what is lip balm

Lip balm is a wax-like substance applied typically to the lips to moisturize and relieve chapped or dry lips, angular cheilitis, stomatitis, or cold sores. It often contains beeswax, carnauba wax, camphor, cetyl alcohol, lanolin, paraffin, and petrolatum, among other ingredients. Some varieties contain dyes, flavor, fragrance, phenol, salicylic acid, and sunscreen. 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. Lips are particularly vulnerable because the skin is so thin, and thus they are often the first to present signs of dryness. Dry air, cold temperatures, and wind all have a drying effect on skin by drawing moisture away from the body. Occlusive materials like waxes and petroleum jelly prevent moisture loss and maintain lip comfort while flavorings, colorants, sunscreens, and various medicaments can provide additional, specific benefits. Lip balm can also help restore the much-needed moisture from your lips which is lost from dry air, colder temperatures, and wind exposure.