SO, you've ditched the petroleum and otherwise not-so-great ingredient containing lip products and have started the journey to natural.
Yay!
It's a whole new world.
It's a whole new world.
You bask gleefully, worry- free in all of your natural glory..and then.....WAIT.
Your lips are STILL CHAPPED!
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN!?!
It means, your lips are telling you something and you need to pay attention.
Thankfully, because you've ditched the feel good cover-ups, your in a better position to take note.
Though the lips are one of the fastest healing areas on the body, they are highly sensitive.
Just as any other area of your skin reacts to chemicals, allergenic compounds, or dry conditions - your lips are just as susceptible!
Here are some factors that may be contributing to your dry lip woes:
HYDRATION
During the cooler months we have the double whammy of brisk air and central heating.
Enter itchy dry skin AND lips!
Drink more water and run a humidifier during this period to lesson lip irritation due to low humidity.
LIP LICKING
Often we think that licking our lips will moisturize them - even if temporarily.
While saliva does contain water, the enzymes within break food down as you eat and is actually the preliminary stage in the digestion process!
While saliva does contain water, the enzymes within break food down as you eat and is actually the preliminary stage in the digestion process!
For lips that's No Bueno.
Once in awhile, is fine.
Consistent lip licking can result in likeness to a burn. Burning sensation, skin darkenening, irritation when dampened and eventual peeling.
Don't let it get this far!
If you use delicious tasting balms or glosses, they may have inadvertently perpetuated this habit.
Consider ditching them.
ALLERGENS / CONTACT DERMATITIS
I love Love LOVE lip colour.
Years ago, I used to wear it underneath my mask (simple pandemic pleasures).
However, I found the long wear lipsticks would irritate my lips for days after removal!
No matter how much I moisturize, I would have peeling lips for a days at least.
Examine the products you use!
The one you love might be the culprit (sorry girl).
If you're more of a "lip balm mascara" kinda gal, choose a rich lip butter with zero fragrances and unnecessary additives. I mean zero - even essential oils can be irritating to the lips.
We like this one all year round!
MEDICAL
Not feeling so great, achy all over?
Medical conditions or currently taking medication?
This may be a contributing factor.
When your body is fighting for you, your lips are low on the list of priorities.
Increase your water consumption and moisturize often to keep hydration at optimal levels.
BALM ON CHAPPED LIPS
The best use of a balm is on moisturized lips.
Sounds counter-intuitive, but balms are meant to SEAL in moisture, not provide moisture like a creme would for your skin.
Sounds counter-intuitive, but balms are meant to SEAL in moisture, not provide moisture like a creme would for your skin.
For best results, apply balms after coming out of the shower, or after application of a lightweight natural moisturizer like aloe vera gel.
In a pinch, simply wet with water before balm application!
If your lips have built up dead skin, try exfoliating with a cloth in the shower - GENTLY!
Whatever isn't removed easily should be left alone - yes annoying I know - but how many times have peeling your lips resulted in bleeding?
Too much exfoliation can do more harm than good.
Love those lips!
#care naturally
