Chapped Lips!
It's a year-round problem, but as much of the world is heading into the colder season now I thought it best to address this nuisance that tends to be worse in winter. Not just because of lower temperatures and icy winds, but your water intake generally decreases, and rich, seasoned foods increase. Who keeps ice water constantly within reach as often in January as in July? Get to it! In cold months, you're probably more likely to sit down with a bowl of hot soup or chowder than salad or cold sandwich. Why is this important to consider first?
- Sodium! S-o-d-i-u-m C-h-l-o-r-i-d-e. Usually in the form of plain ol' salt. We all know reducing our sodium intake is a good idea, but too much in your diet easily has an affect on skin.
- Smoked salmon chowder from Ivar's (Seattle area) is superb. It's so addictive, last year I spent $80 on a case of frozen packs. Filled the entire freezer. Aside from the fat content, it has a rather annoying amount of sodium. Am I going to give this kind of delicious joy up? Not even to a hungry grizzly. So, when you know your diet is higher in salt that it should be (yours probably is), do what you can to reduce it, or at the least, try to balance it with potassium (bananas and potatoes are great; most supplements have low amounts) and plenty of water. I just totally buggered up this bullet list.
- MORE water. Seriously, more. Reduce your coffee intake if you drink more than 2-3 cups per day, and try oolong and green teas (brewed, not sugary junk) in their place. They're much better for you. Water. Also, drink some water. In my workplace we all use those big Thermos mugs with lids to keep particles out. Have I mentioned water yet?
But what about the scratchy ugly chapped skin on lips that make lipstick look splotchy and, let's face it, gross? That needs to be removed. Dead skin cells, waiting to be removed. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, but it won't happen in one attempt.
- Sugar scrub. Make your own (granulated sugar and honey, sugar and toothpaste, etc) so you're not using soap or chemicals around your mouth, or check Indie skincare companies like Haus of Gloi; many make great natural scrubs you can use for this. Gently rub a bit of wet scrub across your lips for a few minutes every day or two. Rinse and apply a natural balm or pure oil like jojoba or olive.
- Toothbrush. Buy a child-size soft toothbrush and use it as an exfoliating brush 2-3 times a week, using a little oil or balm as a lubricant.
- Microfibre washcloth. These little buggers can be ridiculously expensive, and for no reason at all. Go to en automotive store or section of Target/Wal-Mart/wherever, and pick up a pack of soft microfibre auto cloths. They're usually polyester & nylon, but the content is of little importance. These won't hurt your face; they're designed to treat a beloved car's finish and vinyl like a newborn. Anyway, use one, wet, to exfoliate your lips, but not every day. If any of the above methods cause irritation or undue redness, stop doing it.
Balm!
Ah yes on to that part. This, as with everything, is based on my own findings & experience and are naught but personal recommendations. If you already have a balm you adore, by all means, use it.
- Avoid beeswax. Waxes repel moisture of course, but beeswax is pretty high on the list for additional irritation due to its natural...nature. Best to avoid balms with a wax as the primary ingredient. Butters and oils are more skin-friendly.
- Avoid petroleum/parrafin wax/mineral oil. These aren't really going to help your skin, and serve to keep moisture away from it.
- Shun the commercial brand lip balms (except! Get one with decent SPF for when you're outdoors) and check reviews for popular indie companies (Etsy and beyond). You can find so many great balms in neat flavours (or none) at low enough prices that trying several at a time makes perfect sense. Vegan options are easy to find, and perhaps the majority of small manufacturers are using carnauba wax and candelilla wax in place of beeswax. Or hey, make your own! There are kits out there from several places online.
- Natural butters and oils. If you have shea butter, cocoa butter, etc, these are great on delicate skin as a protectant. Same with jojoba, olive, almond, sesame (and many other natural) oils. Don't use pure Neem oil. Holy hells that stuff tastes like the arse-end of a sick baboon. Not that I've ever been that close to one, but you get the picture.
