Learn more. Occlusives. "After saliva evaporates, the lips are often even drier than when it started." One way you can help your skin and hair collect more moisture is to use products with humectants., Humectants are substances that attract water from the air or from deeper in the skin. And the lip balms that are the most coveted, and last the test of time, have one thing in common in their formula. The humectant will draw in moisture while the occlusive will lock in that moisture in, and the emollient will keep the skin soft and smooth. I'm absolutely obsessed with our new formula and have no less than five tubes in my arsenal at any given moment. Extremely dry or irritated skin types need an occlusive moisturizer - especially at night and in the winter months. This one isn't a balm, technically, but it does do an important job when it comes to healing chapped lips and that job is gently buffing off dead skin without causing an increase in damage. Thats why most products combine humectants with occlusives to make sure that moisture doesnt escape into the air. Emollients come in many different varietiesfrom plant-based oils and butters to fatty acids, ceramides, and synthetically made oils. Best Healing Ointment: Avne Cicalfate Restorative Lip Cream, $18. Look for a lip balm that contains a mixture of humectant and occlusive ingredients not humectants on their own. Without occlusives, the moisture that the humectants pull out simply vanishes on the surface of the skin, leaving lips drier than they were in the first place. Take a peek at some of these lip-loving products that you can apply over and over without stripping your lips of the good stuff. Whats more, you can use Bag Balm on any part of your body that is dry, chafed, or cracked. Dermatologists recommend against using lip balms containing Humectants, otherwise known as Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin. Some emollients and occlusives are also comedogenic, which means they have the potential to block pores and cause acne. A great approach is to look for products that combine all three of these in one formula. The NMF can become depleted with age and also from routine exposure to sensitizing ingredients like drying cleansing agents and denatured alcohol. Copyright 1999 2023 GoDaddy Operating Company, LLC. Good ol Vaseline is a dermatologist favorite due to its simple formula of 100% petroleum jelly. A 2021 review notes that urea helps enhance the stratum corneum by increasing hydration and improving the skin barriers integrity. The new and improved formula uses a blend of ingredients that instantly softens the skin and deeply hydrates, keeping them feeling comfortable all day long. If my lips are at their worst, a nice thick layer of this balm helps to soothe them drastically. It also boasts jojoba, coconut, and olive oils to seal in moisture. In addition to these moisturizing ingredients, this formula uses Encapsulated Retinol Technology to deliver a higher concentration of retinol to your skin overnight. "The delicate vanilla-rose scent of this balm is so light it's almost not there," one reviewer raved. While an emollient will provide some occlusive effects, the primary function is to help soften the skin. Using emollients can help to fill in the spaces between dead skin cells where the barrier has been depleted, ultimately leading to soft hydrated skin. Indeed, it's becoming known as a petroleum jelly dupe because of the similarities: Petrolatum is a mix of mineral oil and paraffin waxes, making the texture remarkably similar. 4. Check out the ingredients of your lip balm. Overall, the LANO brand has a full range of lanolin-based products that are ideal for hydrating and moisturizing." Triple Lanolin Hand & Body Lotion $11.00. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. In hair care, humectants perform a similar function. This will actually make things worse since that moisture will also evaporate and leave you feeling drier. "Humectants are basically 'water magnets,'" board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., founder of SKINFIVE, told us about the class of ingredients. Lip Plumper. To get to the bottom of what makes a good lip product, Dr. Chang broke it down in an easy manner. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may. For ease, here are some popular humectants to look out for on the ingredient list: Emollients are a class of ingredients that soften and condition the skinthey sink into the cracks, helping nourish and heal the barrier. Some humectants are also emollients, just as some humectants are also occlusives. Emollients also help replenish any damage on the surface of your skin. Here are some great options to use for your lips: Finally, the balm needs thick ingredients that can act as a sealtrapping in all the moisture underneath and offering a barrier of protection throughout the day. They may also help with the treatment of . When used for wound healing after surgery, Vaseline has shown to cause less redness at the wound site than Aquaphor. It contains glycerin to draw in moisture, shea butter and beeswax to protect, chamomile . Thats one of the factors that leads to dry, aging skin. