Lip Balms

Choosing the right lip balm - what you need to know

Lip balm creates a layer on the lip surface to seal in moisture and protect the lips from external exposure. Moisture is often drawn from the lips through extreme cold, dry air, and chapping wind. Lip balms add moisture to the lips and prevent the skin from chapping and cracking.

There are lots of lip balms on the market these days. Which is the best one for you? Here are a few tips to help you select the best one.

Check the Ingredients

More than 60% of what is put on the skin gets absorbed into the bloodstream. When you start looking for the best lip balm it is important to start with what it is in it. Some lip balm additives dry the lips out. While they may be good once in a while, consistent use could be detrimental over time.

Phenol is used to treat bacteria on cracked or broken lips. Use for a very short time or on occasion when needed.

Camphor, alum and menthol create a tingle, but are very drying.

Salicylic acid exfoliates the dead skin from the lips. It is extremely drying and should only be used on occasion.

Although they do seal in lip’s moisture, petroleum based products do not allow the skin to breath. On a short term basis, this is fine. Over the long term it may not be good for your lips.

The real problem with lip balms is the majority of it ends up in your stomach. So anything that you wouldn’t want to eat, you probably shouldn’t put on your mouth.

Go All Natural!

All natural, organic lip balms are always the best for you and your family. People with allergies or product sensitivities have better results, since many of these are hypoallergenic. There are plenty of nature based products that can moisturize the lips and seal them off from the external elements.

Look for these key ingredients:

• Beeswax – softens and is a great all natural alternative to petroleum bases. It absorbs better and allows the skin to breathe.
• Butters, like Shea, Cocoa, - penetrate deeply into the skin and moisturize richly. Some are even natural UV ray blockers.
• Nut and seed oils, like macadamia, argan, jojoba, sweet almond –  Moisturize and nourish skin.

Weather or Special Conditions

Sometimes your lips are under extreme conditions, like severe winds, ultra heat, freezing cold, etc. If this the case, your lips made need a little extra TLC to make them soft, smooth, and luscious.

Medicated lip balm heals cold sores and severely chapped lips. Some lip balms have added vitamins.

Lip balms with added SPF are extremely important if you are going to be out in the heat and sun for long periods of time.

Formulas with extra moisture are great if your lips are going to be under extreme cold or windy conditions. The thin layer of skin on your lips chaps easily.

To Tint or Not to Tint

Many of the all natural lip balms have colored and no color formulas to choose from. Tinted lip balms give a natural looking appearance with just a touch of color. Many women find these more appealing than their thicker, heavier lipstick counterparts. Men’s chapstick with SPF tends to be a no color formula. Either choice is pleasing to the lips.

Cleopatra’s Choice offers a wide variety of lip balms as well as other products to pamper her clients’ skin, hair, and bodies. Come and indulge in one of her secrets.