are excellent for anyone who has very sensitive skin and lips, as this will dramatically reduce any risk of allergic reaction.
Lip balm should be applied before you go outdoors and reapplied frequently if you are outside for a long time, particularly in the sun. Try to avoid licking your lips often, as this increases the rate of evaporation of your lips' natural moisture.
Common Pitfalls
There are a number of ingredients in some lip balms that may cause allergic reactions. Lanolin is a main culprit, particularly if it is applied to cracked lips. Others include methylparaben, butylparaben, polyparaben, phenol, salicylic acid and eugenol.
If you already have cold sores, avoid using lip balm as you can end up spreading the sores to unaffected areas of your mouth. Instead, use a medicated lip cream.
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