The skin is the largest and one of the most complicated organs of the human body. Did you know that the average person has 2 square meters of skin?! Skin is soft and flexible enough to allow us to move, yet waterproof and strong- protecting us from pathogens & microbes. Skin can also heal itself!
Even though our skin is strong, it can still be easily damaged by chemicals and sunburn. In particular, the skin on our lips is very thin and delicate and requires special care. Many commercial lip care products contain synthetic chemicals. These chemicals are used to fragrance the products and preserve them - extending their life. Having products with a long shelf life benefits the company more than the us the end users! Certain fragrances (such as menthol) are known to be very drying and can really irritate the skin, especially if chapped.
I only use skincare products that I make myself on my skin. Apart from saving a LOT of money, the great thing about making your own is that you can guarantee that your skincare products;
Contain only the freshest ingredients
Contain no synthetic, man made chemicals
Nourish, soothe & hydrate instead of strip away moisture & irritate
That being said, petroleum jelly is a very good, inexpensive intensive moisturiser, especially for a quick dry lip, knee or elbow fix! It has a very thick texture that creates a barrier when applied to the lips, preventing even more moisture from escaping!
I personally do not apply petroleum jelly to my skin often as I find the texture greasy. I also find that certain brands contain a long list of additives.
I much prefer to create my own moisturising lip balm using natural butters and oils to maintain healthy lip skin .. reducing the need to turn to heavy creams like petroleum jelly as rescue remedies!
The secret to this moisturising balm recipe is it's not so secret ingredients! The base formula has just 3. Shea butter, coconut oil, & beeswax. Coconut oil & shea butter are high in fatty acids. They are great moisturisers and act as a barriers on the lips, keeping moisture locked in and the skin hydrated. The great thing about this moisturising balm is that the mixture is easily absorbed into the skin. The texture is silky without being too oily.
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. You can buy beeswax pellets from the store, or make your own beeswax by extracting it from honeycomb. I use fresh beeswax in my moisturising balm. Check out my other video here if you would also like to extract your own beeswax from honeycomb.
This recipe is very versatile- you can make it without fragrance, or add a few drops of essential oil to give it a scent that pleases you. I added a few drops of mandarin essential oil to my moisturising balm (see video below). Essential oils have many therapeutic benefits, if used correctly. Be aware that certain essential oils can become phototoxic, sensitising the skin when exposed to the sun/uv rays.
Essential oils should always be used sparingly and according to the instructions on the bottle. They are highly concentrated botanical extracts which can irritate the skin if applied incorrectly.
Some essential oils are safe to use on the lips and smell wonderful such as;
Mandarin
Spearmint
Geranium
Lavender
Finally, I added honey. In addition to smelling and tasting wonderful, honey is a humectant- attracting and retaining moisture.
I've given this recipe in simple measurements, so you can make as much or little as you want! Remember to adjust the amount of essential oil accordingly.
Essential oils lose their potency (and smell) over time. I store my moisturising balm in a screw top tin to keep it fresher for longer. One tin can last about 3-4 months, but I always finish it in just a few weeks! Its quite a versatile moisturiser so I use it on my elbows and knees as well.
I hope you enjoy trying this recipe!
If you decide to give this recipe a go, please share your thoughts, pictures and recipe tweaks. Good luck!
Method
Step 1.
Measure out the oils and waxes in a broiler or pan
Step 2.
Heat very gently, until just dissolved.
Step 3.
Allow to cool slightly.
Step 4
Add essential oil (if using) and mix well.
Step 5.
Pour the melted mixture into your chosen container.
Step 6.
Leave for at least 30 minutes to cool and set.
Step 7.
Use as you please!
Disclaimer
I'm very passionate about the management of autoimmune conditions in a healthy way.
I speak with medical professionals, read journals, try and test new recipes to share with you and diligently undertake research online. That being said, as you know, each autoimmune disease, as well as any set of symptoms you may be experiencing are unique.
All information provided is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure the appropriateness of any information in relation to your own situation.
And finally, please comment and share so we as a community better cope with our conditions by through growth and learning.