It is not only the cold that attacks the lips, the sun too, in the middle of winter as in summer. A treatment with a sun protection factor (SPF) can protect them effectively. Our advice for choosing the right lip stock with SPF.
The lips are very thin semi-mucous membranes and lack sweat and sebaceous glands, and hydrolipidic film. Their epidermis is poor in melanin. In addition to regular hydration, they therefore need protection against UVA and UVB rays. Applying a treatment with an SPF (sun protection factor) helps protect them on a daily basis from photo-aging (an SPF 15-20 may then be sufficient), and especially during repeated or prolonged exposure to the sun with an SPF 50 l. summer and in the mountains.
What it should contain …
Waxes: of synthetic origin (micro-crystalline wax, petrolatum or paraffin) or vegetable (candelilla, carnauba or bee waxes), they give the stick its solid texture, while ensuring that it does not melt, even in weather hot.
Oils : whether they are of petrochemical (mineral oils) or vegetable (jojoba, argan, calendula, sunflower, macadamia nut) origin, they help the skin to reconstitute its intercellular cement and give the stick its slippery side. In addition, vegetable oils provide fatty acids, vitamins, such as vitamin E, and also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Moisturizing ingredients: Glycerin, trehalose or natural sugars make it possible to reconstitute the hydrolipidic film.
Insulators: Whether it’s glycerin or shea butter, they form a continuous protective film that protects the lips from dehydration.
Sun filters: mineral screens (mica, silica, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) reflect UV rays like a mirror, while chemical filters (Mexoryl, Tinosorb, octocrylene) absorb UV rays in the epidermis to prevent them from reaching the dermis. Both types of filters can be found in lip sticks.
Vitamins : like tocopherol (vitamin E) or vitamin C, antioxidants, which prevent formulas rich in vegetable oils from going rancid while preserving the lips from aging and damage linked to UV rays.
And also…
Soothing or healing agents such as panthenol, bisabolol, Centella asiatica or aloe vera.
Ingredients to watch out for …
Paraffin: derived from petrochemicals, it makes formulas stable. But it also forms an almost air-impermeable film. Result, if it provides immediate relief, eventually the lips dry up and tighten more and more. This means that you have to reapply your stick more and more often!
Lanolin: Also called wool fat, it is a very good emollient, effective against chapping. It can nevertheless cause contact eczemas.
Essential oils : they can dry out the lips or be allergenic.
What we ask him
To nourish the lips immediately and in the long term.
Protect from UV rays to avoid sunburn, photoaging and cancer risks.
To be pleasant (smell and taste) so that you want to reapply it frequently.
To bring a feeling of comfort to the lips.
Not to “whiten” the lips (opaque effect), this is the concern of sticks very loaded with mineral screens.
