Lip balm is a beauty staple for many people, especially during the dry and cold winter months. It helps to keep our lips soft, moisturized, and protected from harsh elements. However, applying lip balm might seem like a straightforward task, but there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind for the best results. In this blog post, we will explore the proper way to apply lip balm and some common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a lip balm newbie or a seasoned user, these tips will help you get the most out of your favorite lip balm products. So, let’s dive in and learn the dos and don’ts of applying lip balm!
Do choose a lip balm with quality ingredients
Choosing a lip balm with quality ingredients is essential for healthy and nourished lips. When selecting a lip balm, look for products with natural and organic ingredients such as beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, or jojoba oil. Avoid lip balms that contain synthetic fragrances, alcohol, or artificial colors, as they can dry out your lips and cause irritation. High-quality lip balms with natural ingredients will provide long-lasting hydration and protection without any harmful side effects. So, before you buy your next lip balm, make sure to check the ingredient list and choose a product with the best quality ingredients.
Don’t apply lip balm on dirty or chapped lips
It is generally recommended that you avoid applying lip balm on dirty or chapped lips. Here’s why:
- Dirty lips: If your lips are dirty, applying lip balm can actually trap dirt and bacteria on your lips, which can lead to irritation and infection. So, it’s a good idea to clean your lips with a gentle cleanser or warm water before applying lip balm.
- Chapped lips: If your lips are already chapped, applying lip balm may not be enough to provide relief. In fact, some lip balms can actually make chapped lips worse if they contain ingredients that irritate the skin, like menthol or camphor. Instead, try to gently exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or lip scrub before applying lip balm to help remove any dead skin and allow the balm to better penetrate the skin.
Overall, it’s important to maintain good lip hygiene and choose a lip balm that works for your specific needs to keep your lips healthy and moisturized.
Do exfoliate your lips before applying lip balm
Exfoliating your lips before applying lip balm can be helpful in removing any dead skin cells and allowing the balm to penetrate more effectively. However, it’s important to exfoliate your lips gently to avoid causing any damage or irritation.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Wet a soft-bristled toothbrush with warm water and gently brush your lips in a circular motion. This will help remove any dead skin cells without being too abrasive.
- Use a lip scrub: You can also use a gentle lip scrub to exfoliate your lips. Apply a small amount of the scrub to your lips and massage in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water and pat your lips dry.
- Avoid over-exfoliating: Exfoliating your lips too often or using harsh exfoliants can actually cause more harm than good. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week to avoid irritating your lips.
Once you’ve exfoliated your lips, apply a moisturizing lip balm to keep them hydrated and healthy.
Don’t apply too much lip balm at once
It is generally recommended that you don’t apply too much lip balm at once. Here’s why:
- Over-application can be wasteful: Applying too much lip balm can lead to wastage of the product, as excess balm can get wiped off or transferred to other surfaces like cups or utensils. This can lead to the need for more frequent reapplication of the balm.
- Can feel heavy or sticky: If you apply too much lip balm at once, it can feel heavy or sticky on your lips, which can be uncomfortable. It may also make it difficult to apply other lip products like lipstick or lip gloss.
- Can clog pores: Some lip balms contain ingredients that can clog pores if applied in excess. This can lead to irritation or even breakouts around the lips.
Instead of applying too much lip balm at once, start with a small amount and apply more as needed. If you find that your lips are still dry or chapped after applying a small amount, you can always apply more. This will help you avoid wastage of the product and also make it more comfortable to wear.
Do reapply lip balm throughout the day
Yes, it is generally recommended that you reapply lip balm throughout the day to keep your lips moisturized and healthy. Here’s why:
- Lips can become dry easily: Lips do not have oil glands like the rest of the skin on our body, making them more susceptible to dryness and cracking. Reapplying lip balm throughout the day can help to replenish the moisture that is lost due to factors like cold weather, wind, and indoor heating.
- Protection from the sun: Some lip balms also contain SPF protection to shield your lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Reapplying the lip balm every few hours can help to maintain protection and keep your lips safe from sun damage.
- Preventing lip licking: When our lips feel dry, it is a common habit to lick them in an attempt to moisten them. However, this can actually worsen the dryness and lead to further cracking. By applying lip balm regularly, you can avoid the need to lick your lips and help to keep them moisturized.
Overall, reapplying lip balm throughout the day can help to keep your lips healthy, moisturized, and protected from the elements.
