Tips for a good lip balm

Avoid ingredients like phenol, menthol and salicylic acid. We have heard people say that applying lip balm causes the body to stop generating natural moisture around the lips. That is just a myth. But it is true that some lip balms — typically those containing ingredients like phenol, menthol and salicylic acid — make the lips drier. You have to apply more, and it becomes a vicious cycle, Sometimes these cause a tingling feeling when you apply them. They either cause irritation or remove outer layers of the skin. They’re an exfoliant. Then you have less protection, and you’re more susceptible to environmental factors, so you have to apply more product. Avoid lip balms that contain those ingredients.

Limit your use of lip balms containing scents or added flavouring. The chemicals in scents and added flavourings can irritate your skin or cause allergies. They dry out the skin and then it can feel more chapped.

Find lip balm that is at least SPF 30. We suggests you use lip gloss or lipstick that’s at least SPF30 — and use sunscreen on your lips when you’re at the pool or beach. It is a myth that the shine in a lip gloss allows the sun’s rays to penetrate more — and increases the skin cancer risk. We do see skin cancer on the lips. But nothing in lip balms causes cancer.