Lips are particularly sensitive because of their thin skin and typically show signs of dryness before other parts of the body. Fortunately, applying lip balm will hydrate your lips and ease any discomfort from chapped or dry lips. It seems simple, right? Nevertheless, it's important for you to be aware that lip balm has both benefits and drawbacks.

Pros of Using Lip Balms

There are countless advantages to using lip balm. Whatever the skin type, it always occupies an important place in our daily lives. Needless to say, each part of our body needs equal care and attention, regardless of which one it is. Lips that are neglected can become chapped, dry, cracked, and occasionally even begin to lose their natural color. So, let's tackle the few advantages of using lip balms. 

Moisturizes Lips

We use lip balms for this very first reason. However, have you ever thought about the cause of our dry lips? Due to the lack of oil glands on our lips, they do not maintain the same level of moisture as our skin. So, in order to keep our lips from being dry, more effort is needed. 

Almost all of the seasons we experience in our lives makes it challenging to cope with chapped lips. Our lips lose all of their moisture due to dry weather and surroundings. That’s why lip balm is a lifesaver in these kinds of circumstances.

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Protection From Sun Rays

This topic is kind of popular. The first thing that comes to mind is whether or not SPF is necessary for lips. You may have heard how important it is to use sunscreen to protect our skin when where outside. It’s the same with our lips – your lips need sunscreen just as much as your face or other exposed skin does. Our lips' skin contains the protein collagen, but exposure to the sun causes it to break down. Therefore, you should apply lip balms with SPF to protect your lips from the sun.

Easy To Buy and Affordable

Lip balms can never be said to be a hassle. It comes in tiny tubes or containers that are suitable for fitting anywhere. It is also easily accessible – we’re willing to bet that you can go buy one at the nearest convenience store. 

Lip balms are also one of the most affordable options when it comes to lip protection. Although some, such as the flavored ones, could be a little more pricey, lip balms don't necessarily have to be expensive.

Cons of Using Lip Balms

Like many other items, the lip balm has some disadvantages. Here are some of them.

It Can Make Chapped Lips Worse

One of the most noticeable adverse effects of using lip balm is that some of it may cause your chapped lips worse. A common allergen is present in several lip balms, and it causes a lip rash that resembles cracked lips.

Harmful Ingredients

Certain lip balms have chemicals that can dry out your lips. Menthol, salicylic acid, and phenol are a few of them. You should stop using lip balms containing lip allergens if you don't want this risky reaction to occur to your lips. Citrus, mint, tea tree, eucalyptus, camphor, and lanolin are a few examples.

Possible Infection

Not everything ends there. Lip balms have the potential to cause infection. Any cosmetics might become contaminated if used repeatedly. Some like to apply lip balm with their fingers, while others prefer to use it in a lipstick-like manner. As a result, it is easier for bacteria and other germs from your hands to enter your mouth, which could have negative health effects. Changing your items and washing your hands before putting lip balm on your lips can help you from getting sick.

Types of Lip Balm

Now that you know the pros and cons of using a lip balm, here are a few types of lip balm to choose from.

Tinted Lip Balm

Consumers use the tinted lip balm to moisturize their lips as well as give them a radiant wash of color. If a don’t want to apply a heavy lipstick, tinted lip balms are a perfect alternative. For a daytime activity or a night out, tinted lip balm is necessary since it not only provides protection but also gives the lips a softer, more natural hue.

Medicated Lip Balm

Doctors may advise patients to use medicated lip balm if their lips are severely chapped. In comparison to the other lip balms, medicated lip balms are perhaps the most soothing and less irritating ones. 

Dermatologists frequently recommend this lip balm as a treatment for chapped lips and other problems affecting the lips. Just apply the medicinal lip balm straight to the lips depending on the prescription. It can also provide therapeutic or other medicinal compounds, such as hydrocortisone for bacterial infections. Unlike other lip balms, the medicated lip balm is essential.

Flavored Lip Balm

Lip balms that have flavoring like vanilla, mint, mango, and other fruity flavors are referred to as flavored lip balms. Why flavored lip balms, you might ask? The purpose of this type of lip balm is to moisturize as well as provide unique flavors to the consumer. 

The flavored lip balm is also suitable for occasional or everyday use. Flavored lip balm is important since it hydrates lips while offering customers various flavors and scents to choose from.

Plumping Lip Balm

A specific type of lip balm called plumping lip balm not only moisturizes the lips but also gives them a more rounded appearance. While it intends to protect the lips, they also include special ingredients that give them a fuller appearance. It is certainly the ideal solution if the customer is looking for an option to create full, apple-shaped lips. This is the best way to gain bigger, plumper lips without having to undergo costly lip augmentation.

Conclusion

Lip balms are necessary this winter season, especially for someone who has chapped lips. But still, be cautious when buying one because making the wrong choice could make your lips drier, or worse, affect your health.