Do you suffer from chapped lips?
It's a common problem that many of us face, especially during dry or cold weather. There are many factors that can cause chapped lips, such as lip-licking, dehydration, a spicy or salty diet, or exposure to the sun. But don't worry, there are many ways to treat and prevent chapped lips.
DO YOU KNOW WHY LIPS FREQUENTLY CRACK OR GET CHAPPED?
Well, the skin on our lips is much thinner compared to other parts of our body and lacks oil glands. This means that the skin on our lips is more vulnerable to dryness and cracking, especially in harsh weather conditions. And if left untreated, chapped lips can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infections.
So, how do you treat and prevent chapped lips?
The usual go-to's include using lip balm, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding anything that can worsen the condition. There are many lip balms and lip creams available on the market that claim to be "natural," but sometimes these products contain irritating chemical ingredients. That's why making your own lip balm at home is the best way to ensure that you're using only natural ingredients on your delicate lips.
WHICH ESSENTIAL OILS CAN EFFECTIVELY ALLEVIATE CHAPPED LIPS?
And speaking of natural ingredients, have you ever heard of essential oils? They're oils derived from plants that have been used for their healing and moisturizing properties for centuries. Here's a list of essential oils that are great for treating chapped lips:
ROSE GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL
Rose Geranium Essential Oil is derived from the Pelargonium roseum plant, this oil has a sweet floral scent and is known for its moisturizing benefits. When applied to chapped lips, it can provide relief by soothing and hydrating dry, cracked skin, leading to faster healing. Its antiseptic properties can also help prevent infections in damaged lips.
Lavender Essential Oil is derived from the flowers of the lavender plant, this oil is well-known for its calming and soothing properties. In addition to its moisturizing and healing benefits, lavender oil also has antibacterial components, such as linalool, linalyl acetate, Lavandula, g
eraniol, and eucalyptol, that can help prevent infections in damaged lips.
ROMAN CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil - extracted from Anthemis nobilis, this oil is known for its calming and soothing properties. When applied to chapped lips, it can help soothe and hydrate dry, cracked skin, promoting faster healing. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce redness and irritation in chapped lips.
PALMAROSA ESSENTIAL OIL
Palmarosa Essential Oil is extracted from the Cymbopogon martinii plant, this oil has a sweet, rosy-lemon scent and contains compounds such as geraniol, myrcene, citronellol, and geranyl acetate. Palmarosa oil is beneficial for skin care, including treating chapped lips, as it has antiseptic, moisturizing, and soothing properties. When used for chapped lips, it can help soothe and hydrate dry, cracked skin for faster healing and prevent infections.
CARROT SEED OIL
Carrot Seed Oil is derived from the Daucus carota plant, this oil is known for its nourishing and rejuvenating properties. It's rich in antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, making it a great choice for treating chapped lips. When applied to chapped lips, it can help hydrate and soothe dry, cracked skin, promote healing, and prevent infections.
Here's an overnight lip mask recipe that you can try using essential oils:
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
- 2 tsp. sweet almond oil
- 5 drops carrot seed oil
- 2 drops of rose geranium essential
- 2 drops of lavender oil
- Vitamin E 1 capsule (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Mix the coconut oil, sweet almond, and essential oils in a small bowl.
- Apply the mixture evenly to your lips.
- Leave it on overnight while you sleep.
- Rinse off the mixture with warm water in the morning.
This lip mask is hydrating and nourishing, making it ideal for treating chapped lips. The coconut oil and honey provide deep moisturization, while the essential oil provides additional benefits, such as soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Choose the essential oil based on your personal preferences and skin type. Repeat this treatment as needed to maintain soft and healthy-looking lips.
It is important to note that essential oils should be used with caution, as they are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a carrier oil before use, and a patch test should be done to check for any adverse reactions. additionally, essential oils should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and if you have any concerns about using palmarosa oil, you should consult a healthcare professional.