How to treat dry lips

You may have heard of shea butter or cocoa butter before, perhaps as an ingredient in lotion or body butter products. Cocoa butter and shea butter are in skincare products, including lip balms, lotions and body butter, because of their moisturising properties.  

For example, suppose you have tried many different kinds of lip balm but still struggle with chapped lips and find yourself licking your lips to soothe the dryness. In that case, it might be time to try a natural lip balm that uses cocoa butter or shea butter as an active ingredient.  

Keep reading to learn how shea butter and cocoa butter in lip balm treat dry lips. 

What is Shea Butter? 

Shea butter is a natural ingredient extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. It is well known for its emollient properties, which make it an excellent moisturiser.  

Shea butter may have been a cosmetic ingredient for centuries; its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids combined with its silky texture makes it an excellent product for moisturising dry skin and preventing irritation. It can help to treat dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, and wounds. The high level of unsaponifiable matter in shea butter gives it a healing property that other butter options do not.  

The uses of this substance are extensive and exceptional for use on the lips, especially during extreme temperatures, to keep the lips hydrated and moisturised. This high content also makes it possible to use it on the skin without having to worry about damaging your skin. In addition, shea butter can help reduce scarring from burns or wounds by stopping scar tissue (keloid fibroblasts) from reproducing, allowing new cell growth to replace the impacted skin area.

How does Shea Butter help hydrate and moisturise dry lips? 

Shea butter is a natural moisturiser used for centuries to soften skin, heal wounds, and relieve dryness. It is an excellent choice for treating dry lips because it quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy finish, has no scent, is safe for all skin types, and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.  

Shea butter has high concentrations of two moisturising fatty acids, linoleic acid and oleic acid, which work together to produce an even balance. These acids help the shea butter easily absorb into the skin without leaving it looking greasy or oily. Plant esters found in shea butter are anti-inflammatory when applied topically.  

Shea triggers cytokines and other inflammatory cells to slow their production, which may help minimise the inflammation brought on by external factors like harsh climates or skin conditions. 

Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, which promotes vigorous antioxidant activity. And antioxidants are essential anti-ageing agents for protecting skin cells from free radicals that could lead to premature ageing and dull-looking skin.  

What is Cocoa Butter? 

Cocoa butter is a natural vegetable fat extracted from cocoa beans. It is the purest form of cocoa fat because it's separated from the solids in chocolate liquor. It appears as a white, odourless, relatively tasteless wax that melts at body temperature or slightly above.  

Cocoa butter encompasses three types of fatty acids: oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. It also consists of saturated, mono-unsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats. Cocoa butter has many properties that make it beneficial to skin health. One of these properties is its emollient ability for skin moisturising.  

Emollients are substances applied externally to soften skin, which can more easily maintain water content without harsh drying products like alcohol or soaps. Cocoa butter is one such example of an emollient used on the skin. Another outstanding quality attributed to cocoa butter is its potential anti-ageing effects.  

Cocoa butter may also help prevent scars from forming after surgery or injury due to its boosting collagen production capabilities. The two primary antioxidants in cocoa butter, catechins and epicatechin, are responsible for this function. Catechins increase the elasticity of skin cells, while epicatechins help fight free radicals.  

The lipid fractions, i.e., essential lipids found within this substance, have strong antibiotic properties that work against gram-positive bacteria by inhibiting their growth and their production of nitrous oxide, a key chemical agent involved with inflammation reactions. 

How does cocoa butter help hydrate and moisturise dry lips? 

Cocoa butter is an ingredient in many skin care products, including lip balms. It is a natural moisturiser that helps hydrate dry lips. Cocoa butter also includes antioxidants that can help protect against free radicals. These antioxidant properties make cocoa butter perfect for lip balms since it helps protect the lips from pollutants and extreme weather temperatures.  

Why does shea butter and cocoa butter combined work effectively in a lip balm? 

The natural emollients shea butter and cocoa butter work well together because they have complementary properties. Shea butter has been traditionally used for centuries as a skin moisturiser to help heal skin conditions like eczema. The high omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid) in shea butter make it an effective moisturiser that penetrates the skin quickly, so it will not clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.  

The high content of omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) in cocoa butter provides additional hydration benefits and anti-inflammatory properties, which can also relieve itching. Together, this duo works effectively to moisturise dry lips without greasy residue or feeling heavy. 

