Lip skin differs slightly from that on the rest of your face in its moisture needs; to maintain optimal conditions on lips, avoid products containing menthol or other drying agents which could dry them out and strip the moisture from lips.
Licking and peeling the lips can lead to yeast growth or an inflammation known as angular cheilitis that results in redness, cracking and inflammation at the corners of your mouth.
Castor Bean
Oil from the seeds of this plant has long been used as an integral ingredient for lip care products, providing superior hydration, protection, and anti-ageing benefits to delicate lips. Furthermore, its rich source of essential fatty acids also aids in healing damaged and healing the lips.
Castor plant (Ricinus communis L) is a tropical, upright shrub or small tree growing to 40 feet tall, commonly found in winter hardy zones 9-11 and perennial elsewhere; reseeding itself. The mottled, oblong seeds contain poisonous ricin that, if accidentally consumed by humans or animals, may prove fatal; accidental ingestion usually only happens with large doses ingested. Sap, flowers and leaves from this species have all been known to cause skin conditions as well.
Castor oil, also referred to as ricin oil and caster oil, is extracted from the seeds of this plant using a cold pressing method that does not involve heat. When purchasing castor oil, ensure it is certified organic as this will guarantee no chemicals have been used during processing. Furthermore, select one which is fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free and free from artificial colouring to further ensure safe consumption. Castor oil should only ever be combined with natural ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil in order to ensure its purity and safety for use on lips. When combined with such components as shea butter or natural oils like jojoba, castor oil can create an effective formula to provide enhanced hydration, healing and anti-ageing benefits for lips.
Jojoba
Jojoba oil is an all-natural lip healer, providing fine line reduction, moisture to lips and overall healthier skin. Additionally, it can also be used as a make up remover and for treating infections – it has proven an ideal replacement for sperm whale oil which has become less environmentally-friendly over the years; Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum in terms of ingredients found within it such as essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
Odorless and colorless, it has a waxy consistency similar to mineral oil. Additionally, it’s extremely stable at high temperatures and resistant to oxidation since it does not contain any methylene interrupted double bonds – essential characteristics in terms of corrosion protection.
Lip Conditioner can easily absorb into lips, softening and protecting them against dryness while protecting from sunburn and other forms of damage to lips. Plus, its rich source of anti-oxidants, vitamin E, makes this an exceptional anti-aging treatment.
Jojoba, an important element of Jane Iredale products, provides gentle yet non-greasy protection to lips, helping prevent moisture loss while stimulating tissue renewal for soft, moisturized lips.
Jojoba seeds (Simmondsia chinensis) are harvested from a drought-resistant shrub native to semi-arid regions of both the US and Mexico. With its drought resistance, drought-proof flowers, dehiscent capsule that opens up to reveal one to three seeds and oil extracted from it found in over two dozen Jane Iredale products such as Beauty Prep Face Moisturizer, Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer, LipDrink Lip Balm PureMoist Lipsticks as well as providing luxurious texture in Lip Lover and Cherry Baby Lip Scrub.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil can easily be absorbed by the skin and provides essential fatty acids, helping it remain soft, supple and moisturized. Furthermore, hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties which may relieve itching or irritation caused by dryness. Furthermore, hemp seed oil protects against sun damage while providing vitamin A, B, D and E essential for healthy cells – making it an invaluable dietary addition.
Hemp Seed Oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help lessen the severity and duration of flare-ups for people suffering from atopic dermatitis (eczema). One study showed that oral consumption of Hemp Seed Oil reduced symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis in children. Furthermore, Hemp Seed Oil may promote healing for psoriasis, acne and other conditions related to inflammation in their skin.
Studies have demonstrated the beneficial properties of Hemp Seed Oil as an aid to managing hypertension symptoms. This is likely due to its rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids known to lower blood pressure. Furthermore, hemp seed oil offers numerous antioxidants which may help decrease chronic oxidative stress levels and keep health more secure.
Hemp Seed Oil has many therapeutic qualities, from strengthening immune systems and metabolism, to supporting normal hormone functions, to having antiviral, bacterial and fungal properties – and has even been used medicinally to heal wounds, accelerate hair growth and treat rashes or infections.
Hemp seed oil is an indispensable component of cosmetic and body care products. It can be added to face scrubs, lip balms, moisturizers, facial masks and other beauty treatments, including scrubs. Hemp seed oil can also be combined with Jojoba Carrier Oil and Cocoa Butter as carrier oils or combined with essential oils such as Geranium Neroli Orange Sweet essential oils to produce luxuriously soothing lip balms.
Honey
Honey is an invaluable ingredient in the kitchen that can help soothe chapped lips and restore moisture back into their delicate skin. Plus, its natural humectant properties keep lips hydrated even in cold weather or after wearing long-wearing lipstick.
Apply honey and beeswax directly onto your lips, or create homemade lip balm from them using coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils from The Healthy Hive’s simple recipe to soothe cold sores, fever blisters and cracked lips. Honey will soothe while beeswax will provide protection.
Honey has many great benefits for lips, such as its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Honey helps protect them from cracking and infections while soothing irritated skin and healing wounds faster. Plus it’s full of antioxidants and vitamins to make your lips appear healthier!
Apply a small amount of honey to your lips and rub it in with your fingers or cotton buds or pads; being mindful not to apply too much honey could make the lips sticky! Leave this on overnight before rinsing it off in cool water in the morning to ensure any residues have been properly removed.
Winter winds and temperatures can take their toll on lips, leaving them dry, cracked and chapped. For optimal protection and smooth, soft lips all winter long, choose natural treatments made of beeswax, shea butter and lavender essential oil instead of conventional chapstick containing mineral oil or petrolatum (derived from petroleum) in its formulation – DIY nourishing lip balm can keep them soft, smooth and moisturized all season long!
Essential Oils
Peppermint essential oil offers many benefits as a natural lip healer, including soothing dry lips and helping restore suppleness to skin. Plus, its refreshing flavour and scent make for an enjoyable experience while the menthol in peppermint oil provides cooling sensation on lips while moisturizing them further. Peppermint also promotes overall healthy complexion by increasing blood flow to promote circulation while exfoliating lips for healthy lips and to promote greater health overall.
Lemon essential oil can help improve the appearance of lips by reducing pigmentation and making them appear naturally pink. Furthermore, it can prevent cracking and itching as well as reduce redness and inflammation. As your lips are a sensitive area of the face, we advise using a 5% dilution rate when applying essential oils directly onto them.
Chamomile is a beloved ingredient in natural skin care due to its soothing properties and anti-inflammatory effects, helping reduce redness, irritation, and swelling on lips. Furthermore, its antiseptic, antifungal, and antioxidant properties make it a superb way to treat chapped lips.
Geranium essential oil is another natural remedy that can help soothe dry, chapped lips. Packed with moisturising and healing properties that include protecting them from UV radiation damage, it’s also ideal for sensitive lips as it reduces irritation while encouraging healthy skin growth. But remember, essential oils are not regulated pharmaceuticals so be cautious in using them, especially if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities; always conduct a patch test prior to applying any essential oils on the lips and avoid ingestion as essential oils are toxic substances!