What’s on Your Lips?

Can your lipstick be toxic or addictive? Do any lipsticks actually cause chapping? Well, let’s find out.

Lipstick May be Toxic

In 2007 the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found lead in half of the 33 brand name lipsticks they tested. Although the FDA has no standards for regulating cosmetics and the test lead levels would not pose a threat for most women, the authors of the report advise that pregnant women and small children avoid using lipstick. Lead exposure disrupts normal development. Even low levels of lead can add up.

Say Goodbye to Dry

To prevent dry, chapped lips, look for ingredients such as glycerin, beeswax, natural oils, or petrolatum. Choose lip balm products that are ointment formulations containing very few ingredients, ideally less than five. Petrolatum is the ‘gold standard’ for moisturizing the lips and skin.

Irritation Ingredients

Some chemicals found in lip balm can be irritating and cause allergic reactions. If you keep buying lip balms that leave your lips dry, itchy, or unnaturally red, try avoiding ingredients like parabens, fragrances, glycolic or salicylic acid, oil of cloves (contains eugenol) and lanolin. Menthol and camphor can cause a tingling sensation which can also irritate, but the effects are not drying.

Can You Become Addicted to Lip Balm?

Good news. There is no research to prove that any ingredient in lip balms is addictive.

Maximize the SPF

Even waterproof sunscreens and lip balms may lose their effect after 40 minutes in the water. To maximize the benefits of these products, apply them about 15-30 minutes before going out into the sun. Re-apply them every 2 hours or after swimming or heavily sweating. For added protection, consider applying a heave coat of lipstick.

The Enemies of Protection

Lip sunscreens are not resistant to water, food, or licking your lips. Heat can also degrade sunscreens, so don’t leave them in your car. For the most part, properly stored, sunscreens have a shelf life of about 1 year.

Anti-Aging Actions

Lip treatments that contain retinol, glycolic acids, or antioxidants may be helpful, but beware. Retinol and acid may also irritate skin, so always moisturize frequently. Keep your lips as hydrated as possible to hide lines and wrinkles. Use products with sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to guard against sun damage and possible skin cancer.

How Long Until I Notice a Difference?

Nothing can reverse skin damage so it would be wise to take precautions before signs of aging or damage appear. That said, if tale-tell signs are already appearing, all you can do is try to prevent future damage. Always moisturize frequently.