The topic of the day for the Philly Voice is a question that asks if your lip balm has become an addiction for you, with dermatologists and other experts weighing in on the possibility. The conclusion is there are numerous reasons why you might feel compelled to apply a lip balm repeatedly, but the bottom line is you need to lick less and read labels before buying any product for your lips.
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One reason, an observant manufacturer representative said, is that some lip “balms,” such as those medicated to treat cold sores, are actually supposed to dry the areas you apply them to, not moisturize them.
While at least one person in the featured article suggested using petroleum jelly for your lips, that is something you need to also be wary of, as petroleum products like paraffin wax or jelly may temporarily make your skin and lips feel smooth, but have no long-lasting value, and may even feel sticky or greasy, which could tend to make you want to lick or rub your lips more.
The good news is there are several natural products you can try to keep your lips moisturized, including these five:
1. Moringa extract — Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, a drop of moringa mixed in a carrier oil and applied to your lips and other sensitive skin areas can help moisturize your skin. In fact, regularly massaging your scalp with moringa oil may help reduce split ends and dandruff, as well as improve the health and strength of your hair.
2. Coconut oil — This saturated fat is good for you internally and externally. Virgin coconut oil can also replace a number of pricy and potential hazardous personal health care products, including moisturizers, hair masks, shaving lotion, cleansers, makeup removers and lip balms.
Unlike paraffin wax, coconut oil does the work of actually moisturizing your skin, and provides antiaging benefits as well. Rubbed on your skin, it penetrates deeply and attracts protein molecules that help maintain and build collagen under your skin.
3. Castor oil — This oil has been used for millennia for numerous medical conditions, but did you know it’s also a popular ingredient in cosmetics? For best results, do as small skin patch test, first, to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions to it, and then mix it with an organic carrier oil such as coconut or sesame and rub it gently on your lips.
4. Argan oil — This is a natural, plant-based oil that can moisturize your skin at the same time it reduces sebum levels in oily skin. Topically, this oil may help boost cell production, making your skin healthier, too.
5. Omega-3 fats — Changing up your diet to include more omega-3 fats can help moisturize your skin from the inside, out. Animal-based omega-3s are what we’re talking about here: They can help normalize the fats in your skin and prevent dehydration in your cells. The great thing about this strategy is that, unlike steroid creams or chemical-filled balms, you can simply eat your way to a healthier skin by adding fatty fish like wild-caught salmon to your diet.