The Moisturizing & Healing Benefits of Using Honey in Lip Balms

The Benefits of Using Honey in Lip Balms

Honey has become an increasingly popular ingredient in skincare products, including lip balms. This natural humectant provides many benefits that can help nourish, moisturize, and protect your lips.

Using a lip balm that contains raw honey can do wonders for dry, chapped lips. The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of honey can help prevent infections. Honey also creates a protective barrier on the skin, sealing in moisture. Additionally, honey is packed with antioxidants that can neutralize damaging free radicals caused by environmental stressors like sun exposure and pollution.

Moisturizing Effects

Dehydrated lips need long-lasting moisture. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. When applied to your lips, honey pulls moisture from the dermis below and the environment into your lip skin. This hydrating effect helps prevent moisture loss.

Research shows that the viscosity of honey forms a protective film on the skin, acting as a barrier against water loss. This moisturizing barrier helps keep lips looking and feeling soft and smooth, while preventing dryness and flaking.

Healing Properties

Not only does honey hydrate dry lips, but it can also help heal chapped or irritated lips. Honey possesses natural wound-healing benefits that stimulate regeneration of new tissue. The glucose oxidase enzyme found in honey releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a mild antiseptic. This can help disinfect minor cuts or scrapes on the lips.

Honey also contains an array of antioxidants, including phenolic compounds like flavonoids. These antioxidants reduce inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals that can damage skin cells. The anti-inflammatory properties of honey can calm irritation, sensitivity, and swelling.

Antimicrobial Effects

Using honey lip balm provides a protective natural shield against microbes. The rich antimicrobial properties of honey are effective against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including cold sore-causing pathogens.

Research indicates that honey has an inhibitory effect against herpes simplex virus-1, which is responsible for cold sores. The sugars and low pH level of honey interfere with microbial growth and prevent the virus from replicating.

Applying a lip balm containing manuka honey can help prevent painful cold sore breakouts on the lips and surrounding areas. The antibacterial activity of manuka honey has been found to be even stronger than regular honey.

Choosing the Best Honey Lip Balm

With all of its beneficial moisturizing, healing, and antimicrobial qualities, honey is an ideal ingredient to look for in a lip balm. However, not all products are created equal. Here are some tips for choosing the best honey lip balm for your needs:

Raw, Unprocessed Honey

For maximum benefits, look for lip balms made with raw, unprocessed honey. Raw honey contains more active phytonutrients and enzymes compared to regular honey. Heat processing kills off most of the vital antioxidants and antibacterial compounds in honey.

Natural Ingredients

Select a lip balm made predominantly from natural ingredients like beeswax, plant-based oils, and butters. Avoid products with petroleum, mineral oil, silicones, sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and other synthetic ingredients. The most nourishing and therapeutic lip balms use high-quality, organic ingredients.

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey, produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the manuka bush, is considered one of the best types of honey to use for medicinal purposes. With its extra powerful antimicrobial properties, manuka honey can provide enhanced protection against pathogens that cause lip infections.

SPF Protection

To shield your lips from sun damage, use a lip balm with natural SPF like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Long-term sun exposure is one of the primary causes of lip wrinkles, thinning, and irregular pigmentation.

Flavored Balms

If you don't like the taste of plain honey, you can find lip balms flavored with essential oils, herbs, vanilla, or other natural extracts. Avoid artificial flavors. Flavored balms encourage more consistent use throughout the day.

Convenient Format

Look for twist-up tubes or sticks of lip balm that are easy to carry and apply throughout the day. Lip balm pots can collect dirt and germs from fingers dipping into the pot.

How to Use Honey Lip Balms

Using a honey-enriched lip balm is simple. Follow these tips for best results:

Apply Generously

Don't skimp when applying your honey lip balm. Use a thick layer so your lips are thoroughly coated. This provides a protective barrier against moisture loss and environmental stressors.

Apply Frequently

For severely dry, cracked lips, reapply lip balm every hour or more. Carry a small pot or tube with you to touch up your lips throughout the day as needed. Frequent application promotes faster healing.

Apply Before Bed

Always apply a layer of your honey lip balm before going to sleep. Your lips have a chance to absorb the moisturizing benefits while you sleep. This prevents waking up with dry, flaky lips.

Exfoliate First

Before applying lip balm, use a soft toothbrush or lip scrub to gently exfoliate. This removes any dry, dead skin so the balm can penetrate better and hydrate the new skin underneath.

Avoid Licking Lips

Licking dry lips seems to provide temporary relief but actually causes more moisture loss. The digestive enzymes in saliva can also break down the protective lip balm layer. Avoid this habit if possible.

DIY Honey Lip Balm Recipes

Want to make your own homemade honey lip balm? Here are a couple easy DIY recipes to try:

Simple Honey Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tablespoon beeswax (melted)
• 5 drops vitamin E oil
• 3-5 drops essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small jar or tin.
2. Heat over a double boiler until melted and well combined.
3. Pour into lip balm tubes or small tins.
4. Allow to cool completely before use.

Manuka Honey Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 12 tablespoon manuka honey
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Melt shea butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax in a double boiler.
2. Remove from heat and mix in manuka honey and peppermint oil.
3. Pour into lip balm containers and leave to set.

The Takeaway

Give your lips some TLC with the nourishing, healing benefits of honey lip balm. Look for natural, raw honey and avoid synthetic ingredients. Apply generously and frequently for smooth, comfortable lips. With its antimicrobial and moisturizing superpowers, honey offers the sweet solution to dry, sore lips.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.