HEALTH & BEAUTY
From Issue #14
Soothe Your Smile
Winter Tips For A Better Kisser
by Sumona Raha
The surfaces of our lips hold a certain amount of water, and when exposed directly
to the cold and wind they become irritated, which can lead to a dry, rough, and
painful pout. In some cases they peel, crack and eventually bleed. But this can be
prevented with proper care.
Chapped lips occur when natural moisture is lost, and
since our lips lack oil glands, this happens quite easily.
Apart from exposure to elements, which cannot be
helped, over-use of matte lipsticks, eating citric fruits
and licking your lips are common habits that can keep
you from smiling comfortably. Licking your lips may
provide temporary relief but the saliva digests the skin
cells leaving lips drier than before.
However, if the
smacking can’t be curbed, slather your lips with petroleum
jelly, and the saliva won’t be able to get through.
There are several ways of keeping your kisser in top
shape all year long. Keep your lips coated with lip
balm to seal in moisture or wear a creamy lipstick as a
protective barrier. Exfoliate your lips once a week. Wet
a soft toothbrush and gently brush your lips in a circular
motion. If your lips begin to flake, gently buff the
peeling skin with a washcloth,
then apply and reapply lip balm
as needed.
For lips that have already
begun to chap, search for a medicated
balm containing cooling,
pain-reducing ingredients such as
camphor, menthol and phenol.
For lips that refuse to yield to
balms and progress to the more
severe cracking and bleeding, try
an over-the-counter hydrocortisone
ointment.
Healthy lips and skin cells are
well nourished, well protected and
retain natural moisture, so use preventative
measures and drink
plenty of water to keep your lips in
top shape. Chapped lips also tend
to look thinner, appear wrinkled
and lose definition. And there’s no
question that eliminating dryness
will help restore volume and the
overall look of your lips. After all,
under all those stylish winter
clothes a big, painless smile can be
your most important accessory.
Make Your Own
Healing Lip Balm
You Need:
2 Tbls. Sunflower Oil
1 Tbls. Beeswax
1 Tsp. Cocoa Butter
1 Tsp. Honey
1 Vitamin E Capsule
(puncture capsule and use contents)
2 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
2 Drops Peppermint
Essential Oil
2 Drops Lavendar Oil
What to do:
Put the beeswax and oils into a small
bowl.
Put the bowl into a pot of water.
Heat the pot of water until the bees
wax has melted.
Remove the bowl
and gently stir in remaining ingredients.
Transfer into small lip balm
containers.
Let cool.
Use as needed!
*Great Gift Idea!Make a larger batch, pour into really
adorable containers, decorate with
ribbons, bows, stickers or glitter, and
give away.
