Cracked and dry lips are not a pleasant sight, and all of us can agree on that. There are ample products available in the market that help heal your chapped lips. There are a few lip balm options to select from the market. But they can be quite expensive and can also include chemicals. But what if there is an all-natural solution for your dry, chapped lips?
According to the International Journal of Research in Cosmetic Science, olive oil is one such ingredient that can be used for dry lips. Olive oil is rich in vitamins and minerals and can help you achieve soft and supple lips (1). In this post; a detailed guide has been given related to olive oil and its usage for lips.
In the below post, the benefits of olive oil for lips, how to use olive oil, and DIY recipes have been discussed.
Chapped Lips and Typical Symptoms
The following are the typical symptoms of chapped lips
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Dryness: Lips appear and feel dry, they lack moisture.
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Flaking: Chapped lips show signs of flaking or peeling of skin.
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Tightness: You may experience a sensation of tightness or stiffness on your lips.
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Sensitivity: Chapped lips can be sensitive to touch and can cause irritation under hot or cold temperatures.
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Discomfort: Chapped lips can often be uncomfortable and in severe cases it can even get difficult to speak.
Healing Properties of Olive Oil for Chapped Lips
Olive oil is a natural emollient, which means it has the ability to deeply moisturize and soften the lips, making them more supple. The following are the healing properties of olive oil for chapped lips:
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Olive oil contains vitamin E and polyphenols, which help protect the lips from free radical damage and promote healing.
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Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation commonly associated with chapped lips.
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Olive oil can assist in repairing the skin's natural barrier function, aiding in the recovery of chapped and damaged lips.
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It has a soothing and calming effect on the skin, providing relief from discomfort and pain caused by chapped lips.
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Olive oil is generally well-tolerated and safe for most skin types, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive lips.
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Olive oil is a natural alternative to commercial lip balms, free from synthetic chemicals and additives.
What Are The Benefits Of Olive Oil For Lips?
1. Moisturizing
Olive oil is a natural emollient that can help soften and smooth the skin (2). When applied to the lips, it can help to hydrate and nourish dry, cracked, or chapped lips. Olive oil contains fatty acids that can penetrate the skin and help to lock in moisture.
Olive oil also contains vitamin E and polyphenols that help to soothe and protect the skin and leaves lips feeling soft and smooth.
2. Protection
The natural fatty acids in olive oil can help to form a barrier on the lips that can protect them from environmental irritants and harmful UV rays. This barrier can help to keep the lips hydrated and prevent them from becoming dry or chapped.
3. Soft Supple Lips
Olive oil is a natural emollient that makes lips soft and smooth. Applying olive oil on lips can help to hydrate and nourish dry, cracked, or chapped lips. Regular use of olive oil can result in soft and supple lips. This is because olive oil contains fatty acids that can penetrate the skin and help to lock in moisture.
How To Use Olive Oil For Lips?
Follow the below steps to use olive oil for lips to make your lips soft and smooth:
Step 1: Clean Your Lips:
Cleanse your lips thoroughly before applying olive oil to your lips. You can do this by gently scrubbing your lips with the help of a soft-bristled toothbrush or a lip scrub. This will help in removing any dead skin cells and impurities, if any, and leave your lips clean and smooth.
Step 2: Apply The Oil:
Take a small amount of olive oil on your fingertips and apply it to your lips. Make sure to cover the entire surface of your lips with the oil.
Step 3: Massage The Oil:
Gently massage the oil into your lips using circular motions. This will help to improve circulation and promote the absorption of the oil into the skin.
Step 4: Leave The Oil On For A Few Minutes:
Leave the oil on your lips for a few minutes, or longer if desired, to allow it to fully penetrate the skin.
Step 5: Wipe Off Any Excess Oil:
After a few minutes, wipe off any excess oil from your lips using a soft cloth or tissue.
Step 6: Repeat As Needed:
Repeat this process as often as needed, especially during the night before going to bed, for the best results.
DIY Olive Oil Lip Balm And Scrubs Recipes For Lips
Recipe #1
DIY Olive Oil Lip Balm Recipe Using Honey
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of beeswax
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1-2 drops of any essential oil of your choice (optional)
Directions:
- In a double boiler or a heat-proof glass container set over a pot of simmering water, melt the beeswax.
- Once the beeswax is melted, add the olive oil and honey and stir continuously to mix all the ingredients.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and add 1-2 drops of essential oil if desired. Some of the essential oils that you can use are bergamot oil, ylang-ylang oil, lavender oil, orange oil, rose oil, etc.
- Pour this mixture into a small container or lip balm tube.
- Allow the balm to cool and solidify completely before using.
- To use, apply a small amount to your lips as needed.
Recipe #2
DIY Olive Oil Lip Balm Recipe Using Vitamin E Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup of virgin olive oil
- 2 oz. of beeswax pastilles
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
- 15 drops of essential oil (optional)
- Lip balm jar
Directions
- Take a double boiler and mix olive oil and beeswax and melt it. Stir continuously so that it does not burn.
- Add vitamin E oil to it once it is melted.
- Add essential oils if you want to, and stir well.
- Leave the lip balm overnight and let it set.
- Your olive oil lip balm is ready for use. You can apply this lip balm twice daily for the best results.
Recipe #3
DIY Olive Oil Recipe For Your Lips Using Cayenne Pepper
Ingredients
- Virgin olive oil = 1 tablespoon
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Directions
- Add cayenne pepper to olive oil and mix well.
- Apply this mixture to your lips and gently massage your lips. Let it stay for a few minutes on the lips, and then wipe it off completely.
- Apply your favorite lip balm after that.
Recipe #4
DIY Olive Oil Recipe With Beetroot For Red Lips
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh beetroot paste
- 10 drops of virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Directions
- Mix fresh beetroot paste with sugar and make a nice blend.
- Add olive oil to this mixture and stir well.
- Scrub your lips using this mixture by gently massaging it.
- Keep it for a few minutes, and then rinse it off.
Recipe #5
DIY Olive Oil Recipe With Aloe Vera
Ingredients
- 20 drops of extra virgin olive oil
- 10 drops of virgin coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
Directions
- In a glass jar, add aloe vera gel
- Add coconut oil and olive oil to the gel and mix well.
- Apply this mixture as a lip balm on your lips.
Recipe #6
DIY Lemon And Olive Oil Recipe For Pink Lips
Ingredients
- Virgin olive oil 10 drops
- 10 drops of lemon juice
- 10 drops of sweet almond oil
Directions
- In a bowl, add lemon juice and sweet almond oil and mix well.
- Add olive oil to this, and apply this mixture to your lips.
- Leave it for 20 minutes on the lips, and then rinse it off using lukewarm water.
Recipe #7
DIY Olive Oil And Sugar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon virgin olive oil
Directions
- Take a bowl and mix all the ingredients very well.
- Massage your lips using this mixture. This acts as a great exfoliator.
- With the help of a warm washcloth, gently clean.
- Apply any lip balm after this.
You can use any of the above recipes based on your choice and preferences, which will work wonders for your lips. All these recipes can be used if your lips feel dry. It will moisturize your lips.
Summary
Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer and is a popular ingredient in many skin conditioning products. It can be used whenever your lips feel dry. You can use olive oil in the form of lip balm or petroleum jelly. Olive oil keeps your lips hydrated and moisturized for a longer period of time.
