Shocking title to read during the middle of winter, right?
Hear us out…
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Petroleum-based products can dry out your skin (and lips!) even more. There are no oil glands in the lips meaning the lips are very prone to drying out, especially in cold, dry climates in which we live in with very little moisture in the air. Lip balms typically provide a temporary comfort, but some types can make scaly lips even drier. Lots of lip balms contain ingredients like phenol, menthol and salicylic acid which make your lips drier; this triggers you to apply more and it becomes a vicious cycle. If it causes a tingling sensation when you apply them, it has triggered irritation or has removed the outer layer of the skin like an exfoliant. If that is the case, you have less protection (since the outer layer is gone) and you are more susceptible to environmental factors (dry, cold air). This would trigger you to need to apply more products to replenish the moisture loss. When the thin film of moisture from a lip balm or moisturizer evaporates, it dehydrates your skin and lips even more – and then you have to keep reapplying! This is also why your skin feels like it’s tight, dry and itchy when you don’t have any moisturizer on. If you use petroleum-based products on your lips and skin before dryness occurs, you may be able to stave off dryness. However, petroleum (and mineral oil) is not effective at restoring moisture once it’s been lost. Consider this when you are applying products to your dry body skin, too! Ditch the petroleum!
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If you put petroleum jelly based products on your skin and lips before bed, the oils can stain your sheets and pillowcases. Spray tan solutions and cosmetic bronzers however are all water soluble and wash out of machine washable fabrics!
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Petroleum is ‘occlusive’. This means it stops water and natural moisture evaporation from skin by creating a waterproof coating. This also means that petroleum (and mineral oil) can clog your pores and cause acne. Since petroleum products are ‘occlusive’, they block oxygen and moisture from flowing in and out of your skin cells which can trap bacteria and dead skin cells. from naturally sloughing off. Dry skin is one thing, but dry, acne prone skin with breakouts is even worse!
How to keep your lips (and skin) hydrated without toxic lip balms and toxic lotions…
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Get a humidifier for your home. Have one running in your office during the day and then one overnight while you sleep. Putting moisture back into the air will help your skin retain moisture and that means your lips, too!
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Drink more water to stay hydrated from the inside out.
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Use SPF 30+ on your face and lips, always! We love the Coola line of products, including their Water Cream with hyaluronic acid – $46 and Lip Lux Original Balm – $10 – available at goGLOW. This vitamin- and antioxidant-enriched formula nourishes and conditions with organic Cupuaçu Butter and Raspberry and Jojoba Seed Oils.
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Use lip products that contain humectants like hyaluronic acid, beeswax, honey, aloe, shea butter, calendula. Humectants pull moisture from the air into your skin, and your lips! One of our favorites is the Beautycounter Calendula Lip Conditioner.
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If you have dry, flaky chapped lips and skin don’t be afraid to exfoliate! In the shower use a warm wet washcloth or exfoliating tool (like EXFOLIATE) to remove your dead skin once a week and then use an antioxidant rich moisturizer for your skin and lips like the ones above!
Some other great lip options we love;
Revision Youthfull Lip Replenisher – shop here.
Goop Genes Clean Lip Balm – shop here.
Photo; Dana Nobile of Skin Devotions in Chicago #goGLOWgirl
