Lips don't Lie

Lip balm is not only a cosmetic or skincare product but a very important step for moisturising and nourishing lips. They protect lips from dryness, chapping, and re-establish the skin’s lipid barrier and offer emollient action.

Choose Right

Choosing the right lip balm can have a big impact on the health and appearance of your lips. Looking for hydrating ingredients like squalane, shea butter, and cocoa butter are good choices. “You can consider additional nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and almond oil, which can also help soothe and repair dry or damaged lips. Be wary of lip balms that contain potential irritants which can cause allergic reactions or further dryness. If you spend time outdoors, look for a lip balm with SPF protection to shield your lips from harmful UV rays. Finally, think about your personal preferences regarding texture, scent, and taste. These factors can affect how enjoyable you find using lip balm,” says Anurag Kedia, CEO and Co-founder, Pilgrim.

Hydrate and Restore

Lips are more prone to dryness, chapping, and cracking. Lip balms are specially prepared with emollients and occlusive substances to build a protective barrier that seals in moisture, limiting evaporation and boosting hydration. Furthermore, lip balms frequently contain nourishing substances that help mend and renew the lips, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and natural oils. Hemangi Dhir, founder and CEO, Botnal, says, “They help seal moisture by creating a protective barrier and keeps them supple. It is also very effective in delivering nourishment to the lips by soothing cracked, chapped lips. Lip balms also help in keeping lips smooth and supple.” Dr. Sonal Jain, MD Dermatologist, Skin Square Clinic, Surat, adds, “These small but mighty products provide a range of benefits, particularly when it comes to restoring moisture and hydration to the delicate skin on our lips. Our lips are constantly exposed to the elements, including harsh weather conditions such as cold winds, dry air, and UV radiation. These external factors can strip the lips of moisture and lead to chapping and cracking. Lip balms provide a protective barrier that shields the lips from these environmental stressors.”

Ingredient Fix

While lip balms can be beneficial, some ingredients may cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. Likewise, menthol or camphor, provide a cooling sensation, but they can also cause irritation or dryness in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin. Ruchita Acharya, founder, Glow & Green says, “One of the main purposes of lip balm is to protect the lips surface by forming a barrier that keeps moisture from escaping. Always look for the natural ingredients like Vitamin E, it repairs the harmed skin. Plant-based extracts like chamomile and aloe vera provide calming and restorative qualities.” Another component to look for in a lip balm is dimethicone, which seals off dryness and splits in the cracked lips. Ceramides are components of the natural protective layer of skin, and titanium oxide is a component of physical sunscreen. “When choosing the right lip balm, first check the presence of ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and nourishing oils. Then consider the climate, if you are in a cold environment choose a heavy lip balm, and for a humid climate go for lighter lip balm. SPF must be present in the lip balm to avoid sun damage,” says Gaurav Singh, founder & MD, Atulya — Beacon Bio Life Sciences Private Limited.

Lip Care

Chapped lips or Cheilitis is a common condition which affects people of all age groups. Commonly chapped lips present as dryness, cracking of lips, peeling of lip skin and discomfort. Common causes of chapped lips are cold weather, dehydration, frequent lip licking, and medical conditions such as allergy or thyroid issues. Dr Kisalay Saurav, dermatologist & cosmetologist explains, “The best treatment for chapped lips is to use lip balms, which are made of various ingredients such as ceramide / dimethicone (moisturisers), titanium oxide / zinc oxide (sunscreens), mineral oils, petroleum jelly, and glycerine. These ingredients put together form a thick layer over the lips, thereby regaining moisture and allowing the cracked lips to heal. The correct lip balm should be hypoallergenic, non-fragrant, non-irritant, and should be high on emollients. Choose a lip balm that has petrolatum, which locks in the moisture.” Arshia Kaur Vijan, founder, TINT Cosmetics, concludes, “Modern day advancements and technology in skincare space has paved the way for nutritious lip balms infused with a blend of carefully selected natural ingredients, essential oils, plant extracts, and hydrating agents, to deliver a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids to your lips. Balms work in synergy to provide deep nourishment and its nutrient-rich formula helps to replenish moisture, soothe dryness, and protect your lips from environmental stressors. Additionally, well-hydrated lips are less prone to cracking, peeling, and the discomfort that comes with it.”