Let me Borrow your Lip Balm!

 


The first commercial lip balm was created in the 1880s by Dr. Charles Browne Fleet, though people had been making their own moisturizing lip treatments for centuries before that.

Most lip balms work through a combination of emollients (which soften the skin), occlusives (which lock in moisture), and sometimes humectants (which attract moisture). Common ingredients include:

  • Beeswax or plant-based waxes for protection
  • Oils like coconut, jojoba, or shea butter for moisturizing
  • Vitamin E as an antioxidant
  • SPF ingredients in some formulations for sun protection

While lip balm is primarily used to prevent and treat chapped lips, it's important to know that overuse can sometimes cause dependency - your lips may produce less natural oils if you apply lip balm too frequently. Additionally, flavored lip balms can sometimes encourage lip-licking, which actually makes dryness worse.

An interesting medical fact is that the lips lack oil glands, unlike most other skin on our bodies. This makes them particularly susceptible to drying out and explains why they need extra protection, especially in cold or dry weather.


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