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Chemically speaking, humectants are hygroscopic substances that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. It comes in two colorwaysuluru red . You dont have to opt for anything fancy. Made with Lanolina deeply moisturizing oil naturally occurring in sheep's woolit mimics the skin's own oils to heal and hydrate. This leads to visibly dry, tight-feeling, flaky skin. ). Older research from 2012 states that hyaluronic acid helps speed up wound repair and reduces scar appearance. Why Trust Us? This bonding helps moisturize the skin by drawing water from the lower cell layers. Emollients soothe and soften rough, dry skin on the lips. It can be used on any part of the body that has dry, irritated skin. She spends most of her days diving into the latest wellness trends, writing and editing stories about health conditions, testing skincare products, and trying to understand the next greatest internet obsession. However, when occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, waxes, oils and silicones are paired with humectant ingredients, they make sure your lips aren't drying out after application. Unlike other moisturizing agents, such as humectants and . These work by creating a barrier, often consisting of a plant oil or butter, over the skin or hair. , Speak with your doctor or a dermatologist about the condition of your skin or hair if you can't find relief from dry or oily skin, or youre worried about underlying health issues. Humectants are useful for adding hydration without feeling heavy or oily. Since humectants slow water from evaporating in the epidermis, they help to keep the skin hydrated. Overall, the best facial moisturizer is Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer, a lightweight antioxidant-rich formula that delivers multi-level hydration, thanks to a proprietary active complex of three natural bio-ferments. Aquaphor isn't just an ointment or a lip balm. Best Stick: Lano . The exfoliant here comes courtesy of sugar crystals, a favorite option of Dr. Maiman due to the natural humectant properties in sugar. Beeswax protects lips and retains lip moisture. It has peppermint in it so it tastes fresh but can only be used on intact skin. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. This hydrating anti-aging formula contains humectants like glycerin, gluconolactone, sodium lactate, and Aloe vera leaf juice to draw moisture into the skin. Since then, the FDA has approved of it as an effective over-the-counter skin protectant, and it's been used as makeup remover, lubricant and homemade lip balm. For example, AHAs are also exfoliants. The super thick formula melts down nicely, and a little goes a long way for healthier lips come morning. This article discusses humectants and the products that contain them, as well as examples and benefits. For those who like a hint of tint, your Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. Occlusive emollients such as lanolin, emulsifying ointment, and liquid paraffin work by covering the skin with a protective film, preventing water loss. Shop: Balm Dotcom, $12 Credit: Glossier Be sure to use a moisturizer that doesnt depend on humectants only. Although there are various examples of humectants, some are more commonly used. They provide a layer on the skin surface that helps protect against water evaporation. Occlusive moisturizers contain ingredients that create a physical barrier on top of the skin that helps prevent trans-epidermal water. Examples of products that can contain humectants include: Many ingredients act as humectants, including: All humectants have slightly different properties. Beeswax is also an occlusive, meaning it forms a moisturizing, protective layer on the surface of the lips 3. Dry air, cold temperatures and wind all have a drying effect on skin by drawing moisture away from the body. Examples of emollients include the following: Emollient ingredients help to repair the skin barrier function. As previously mentioned, beeswax is a common ingredient in lip balmsespecially those of the homemade varietythanks to its humectant properties . Without occlusives, the moisture will evaporate and your skin will be left drier than it was before. In that case, you could have an actinic keratosisa precancerous skin condition caused by excessive sun. A lip balm that contains SPF can help protect you from harmful UV rays. Chapsticks tinted lip moisturizer is a total winner for those looking to amp up hydration without the fuss of an extra lip color. Pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash. A mild steroid, such as 1% hydrocortisone, can reduce inflammation if your lips are in pain. Last medically reviewed on March 30, 2022. Ask a Beauty Editor: Why Are My Lips Always Dry and Peeling? Our top choice for the best chapped lip treatment is the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, which is effective, budget-friendly, and contains moisturizing ingredients, as well as SPF. So what makes a good lip moisturizer? "When you pair the function of a humectant with the moisture-preserving properties of petrolatum, you are left with a highly effective combination of ingredients that both optimizes water content and locks it in where it's needed. Aside from humectants, personal care products often contain emollients and occlusives. Moringa-based formula which feeds your skin antioxidants, instantly hydrates, and protects your lips. Counterintuitively, some lip balms can make dry lips worse by contributing to chapping. Avocado and jojoba oil lock in moisture and make this a multi-use product. . To be safe, Dr. Nussbaum recommends avoiding parabens, phenol, phthalates, fragrances, and lanolin altogether if you have sensitive skin. He likes that its fragrance-free, oxybenzone-free, hypoallergenic, offers broad-spectrum UVA / UVB protection, and more. The formula is lightweight and non-greasy, and it has SPF 30meaning your lips will be covered from drying elements and the sun! Arch Physiother Glob Res. . "Lipid application is beneficial for aging skin where natural lipids have been depleted by . Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. It's great for the short term but won't help chapped lips heal. lip balm. Providing shine without being sticky or greasy, this lip balm offers everything you need for a full, hydrated pout. Lipstick. A great option for those who want something a bit more luxe. These substances create a barrier on the surface of dry skin or hair to lock in moisture.. People can find them in a wide range of personal care products. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should avoid most occlusives except silicones. Vaseline is an occlusive emollient thanks to its main ingredient: petrolatum. Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing all-star, so it makes sense that it's featured front and center in this cult-favorite lip balm which also features vitamin E. In combination, these two ingredients attract much-needed moisture and lock it in without feeling goopy or sticky on your lips. Although the balm is a light pink, it morphs on your lips to create an individual color using what Dior calls "Color Reviver Technology." THIS SITE IS AFFILIATED WITH FORMULYST AND CARROT & STICK, WHOSE PRODUCTS ARE AMONG THOSE WE REVIEW AND RANK. 2015;19(1):7-15. Some humectants for skin work as exfoliators that remove dead skin cells and debris first, leaving you with a smoother complexion and allowing for cell turnover. Even the sun protection is natural, non-micronized mineral zinc, a rarity given that many lip products use chemical sunscreen ingredients. Mind your reaction: Even some traditionally helpful ingredients, like beeswax, can cause allergic reactions in people, says Dr. Feely. Amber Rambharose is a freelance beauty writer and editor. Specifications. COOLA Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30$18. There are also things you should avoid doing to your lips when they're already chapped, including one that might seem counterintuitive: licking your lips to wet them. That doesnt mean you should avoid humectants in your lip balmsjust look for those ingredients alongside the occlusive agents. Humectants, on the other hand, tend to be noncomedogenic and non-oily. A 2017 study notes that emollients consist mostly of lipids, such as natural oils and waxes. Secondly, you need to be careful of lip balm recipes that include humectant ingredients WITHOUT the presence of occlusive ingredients. Here, the best chapped lip treatments to get you through the winter and beyond. This is because humectants work like a magnet and draw water out of whatever is nearby. According to Dr. Ugonabo, basic is usually better, at least when it comes to healing chapped lips. Whats more, Aquaphor is free of fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, so its a great option if you have sensitive lips. As people age, they have a higher risk of developing dry skin. For chapped lips. Lanolips has given me lips that don't peel, chap, crack, and bleed, writes one satisfied customer. But have you ever considered the different types of moisturizers? Thus, one type is not necessarily better than the other. FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive: LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT: CETEARYL OLIVATE Data . With squalane in its name, Biossance creates a non-tacky, moisturizing product that youre sure to love. You've probably seen it on Instagram, and it gets a derm's approval, too. Thankfully, there are some workarounds, starting with using the best lip balms for chapped lips, all expert-vetted below. This preservation of skin hydration helps prevent dry skin and eczema, reports research from 2018. DIY beeswax lip balm. Blistex Lip Balm, which has both occlusive and humectant properties, is a fantastic example. hydrocarbon portion), allowing the overall molecule to be polar enough to attract water. I would wake up the next day with the same cracked, peeling lips. Lip balms made with white petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, beeswax and ceramides help lock in moisture. Humectants May Cause Lip Balm Addiction To avoid this problem, only use lip balms that contain both humectants and occlusives. Humectants are substances that attract water. Here, what the best, most high-quality balms do in their formulas. It slows the evaporation of water from the skin and helps protect against microbes. Humectants include ingredients such as glycerin, urea, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, American Academy of Dermatology Association, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5908267/, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31945604/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23521561/, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-021-00611-y, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22525567/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/. ), Vaseline is a great choice if your lips are sensitive, irritated, or if you suffer from allergies. Theyre often added to