Dry lip treatments

Do you have dry lips? Do they hurt, chap, or peel constantly? Or do you dislike putting on a thick coat of lip balm so your lips do not feel like sandpaper? One of the best ways to make your lips smooth again is to choose a lip treatment that combines shea butter and cocoa butter.

Shea butter derived from the nuts of the Karite tree is rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids (including omega 3), proteins, antioxidants, amino acids, and phytonutrients that all help moisturise your skin from the inside out. 

When applied topically, it has a healing effect on dry skin. It also helps regenerate damaged skin cells and reduce scarring.

Shea butter is a highly regarded substance for stretch marks, eczema, psoriasis, burns and many skin conditions. 

The great thing about shea butter is that you can use it for multiple purposes without worrying about getting an allergic reaction or other side effects.  

Another excellent ingredient for dry lips is cocoa butter which comes from the roasted seed of the cacao plant. Unlike shea butter which comes in a solid form, cocoa butter is liquid because it melts with body heat instead of ambient temperature changes. 

A lip balm containing shea butter and cocoa butter can be another treatment for dry lips. Moisturising your lips with these ingredients will allow them to heal faster. So next time you look for a new lip balm, consider using Tina Beauty and Skin Sugar Lip Scrub and Balm Duo.

Top causes of dry lips

Dry, cracked lips are a common complaint during winter seasons. Many factors, such as sun exposure, cold weather, windy conditions, and diet, cause chapped lips. The most common cause is dry skin that lacks oil or moisture. Whatever the case, keeping your lips moisturised with a balm containing fats like shea butter or cocoa butter is crucial. These fats help to protect against moisture loss, which makes them perfect for use on chapped lips. 

1. Cold Weather 

Cold weather causes dryness because your body produces less natural oil than you would during warmer temperatures. Colder temperatures can often lead to dry skin due to the low humidity levels caused by the air outside being colder than your skin's average temperature. Your lip balm should contain an ingredient that mimics the natural oils found in your skin, like shea butter or cocoa butter.

2. Diet 

Your food intake can also affect how dry your lips are. Foods high in sugar will directly impact how much moisture you need to stay hydrated and healthy. Eating foods that contain more sugar can increase your risk of having chapped lips.  

One way to avoid this problem is by substituting sugar-containing foods for healthier sugars like fruit. A balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will ensure your skin stays healthy and moist.

3. Sun Exposure 

People who spend more time outdoors in the sun are at higher risk of developing dry lips. Wear sunscreen anytime you go out into the sun to prevent dry lips and protect your skin. Anybody who spends a lot of time outdoors during the day without sunscreen could experience dried-out or chapped lips if you are not protecting your skin from UV rays.

4. Windy Conditions 

During extreme weather, such as windy weather, there is no protection from pollutants for our skin, including our lips. It dries out our skin, making the skin feel tight and uncomfortable. So if you are heading outside when the weather is windy, bring along some lip balm with ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter to prevent dryness.

5. Changes in Temperature 

Our lips change throughout the seasons, and as we head towards winter exposure to cooler temperatures that are not always comfortable. It takes more energy for your body to regulate its temperature under lower temperatures; therefore, skin becomes drier and more prone to chapping.

To prevent this, try slathering lip balm-containing ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter before heading outside during these cool months. It will help replenish lost moisture while preventing dry, chapped lips. Make sure to reapply your lip balm every hour or two for the best results. 

How to choose a suitable lip balm for dry lips? 

Consider two essential lip-nourishing ingredients when choosing lip balm for dry lips. These ingredients are shea butter and cocoa butter. Shea butter derives from the nut of the African shea tree, and cocoa butter comes from the seed of the theobroma cacao tree.  

These two ingredients work together to create a soothing ointment that treats dry lips, but each component has different properties and benefits. Shea butter is an emollient, softening skin; cocoa butter is a natural moisturiser.  

So, if you are looking for a lip treatment that contains both shea butter and cocoa butter, then Tina Beauty and Skin Sugar Lip Scrub and Balm Duo is the best lip balm option. The lip scrub contains coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E and avocado oil. The lip balm also contains cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E and coconut oil.

This dry lips treatment will exfoliate your lips while adding moisture and preventing dryness with their patented blend of shea butter and cocoa butter. Made with natural ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter and a mix of oils, this duo smells delicious! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sugar lip scrub and balm duo today! 

You may also be interested in reading what is a lip kit? What are the benefits of Coconut Oil and Vitamin E in lipstick?