Lip care?! I know what you are thinking, what about lip care? What is there to know other than moisturize by using chap stick? Well, what you may not know is how important it is to moisturize your lips properly. Just like the other fleshy parts of your body, your lips can be sensitive and may need special treatment.
Have you ever heard of lip allergies? It can happen when the skin on your lips reacts negatively to certain lip products. The symptoms may include burning, itching, or even chapping. These symptoms can also occur if your lips are not moisturized properly. But most importantly, allergic reactions to lip products can be triggered by some ingredients in the products themselves, such as propyl gallate. This ingredient is found in a number of lipsticks. Also, look out for phenyl salicylate which can cause lip irritation as well.
Most folks forget that their lips are also exposed to the harshness of the elements. Cold weather, wind, and even the sun can affect your lips. So, wear lip products that can comfort your skin but also protect it from the elements. They make chap sticks, and lip balms for a variety of occasions. For instance, if it is freezing and the wind’s blowing fiercely, unless you like minty cool feeling, try to avoid it. Use something more soothing and warming like coconut or aloe vera based lip products. Also, it is important to use chap sticks and lip balms with sunblock in them. It helps protect your lips against the sun’s rays.
When selecting and buying lip products that suit your needs, make sure you read the directions along with the ingredients. Believe it or not, some chap sticks are strictly made for medical usage and should only be used in certain dosages. If used incorrectly, you could potentially damage you lips.
The EE 411:
Your lips aren’t just there to complement your smile. Their primary purpose is to help you fulfill your nourishment requirements meaning they’re there to help you eat. They come in contact with everything you eat and drink!
When drinking or eating foods or beverages that are high in acid (citrus, etc.) it could potentially dry out your lips and irritate them. Also, if you’re eating greasy or oily foods, be sure to wipe your lips and around your mouth so that they don’t break out or become irritated.
Do not use wipes (like the ones they give you in restaurants for your hands) to wipe your mouth. They were not designed for facial usage. If you have baby wipes (for facial usage) or any wipe that is designed for facial skin, use those.
One of the other most frequent things that come in contact with your lips is toothpaste. For some of us it touches our lips about two or three times a day. Toothpaste can contain chemicals called guaiazulene, and sodium lauryl sulfate which can cause chapped lips and skin irritations. So always read the toothpaste labels so that you know what is coming in contact with your lips.
Try to avoid alcohol, parabens, fragrances, menthol, camphor and phenol cool. These can produce lip irritations as well.
Last but certainly not least, don’t lick your lips too often. No matter how attractive you think it is, it can irritate you lips as well. Keep your hands and any foreign objects (metal objects) away from your mouth.
Share with Us: What are some of the things that you do or use to prevent irritated & chapped lips?
(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments. Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog. More information about our company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!)
