hidden pixel

Lip Balm Information

Lip balm or lip salve is a form of make-up topically applied to the lips of the mouth to relieve chapped or dry lips, angular cheilitis or stomatitis, and cold sores. Lip gloss is similar in the fact that it is topically applied to the lips of the mouth, but generally has only cosmetic properties. The balm is usually manufactured from beeswax, petroleum jelly, menthol, camphor, scented oils, and various other ingredients. Some things also add vitamins, alum, salicylic acid, or aspirin. Some lip balms also contain octinoxate, avobenzone, or other sunscreens to minimize sun damage.

The primary purpose of lip balm is to provide an occlusive layer on the lip surface to seal moisture in lips and protect them from external exposure. Dry air, cold temperatures and wind all have a drying effect on skin by drawing moisture away from the body. Lips are particularly vulnerable because the skin is so thin, and thus they are often the first to present signs of dryness. Occlusive materials like waxes and petroleum jelly prevent moisture loss and maintain lip comfort while flavorants, colorants, sunscreens and various medicaments can provide additional, specific benefits.

Lip balm usually comes in tiny containers; either one in which a finger is used to apply it to the lips, or in 'stick' form (similar to lipstick) which is applied directly to the lips.

The first lip balm was actually made out of earwax.[1] It was functional, but the taste was undesirable.

Notable brands

Addiction/dependency urban legend

An urban legend, as described at Snopes,[2] touts the unsupported theory that some unknown chemical ingredients in lip balm promote addiction or dependency. Lip balm manufacturers state that all ingredients are listed and approved by the FDA, and often answer the addiction question in their FAQs.[3][4] Some products actually list the lack of dependency as a differentiating product feature.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "First Lip Balm". New York Times, About.com. 2008. http://beauty.about.com/cs/facialskin/a/lip_care.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  2. ^ Lip Balm entry on snopes.com
  3. ^ Blistex FAQ
  4. ^ Carmex FAQ

Categories: Skin care

 

The above information uses material from Wikipedia and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Some facts may not have been fully verified for accuracy. [Disclaimers]
This page was last archived by our server on Sun Nov 13 03:56:44 2011.
Displaying this page or its contents does not use any Wikimedia Foundation's resources.
The owners of this site proudly support the Wikimedia Foundation.

More Information Results for "Lip Balm"
[Hide]▼
[Hide]▲