Not everyone needs a lip balm. Good ways to keep lips hydrated are to drink more water (and less wine!), give up smoking, stay out of strong sunshine and eat fresh wholesome plant-based foods. If you choose to use a lip balm, note that most are made with non-biodegradable ingredients including petroleum jelly (this is like putting petrol on your smackers!) And most are also scented with non-biodegradable chemicals and sold in plastic tubes. These lip balms are all plant-based and free from palm oil, made with biodegradable ingredients in zero waste packaging.
Battle Green Natural Vegan Lip Balms are all sold in aluminium tins, made with natural, plant-based ingredients. Scented with essential oils (avoid for pregnancy/breastfeeding). These chunky lip balms are in five scents: rose, peppermint, mandarin, vanilla or lime.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing & affected medical conditions (epilepsy, asthma, heart – no rosemary, citrus or sage oil for high blood pressure). Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Keep essential oils & cocoa butter (toxic if licked) away from pets. Most sun protection lip balms contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide (toxic to pets) so don’t let animal friends lick your face/lips after use, until washed off.
Lip balm was invented by a doctor (someone bought the formula to turn it into chapstick). Before that, some people used ear wax! Lips get dry as there are just 3 layers of skin (compared to 16 on your face) and are so thin that blood shows through, which is why our lips are pink! They get thinner with age, although there are no sweat glands, so you’ll never get a pimple on them.
Dermatologist Clay J Cockerell MD says dry lips are nearly always caused by windy weather (due to thin skin). Fellow dermatologist Melissa Piliang MD says try not to lick your lips, as saliva can make even more dry. Also don’t scrub loose flaky skin with a toothbrush (this does not help) and avoid balms with camphor, menthol or eucalyptus, if your lips are sensitive.
Corinne Taylor Hydrating Lip Balm (Sussex) is made by an aromatherapist, and sold in an elegant glass jar. Made with organic jojoba and castor oils, a tree is planted for each order. Scented with rose geranium & mandarin, or Tangerine Peppermint.
Bristol Made Lip Balm has a beautiful creamy texture, to say goodbye to dry flaky lips for good. Made with organic shea butter, cocoa butter and rosehip seed oil, this balm is packed with fatty acids.
How to Prevent & Treat Cold Sores
Cold sores present as tingling burning marks, and sometimes a fluid-filled blister. Mostly harmless, they usually clear up in 10 days or so, but are contagious, so don’t go kissing anyone if you have one.
Never kiss a baby if you have a cold store, as it can cause a dangerous condition called neonatal herpes. Also don’t share towels, cutlery, lipstick while infectious. Avoid salt or acid foods, as these can make them worse.
The Ilex Wood Lemon Balm & Peppermint Lip Balm is designed to treat and deter cold sores. Lemon balm contains anti-viral properties and peppermint is refreshing and tingly. These are blended with shea butter and coconut oil to keep lips soft, and prevent chapping and blistering. People with a few outbreaks a year have found this balm helps to keep them at bay.