food products as anti-caking agents. It positively affects consumers' lips because it is made of 100% herbal ingredients containing a combination of an emollient, a humectant, and an occlusive agent to enhance the duration of the . In skin care, they draw water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer. buy now. This is in comparison to an occlusive-only wax or jelly balm that merely coats the surfaceor shiny and plumping numbers that are there for aesthetic purposes only. Occlusive ingredients, such as petrolatum, beeswax, and shea butter, create a physical barrier to prevent moisture loss." Unless you were blessed with supernatural membranes, winter weather probably causes your lips to get extra dry and flaky. Emollients and occlusives tend to be heavier ingredients. It's also possible to become addicted to medicated balms since some active ingredients can make your lips more sensitive and prone to cracking. Here's What Derms Want You to Know, Ask a Beauty Editor: 4 Best Ingredients for Dry Skin (and the 2 Worst), The 11 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin of 2023, The 12 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin of 2023, The 12 Best Face Oils of 2023 for Every Skin Type, The Best Skincare Routine for Eczema, According to Dermatologists, Allergenic potential of cosmetic ingredients. SPF is also key, even in winter. But if you find yourself slathering a bit too often, we have some bad news: Your precious lip balm may be causing more harm than good. This Jack Black lip balm promises "intense therapy," and frankly, it delivers. You can also use it as a preventive treatment: Slather this on your lips if you know youre going to be spending lots of time outdoors in colder tempssay, before you head out skiing or hikingto keep your skin protected from windburn. In addition, humectants can draw water vapor from the air to help moisturize the skin if the humidity is over 50 percent. All Rights Reserved. "For dry lips, you want something that is moisturizing and occlusive, meaning that it's actually going to seal in the moisture," says Dr. Ugonabo, who recommends occlusive ingredients such as petroleum jelly, shea butter, mineral oil, and ceramides. A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water loving) groups, such as hydroxyl groups (OH) and/or amine groups (NH2). Unfortunately, some skin care brands may use high concentrations of humectants in their products that are claimed to provide anti-aging effects without any other ingredients to correct signs of aging. And if you have chapped lips, you probably always have a tub/tube/stick of lip balm on call and slather religiously throughout the dayhow else are you supposed to avoid the temptation of licking? Fix My Skin lip balm (or the larger balm) is ideal for irritated chapped lips because it contains 1% hydrocortisone, a mild steroid, to reduce inflammation, says Dr. Waldorf. Instantly hydrating and nourishing. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It also has some unique moisturizing properties as it is both occlusive and humectant . "Humectant ingredients absorb water so that it stays [locked] into the skin" says Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, which helps to keep the skin hydrated.Popular options for normal to dry skin include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid, and aloe vera, which often appear in both serums and moisturizers, but Dr. Macrene Alexiades MD PhD, a triple board . Common occlusive ingredients include petrolatum, silicones, waxes (like carnauba or beeswax), and most oils and butters, Neuser says. Learn about skin types and how to identify them here. Made from nutrient-dense butters and hydrating oils like cocoa butter and sweet almond oil, this rose-flavored balm will leave you with soft lips. This lip balm is so gentle, it can be used on areas other than your lips. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. What gives? Dr. Amin says he uses this lip balm after FixMySkins heavy-hitting chapstick. Burt's Bees Lip Balm , on the other hand, is an excellent choice because of its excellent balance of occlusives and humectants. This can lead to symptoms of dryness, itching, and irritation, and may eventually cause skin conditions such as acne, eczema, sensitive skin, and even signs of aging. Humectants hold on to water, and occlusives keep it from evaporating, explains Dr. Baumann. A cult favorite, this hydrating lip treatment from Fresh earns a stamp of approval from Shari Marchbein, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine. So, its always best to ask your doctor if youre concerned. The OH and NH2 groups hydrogen bond with water, essentially grabbing it and holding it on the skin. Unlike the rest of the skin which has a thick stratum corneum (dead cell layer) for extra protection, the lips do not, so they are even more prone to winter dryness, says Dr. Waldorf. NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., FAAD, likes lip masks because they typically have a higher occlusive content than lip balms.Occlusives are hydrating ingredients that form a protective barrier between the lips and elements that prevent moisture loss, similar to slugging for the lips.. Not only can dry skin cause discomfort, but it can worsen conditions like eczema or put you at risk for skin infections. The answer lies in the ingredients. 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