Take care of your lips: They are three times thinner than your skin!

Ingredients that Matter

Commonly quoted estimates claim that 60-80% of the products that we put on our lips are either absorbed directly into theskin or, in the case of lipstick and lip care products, swallowed. Cosmetics are not subject to FDA approval before hittingthe shelves. Even traces of lead have been discovered in as many as 30% of commercial lipsticks. This makes the quality ofthe products that we use for lip care an important part of an overall health regime.

Natural lip care is all about replacingquestionable or harmful ingredients with natural substances known for their soothing and healing effects. Aloe Verahas been used for centuries to soothe and heal dry skin after exposure to water, wind and sun. Aloe Vera is a succulent,short-stemmed plant with a high concentration of vitamins (A, B, C and E), more than 20 minerals, polysaccharides, fattyacids, salicylic acid, lignin, saponins and amino acids.

Calendula has also been used to heal sunburn, inflammation and skin irritations in many folk medicine traditions.Calendula is a member of the aster family, brought to the United States by early settlers around 1670. During the Civil War,calendula cream was used for treating wounds and amputations due to its antibacterial action. Calendula is widely used in hair and skin care products, soaps and first-aid remedies.

The medicinal use of chamomile dates back thousands of years to the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. Chamomile is usedtopically as a cream or ointment. Essential oils extracted from chamomile help to reduce swelling and may limit the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Chamomile can be used mouth wash as well as for lip care, and helps to eliminate oral infections and bad breath.

Other common lip care ingredients include bees wax, carnuba wax and other natural waxes, coconut oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and tocopherol (vitamin E). Natural waxes and oils help to condition lips and create a moisture lossprevention barrier. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant and anti-inflammatory used in external moisturizers, lip balm and other skin care products.

Why Do Lips Dry Out?

Lips are particularly susceptible to dehydration for a number of reasons. Lip skin is thinner than other surface skin, thus retaining less moisture. Lips also do not have oil glands to keep them supple and smooth. If the body as a whole is dehydrated, the lips are the first place where skin wrinkling and flaking will take place.

Drinking sufficient water is the first step for healthy lips. Protecting your lips from adverse weather and excessive sun is another key. Make sure to include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet to keep your moisture level high.

Key Vitamins for Healthy Lips

Lack of B vitamins may be related to chapped lips. Specifically, a deficiency of vitamin B-2 may result in cracked, painful lips. Not enough folic acid or riboflavin (B-2) can also be associated with lip problems. Vitamins Cand E are also critical for lip health. Vitamin C is critical in the production of a protein called collagen. Collagen and elastin help to maintain the flexibility of skin and lips. Vitamin E is essential for skin health, and protects the outer layers of skin from ultraviolet rays.

Vitamins for healthy lips can be found in a wide array of foods:

Sources of Vitamin B: Beans, Poultry, Whole Grains, Liver
Sources of Vitamin C: Oranges, Grapefruit, Leafy Greens, Broccoli, Potatoes, Bell Peppers, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower
Sources of Vitamin E: Wheat germ oil, Almonds, Corn Oil, Sunflower Seeds, Tomatoes, Kiwi Fruit, Spinach, Peanuts

Finding the Best Products for Lip Care

Lip Healer Lip Balm by CVC Specialties is a non-drying natural beeswax lip balm formula which includes aloe Vera, calendula, vitamin E, and chamomile: all 100% natural ingredients (Petroleum Free) for healthy lip care. In addition, Lip Healer Lip Balm offers SPF-15 sun protection to defend your lips from tough exposure all year round. Please visit http://www.lexorhealth.com for more information about our products.

Visit : http://www.lexorhealth.com/t/health-concerns/lip-care/