Don’t share your lip balm with others
It is generally not recommended to share your lip balm with others. Here’s why:
- Risk of spreading infections: Sharing lip balm can lead to the spread of infections like cold sores or herpes. These viral infections are highly contagious and can easily be transmitted through sharing lip products.
- Hygiene concerns: Sharing lip balm can also raise hygiene concerns. Bacteria from one person’s mouth can transfer to the lip balm and then onto another person’s lips, increasing the risk of infection or irritation.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in lip balm. Sharing lip balm can increase the risk of an allergic reaction, as the allergen can be transferred from one person’s lips to another.
To avoid these risks, it’s best to use your own lip balm and avoid sharing it with others. If you do need to share, make sure to clean the lip balm thoroughly before and after use to minimize the risk of spreading infections or allergens. Alternatively, you can opt to use a disposable applicator like a cotton swab or a small spatula to apply the lip balm.
Do use lip balm with SPF for sun protection
Yes, it is recommended to use lip balm with SPF for sun protection. Here’s why:
- Lips are susceptible to sun damage: The skin on our lips is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of our body. This makes them more susceptible to sun damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
- SPF protects against UV rays: Lip balm with SPF can help protect your lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause damage to the skin cells and lead to sunburn or skin cancer. It’s important to use a lip balm with broad-spectrum SPF, which will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Helps keep lips moisturized: Lip balm with SPF can also help keep your lips moisturized, which is essential for preventing dryness and cracking. Many lip balms with SPF also contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or Cocoa Butter, which can help to keep your lips soft and supple.
When choosing a lip balm with SPF, make sure to choose a product with a high SPF rating (at least 15) and apply it regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Remember to reapply the lip balm after eating, drinking, or swimming, as well as every two hours to maintain its effectiveness.
Don’t lick your lips when wearing lip balm
It is generally not recommended to lick your lips when wearing lip balm. Here’s why:
- Can worsen dryness: Licking your lips can actually worsen the dryness and lead to further cracking. This is because saliva contains enzymes that can break down the delicate skin on your lips and strip away their natural oils, making them more susceptible to dryness and cracking.
- Can remove lip balm: Licking your lips can also remove the lip balm you have applied, leaving your lips exposed to the elements and susceptible to dryness, chapping, and sun damage.
- Can introduce bacteria: Our mouth contains bacteria that can be transferred to our lips when we lick them. This can increase the risk of infections, irritation, and inflammation on the delicate skin of our lips.
Instead of licking your lips, try to apply lip balm regularly throughout the day to keep them moisturized and protected. If you feel the need to moisten your lips, try drinking water or using a hydrating mist. This will help to keep your lips moisturized without introducing bacteria or removing the lip balm you have applied.
Do remove your lip balm before eating or drinking
Yes, it is generally recommended to remove your lip balm before eating or drinking. Here’s why:
- Can affect the taste of food or drinks: Lip balm can leave a residue on your lips that can affect the taste of the food or drinks you consume. This can be particularly noticeable with flavored lip balms.
- Can be ingested: When you eat or drink with lip balm on, some of the lip balms can be ingested. This is not harmful in small amounts, but regularly ingesting lip balm can lead to stomach upset or other digestive issues.
- Can be messy: Applying lip balm before eating or drinking can also leave residue on cups, utensils, or napkins, making them messy or sticky.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to remove your lip balm before eating or drinking. Simply wipe your lips with a tissue or cloth to remove any excess lip balm before taking a bite or a sip. After eating or drinking, you can reapply your lip balm to keep your lips moisturized and protected.
Don’t use expired lip balm
It is not recommended to use expired lip balm. Here’s why:
- Decreased effectiveness: Over time, the ingredients in lip balm can break down and lose their effectiveness. Expired lip balm may not provide the same level of moisturization, sun protection, or other benefits as a fresh product.
- Risk of contamination: As lip balm ages, it can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if it has been used or exposed to air. Using expired lip balm can increase the risk of infections, irritation, or allergic reactions.
- Changes in texture or smell: Expired lip balm may also change in texture or develop an off-putting smell. This can be a sign that the product has gone bad and should not be used.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to check the expiration date of your lip balm before use and dispose of any products that have expired. As a general rule, lip balm should be replaced every 6-12 months, or sooner if it starts to look or smell different. To extend the life of your lip balm, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and avoid exposing it to air or moisture.