If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with crusty, chapped lips (especially during the winter months) then you’ve found yourself in the right place! Chapped lips are incredibly annoying, and can totally alter your confidence and comfort.
Today, we’re talking about how + why you should be using CBD as lip balm. We have to warn you though; once you try this beauty hack, you won’t be able to go back to brand name lip balms ever again.
You can thank us later…
First Of All, What Causes Chapped Lips?
Before we dive into the benefits of CBD for chapped lips, it’s helpful to understand what causes lips to become dry and cracked in the first place.
Here’s a quick biology lesson: Your lips don’t contain oil glands like other parts of your skin do. What does this mean? Well, it means that your lips are going to be more susceptible to drying out than other parts of your body. This lack of proper moisture makes this issue worse- whether it’s induced by the weather or lack of self-care. Frequent sun exposure in the summer can also worsen your situation. Another common cause of chapped lips is habitual licking. The saliva from your tongue strips your lips of moisture, making them dry and flaky.
Taking certain medications* can also increase your risk of developing chapped lips. Some of the things that can cause chapping include:
- vitamin A
- retinoids (Retin-A, Differin)
- lithium (used to treat BPD)
- chemotherapy drugs
*Talk to your doctor if you’re taking any of the above and are experiencing dry, chapped lips. Oftentimes dehydration is a serious condition which requires immediate medical attention.
SO, what is there to do about dry lips? Have you tried everything from organic coconut oil to fancy lip masks? Well, we might have the perfect solution for you…
Why You Should Be Using CBD On Your Lips
CBD beauty products range from “extremely helpful” to “totally ridiculous” (looking at you CBD nail polish), but CBD lip balm should definitely be thrown into the helpful column.
Here are just a few of the reasons why we’re so ~obsessed~ with using full-spectrum CBD as lip balm:
CBD Is Antibacterial
Your body naturally contains free radicals- which are “unstable” cells that cause damage to the healthy cells. CBD helps to neutralize these free radicals, in turn protecting the delicate skin on your lips from infections, bacteria and irritation.
CBD Improves The Look And Feel Of Your Lips
Having soft, kissable lips has been the goal of the beauty industry for as long as it’s existed.
No matter your gender, everyone has to admit that the mouth (and smile) is one of the first things that someone looks at when you’re meeting them for the first time. Having a soft smile and healthy-looking lips is a great way to make a good first impression.
CBD oil soothes your lips by sealing in moisture, and working to enhance their appearance and plumpness.
CBD Protects Your Lips Against The Sun
Your lips are covered by a very thin layer of delicate skin, which is often left unprotected. Because of this lack of protection, your lips are prone to the negative effects of sun exposure- like premature aging, cracking, drying, and color pigmentation.
Hemp-derived CBD oil is rich in omega-3 and omega 6, and other abundant nutrients such as vitamins A, E, B, and D- all known for their ability to help heal your skin from the effects of sun exposure.
CBD Is Deeply Moisturizing
There are certain things that contribute to the softness and moisture of your lips, including genetics, diet, and how much water you’re drinking regularly.
However, if you’re getting enough hydration, don’t have any underlying health issues, and are still dealing with uncomfortably dry or cracked lips, full-spectrum CBD oil may be able to help by delivering hydration and locking in moisture.
How To Use CBD As Lip Balm
So now that you know the benefits, how are you supposed to use CBD as lip balm? Well, there are several different ways that you can take CBD- but when it comes to using it for chapped lips, a topical application is going to be your best bet.
Here are a few different ways that you can use your CBD as lip balm:
- Apply a few drops of CBD oil directly onto your lips- spread it out and let it soak in
- Apply a small dab of CBD moisturizer to your lips, like you would with lip balm
- Turn it into a DIY project and make your own CBD lip balm!
How to Make Your Own CBD Lip Balm
What You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp full-spectrum CBD oil
- Your favorite essential oils, like lemon, lavender, peppermint, or vanilla extract (to add a little flavor to your lip balm)
What You’ll Do:
First, melt the shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil in the microwave or a double boiler. (If you’re using a microwave, you need to place the ingredients in a bowl, and heat them for 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes until they melt. If you’re using a double boiler, let an inch of water fill a saucepan and heat till it boils.)
Once all the ingredients have melted, add in your preferred essential oils- about 2-6 drops should do the trick. Mix the CBD oil in, and blend it all together.
Use of a funnel to pour the liquid into a small jar or tube. This mixture should start solidifying in just a few minutes. Cover it in the container and let it solidify at room temperature. Once it’s ready, store it at room temperature and use as needed!
That’s it! The easiest way to make your own CBD lip balm from the comfort of your own home. Treat your lips to CBD today and prepare to have the softest lips you’ve ever experienced.
Before You Go…
As you can tell, there are so many benefits of using CBD as lip balm- and making your own is so fun, and so easy. Treat your lips to a little dose of CBD today and experience the difference that this natural compound can have on your skin.
If you’re just starting out on your CBD journey, here are a few articles to get you on the right track:
FDA DISCLAIMER The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the information contained in this article should be mistaken for medical advice. Please consult with your health care practitioner prior to introducing a new product to your lifestyle.