Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. (which pull water into the skin like a sponge) are also helpful. A mild steroid, such as 1% hydrocortisone, can reduce inflammation if your lips are in pain.
Examples of some humectants include: Propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and butylene glycol. Aloe vera gel. Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid.
Aquaphor tends to be a better moisturizer because it contains humectant ingredients and is occlusive, while Vaseline is only occlusive.
While all three hydrate skin, they do so in different ways. “Humectant ingredients can pull moisture to the top layers, moisturizing balms can soften and [add] moisture to the lips, and waxy [ingredients found in] ChapStick and Vaseline create a barrier to hold in moisture and prevent further dehydration,” says Dr.
Waxes and petroleum jellies are occlusive, while shea butter is a humectant. If your lips are cracked, Dr. Waldorf suggests avoiding balm that contains menthol or camphor, as those can sting.
“Lip balms containing ingredients like phenol, menthol and salicylic acid actually make your lips drier. So you apply more, and it becomes a vicious cycle.” Some of these product also cause a tingling feeling when you apply them. This either causes irritation or removes outer layers of the skin, like an exfoliant.
While the formulation of this product does contain moisturizing ingredients, it also contains ingredients that are known to potentially trigger allergic contact dermatitis of the lips, including flavors and lanolin. This is why I don't recommend this product for those with dry, chapped lips.
'” Teens are using Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm on their eyelids in an effort get high. Those who have taken part in beezin' say the peppermint oil causes a tingling and burning sensation, which creates a sensation of being drunk or high. Others have said it helps them stay alert.
Does Burt's Bees lip balm dry out lips? From my experience, no, Burt's Bees lip balm does not dry out lips. It's designed to keep the moisture in and prevent moisturise loss. It contains several moisturising ingredients that make skin smoother and several ingredients help to relieve any dryness.
Humectant ingredients attract and retain moisture, occlusive ingredients create a barrier to prevent water loss, and emollients smooth skin by filling in the cracks between cells. Shea Butter is an humectant, an occlusive, and an emollient.
“While coconut oil is a very good occlusant, it does not have humectant properties (it's in fact an anti-humectant, as coconut oil repels water),” Dr Williams explains.
Humectants are water-loving, or hydrophilic ingredients that attract water. They do this by either drawing moisture from the air to the stratum corneum, if humidity levels are high, or from deeper levels of the dermis if the outside air is dry.
Definition of humectant
: a substance that promotes retention of moisture.
Humectants and anticaking agents are used in very small amounts to safeguard the food supply and maintain quality during shelf life. Extensive research and testing have deemed these additives safe in approved amounts.
A humectant is a common moisturizing agent found in lotions, shampoos, and other beauty products used for your hair and skin. They're known for their ability to retain moisture while also preserving the overall properties of the product at hand.
Physicians warn that using the lip balm on one's eyelids could cause potential health effects including inflammation in the eye and swelling. That's due to the peppermint oil in the product, which causes a burning sensation.
Beezin' is the practice of applying Burt's Bees brand lip balm, often menthol or peppermint flavored, to one's eyelids. This practice, besides causing a stinging in the eyes, is purported to induce or heighten the sensation of being drunk or high, or create a state or perceived state of enhanced alertness.
It's made with all-natural ingredients
While some lip balms are full of all sorts of junk that isn't easy to pronounce, you'll recognize all of the 100 percent natural-origin ingredients in Burt's Bees. This balm is primarily made with beeswax, vitamin E, and peppermint oil.
Vaseline is an affordable, easy-to-find option in most grocery stores and pharmacies, and it's said to relieve dry skin, help heal wounds , and even help moisturize chapped lips.
Shea Butter is a rich source of numerous fatty acids and antioxidants, and can also provide topical skin-soothing benefits. Shea Butter is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to heal and prevent chapped lips.
Beeswax protects lips and retains lip moisture
Beeswax has lubricating, softening activities and reduces trans-epidermal water loss from skin1. This means it helps protect lips from becoming dry or chapped. Beeswax is also an occlusive, meaning it forms a moisturizing, protective layer on the surface of the lips3.
Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed. If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Slather on a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors.
You should try to use lip balm in moderation. In fact, some dermatologists believe that overuse could cause your lips to stop producing natural oils. They also caution that you could feel dependent on the balm for moisture. Despite these warnings, it's still safe for you to use lip balm every day.
Lip balms provide only temporary comfort, and some types can make scaly lips even drier. That's because, in part, when the thin film of moisture from the lip balm evaporates, it dehydrates your lips even more.