Why does lip balm work

All of this begs the question: Why would brands use so many ingredients they know can cause irritation to the customer? Certain internet forums like the now defunct Lip Balm Anonymous suggest companies use these ingredients in an intentional ploy to keep customers dependent on their products. But cosmetic chemist Ginger King has a much simpler answer: They all have basic practical functions within their formulas. Menthol, camphor, and the like are included in lip balms simply because they cause a cooling effect or tingle that's popular with consumers, according to King.

She says that menthol can cause hives, but that camphor is still the worse or as she puts it, "less elegant" of the two. That pleasant tingle, Gohara thinks, gives consumers the illusion that a balm is benefitting their lips more than usual when it's actually doing the opposite.

Phenol, on the other hand, is sometimes used to create a lip-plumping effect and acts as a preservative for other ingredients, according to King.

However, she says it is a toxin and is therefore far less common among formulas. The word "toxin" is a lot scarier than it sounds, so don't fret if your current balm contains it — small amounts of phenol are also found in plastics and mouthwash. There's plenty of research left to be done on the long-term effects of this ingredient, but the FDA considers it OK to digest in small doses, and no links to cancer have been found by the EPA or the World Health Organization.

Gohara's approach is simply to change balms if you feel like you're constantly having to apply the one you're already using. Same thing goes for balms loaded with flavor, fragrance, and menthol. Kraffert also explains that sometimes, the lip balm isn't the problem — you are. So there's actually some truth to the "lip balm addiction" rumors that are constantly being discussed online.

Unfortunately, your lips naturally get thinner as you age. When those extra layers of skin are missing, you need another layer of protection.

Plus, lip balm helps your mouth appear fuller. Your lips are missing the outermost layer of skin known as the stratum corneum, which protects you against the sun. As a result, they require additional protection from harmful UV rays. Look for a lip balm that contains at least SPF Make sure you have a good lip balm on hand for that big date!

Are you taking pictures? Swipe on a little lip balm beforehand. This helps add a little bit of color to your lips, which is particularly great for wedding photos or Instagram pics.

It might seem pretty simple to apply lip balm. You just take the cap off and put it on your lips, right? If the balm is in a tube, you only need to raise it about a half centimeter. Rub your top and bottom lip together.

This helps spread the balm evenly over your entire mouth. A simple swipe on your bottom and top lip is all you really need! This will help you stop yourself before you reapply. Taking a sip of water is always a good option! Look for lip balms that contain organic ingredients. Shea butter, aloe vera, beeswax, and petroleum jelly are all safe choices. Is it cold outside? Bundle up and cover your mouth with a scarf or face mask.

This limits your exposure to wind, which helps keep your lips from drying out. Saliva will strip your lips of their natural moisture. Picture your to-do list, daydream about a vacation, or read a good book, and you might forget about your burning lips. You should try to use lip balm in moderation. In fact, some dermatologists believe that overuse could cause your lips to stop producing natural oils.

They also caution that you could feel dependent on the balm for moisture. You should never go through a whole tube or container in a single week! According to dermatologists, you should only put on lip balm a few times throughout the day.

Most experts recommend that you apply it in the following situations:. Some people sleep with their mouths open, which will cause their lips to feel dry in the morning. If this sounds like you, take a big sip of water and then apply lip balm before you get out of bed.

Swipe on lip balm to help bring back moisture. Make sure your lips are moisturized after you brush your teeth. Are you trying to kick a lip balm habit? In addition to fragrances and flavors, you want to ditch menthol, salicylic acid and camphor in lip balms, according to the American Academy of Dermatology AAD. Unrefined petrolatum contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs that are carcinogens , Stevenson says. But using white petrolatum, or USP petrolatum, conforms to the standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia and is safe to use.

The AAD notes that dimethicone, hemp seed oil, castor seed oil and mineral oil are other great ingredients for healing chapped lips. FYI: occlusives attract moisture to the skin and create a protective barrier, and emollients work to smooth out and fill in the dry cracks in chapped skin. For natural hydrating ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, Stevenson likes honey, seed oils and coconut oil.

While chapsticks can temporarily soothe dry lips, they tend to have chemicals and flavors that can further irritate the skin, and in severe cases, trigger eczema and allergic contact dermatitis, Marchbein says. For lip balms with SPF , Stevenson prefers products with physical blockers, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Stevenson and Marchbein recommend Aquaphor for its healing ingredients, which include petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin and glycerin. In addition to restoring moisture to cracked lips, this multi-purpose ointment can help alleviate dry hands and feet and treat minor cuts and burns.

For those who are allergic to lanolin, this petrolatum-based ointment hydrates a dry pout and has zero flavors, fragrances and additives that may irritate sensitive skin. Stevenson never leaves home without her Maya Chia waterless wonder balm, which she applies to her face and lips day and night. Moisture-boosting beeswax, chia seed oil and shea butter get deep into the cracked crevices of your lips to restore a healthy, youthful shine. Unlike other lip balms that use synthetic fragrances, this orange blossom balm relies on essential oils and botanical extracts for its zesty scent.

Free of lanolin, fragrances, preservatives and dyes, this is another great choice for those with sensitive skin. For a soothing lip treatment that also provides some color, go for this tinted lip balm, which comes in 13 shades and two different finishes — satin and shimmer.

Sugar, grapeseed oil and meadowfoam and black currant seed oils are the star ingredients that work together to prevent moisture loss while softening rough skin. Shield radiant lips from the sun with this water-resistant lip gloss that supplies vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and dimethicones. Choose from four vibrant shades, including clear, which you can layer over your favorite lipstick or lip tint. This colorless lip balm makes it a neutral option for both men and women.

Made with olive oil, beeswax, castor oil and vitamins C and E, this lip balm will calm irritation and leave your lips feeling silky smooth.