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Here're the best lip balms and treatments for winter 2024
Dry cracked lips are about as fun as a budget meeting, which is why it's important to give them the same TLC that you show your face and bod once the temperature dips.
Not sure how to tackle flakey dry lips? Or feel like you're on the hunt for a balm that doesn't leave your lips feeling greasier than Elvis's quiff? We feel you.
WH break down the causes of dry lips and the best treatments to help soothe and heal them.
The best lip balms and treatments for dry lips
1/ Best lip treatment
Jess Hunt, founder of the insta famous brand Refy, reveals exactly why you need her latest lip buffing beauty hero.
'Lip Buff is the lip care step you didn’t know you needed but honestly you won’t be able to live without it! To exfoliate my lips and prep for other lip products I used to use a toothbrush which was quite harsh so we knew there had to be a better way! Lip Buff contains a plant based plumping agent that gives instantly fuller lips without any tingling, and it also has a complex of 5 hyaluronic acids and amino acids to keep the lips hydrated. The unique applicator gently exfoliates the lips and the formula just brings them to life! It’s an absolute essential in my routine!'
2/ Best lip balm with SPF
This hydrating hero is packed with SPF so not only are your lips get a whole load of moisture but they're protected from the sun, too. Essential now the sun has made an appearance.
3/ Best lip treatment for cracked lips
Weleda Nipple Balm was actually created to soothe sore and cracked nipples but it also works wonders on your lips. Suitable for vegetarians (not vegans) it is both natural and ethically made.
4/ Best lip balm for dry lips
Almost 100% organic (99.7% to be exact) Neal’s Yard Shea Nut & Rosehip Organic Lip Formula (£7.50) is rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants which help repair your lips when they’re feeling run down.
5/ Best lip balm for holidays
Off for some winter sun? A mix of sun, sand and salty sea water can mean your lips can dry up quicker than your holiday spending money. Thankfully, this is packed with hyaluronic acid filling spheres to lock in hydration and omega 6 ceramide to protect the barrier of your lips. Apply before bed for the best results.
6/ Best lip balm to enhance natural glow
A brand loved by the likes of Kim K and Jessica Alba, this heavenly lip butter balm gives your pout a wash of colour while infusing it with moisture.
Why causes dry lips?
'Our lips help regulate our body temperature by allowing heat to leave through the permeable mucosal layers. Unfortunately because of this, they are not very good at retaining moisture. There are also zero oil glands within the lips, which means they can’t produce natural moisture and are therefore even more susceptible to becoming dry and cracked. If unprotected, then elements like cold weather and diet will equal in dryness and sensitivity', says Cosmetic Lip Doctor, Dr Esho.
How do you get rid of dry skin on your lips?
Lip scrubs are readily available but quite honestly it’s just the same as making your own. Dr Esho has the perfect at home remedy.
1. 'Mix one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of sugar. Massage the mixture into your lips and leave for 5 minutes or so before removing with a warm muslin cloth.'
2. 'Apply a thick layer of squalene to your lips. With a clean soft toothbrush, gently brush your lips in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes.'
3. 'Apply coconut oil to the lips and leave overnight and you’ll wake up to soft juicy smooth lips.'
Why are my lips so dry?
Kim Davies who is Head of Product Education and Training at Omorovicza advises doing the following will help in the fight against chapped lips.
Stop licking: Your Saliva has enzymes that break down the natural barrier of your lips and can cause dryness, soreness and inflammation.
Protect with SPF: Your lips are more susceptible to sun or cold burns due to the lack of melanin they contain and lip cancers are more common than you’d think, so don’t treat your lips as an afterthought.
Reduce your salt intake: You will already know that too much salt in your diet is not good for your health and you will probably also be aware that it dehydrates your cells and your skin. So if you want to stop your lips from drying, you know what to do.
Hydrate with H2o: It’s harder to find the incentive to drink water in the winter but hydrating from within is always the best way to up moisture in your skin.
Avoid matte lipsticks: As much as we love a matte texture they can be extremely drying on your lips. If you can’t leave them alone then always apply a lip balm before application to lock in some moisture first.
Which ingredients hydrate your lips?
Look for nourishing ingredients like:
Beeswax
Shea Butter
Hyaluronic Acid
Oils: Almond, Jojoba, Coconut, Eucalyptus, Squalene, Rosehip
Home remedy for dry cracked lips
This heavenly recipe from Neal’s Yard uses a combination of coconut oil, shea nut butter, and almond oil to condition and nourishes the lips. Beeswax forms a protective layer on the delicate skin, helping the lips to retain water and remain hydrated and smooth. Refreshingly fruity lime and lemon essential oils smell delicious and have a mild antimicrobial effect.
Coconut And Lime Lip Balm
Makes 40g (11⁄4oz)
Ingredients
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp shea nut butter
1 tsp almond oil
1 tsp beeswax
4 drops lime essential oil
1 drop lemon essential oil
How to make it:
Heat all the ingredients, apart from the essential oils, in a bain-marie (see p133) until the wax has melted. Remove from the heat.
Add the essential oils as the balm cools and mix well.
Pour into a sterilised jar and leave to cool for about 1 hour before placing the lid on. Store in a cool, dark place. Keeps for up to 3 months
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