BATTLE OF THE BALMS

Health research has found that 1 out of every 14 skin care products contains petrolatum, one of many potentially harmful makeup ingredients. 

Harmful Makeup Ingredients: Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics

Did you know the average woman uses about 15 to 20 cosmetic products a day? Unfortunately, most makeup includes bad and even harmful chemicals. Studies show that the skin absorbs more than 60 percent of the toxic chemicals in cosmetics, averaging up to five pounds of unneeded chemical absorption every year. Children absorb 40-50% more than adults, meaning they are at a much higher risk for medical conditions when they grow up. So is it bad to wear makeup?

Oxybenzone, a chemical compound that is supposed to absorb UV rays but may actually become carcinogenic on the skin, which may even lead to the eventual development of skin cancer.

So if we shouldn't use lip balm that contains artificial flavors or petrolatum, what is the best chapstick? Basically, the best chapstick and lip moisturizer is made from all natural or even organic ingredients that are actually safe to eat.

• Menthol, camphor, and phenol: All three of these ingredients give your lips a deceptive soothing, cooling sensation — but they also dry them out, creating a vicious cycle where you apply your lip balm to get relief . . . from your lip balm.
• Silicone oil: This additive is put in balms, glosses, and lipsticks to make them last longer and keep pigment from rubbing off your lips. It also, however, locks out moisture.
• Fragrance: Some fragrance groups, especially when combined with ingredients like alcohol, can suck the moisture right off your lips.
• Salicylic acid: This is a great acne-fighting ingredient, and it definitely exfoliates well, but in lip glosses and balms it can dry your lips and make them peel — not a pretty combo.

Why not try Aveda Renewing Lip Treatment!!

•    • Plumps naturally over time-without irritation*

• Smooths appearance of fine lines by 26%*
• Increases moisture by 26%**
• With refreshing organic spearmint and vanilla flavor
• New packaging reduces waste by 33%

*Based upon two weeks of continuous use

**Average change based upon 8 weeks of use