We’re approaching winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, and that means the air gets drier, which often leads to chapped lips. Most people apply lip balm frequently to combat this problem, but it might surprise you to learn that many commercial lip balms contain toxic ingredients such as petroleum products, parabens, and artificial colors.
So in today’s post, I share four bone-healthy lip protectors that are not only non-toxic, they’re edible! In fact, you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already.
Let’s start by taking an in-depth look at store-bought lip balms, and why you want to avoid them.
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“Fragrance” = Phthalates
These vague terms are vague for a reason. Due to a loophole in FDA labeling laws, manufacturers can put all manner of chemicals into their products under the heading “fragrance.” But independent testing has revealed that a hormone-disrupting class of chemicals called phthalates is behind the “fragrance” label.
These powerful endocrine disruptors also interrupt communication between cells, a frightening effect considering that every body process – including bone remodeling – relies on cellular communication to some degree. Additionally, phthalates actually hamper neurotransmitter function.
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Parabens
Sometimes listed as methylparaben, butylparaben, and so forth, parabens are known hormone disruptors. They’ve been linked to breast cancer and reproductive disorders, and they easily penetrate skin. Research has shown that these chemicals are excreted in the urine after topical exposure. In the case of lip balm, the absorption would be further increased through ingestion.
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Synthetic Sunscreen
Many lip balms include sunscreen as part of their “protective” components. Look for ingredients like octocrylene, oxybenzone, and avobenzone that denote the presence of chemical sunscreen. Oxybenzone is the most common of these sunscreens, and it acts like estrogen in the body. Conditions like endometriosis and low sperm production have been linked to oxybenzone.
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Colors and Dyes
Some lip balms have color added to give a tint to the lips. The colorants to watch for are FD&C colors like Blue #1, Yellow #5 and #6, and Red #33. These are coal tar derivatives that can irritate the skin due to their content of heavy metal salts. Nearly all FD&C colors have been shown in animal studies to be carcinogens.
Another note on color – a “natural” color may be listed as carmine (or just “natural color”). Carmine is natural, but it is made by crushing a certain type of beetle. This is especially relevant for those who wish to avoid animal products.
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Petrolatum
Cleverly disguised as “mineral oil,” petrolatum is, as the name implies, derived from petroleum oil. To create the jelly-like substance known as petroleum jelly, crude oil byproducts are refined – ostensibly, to remove carcinogenic toxins. But there is no way to know how “pure” the resulting jelly is, or how many carcinogens slip through the refining process.
Petrolatum poses other problems, too. It literally suffocates the skin, creating an air- and waterproof barrier that ultimately has a drying effect by preventing moisture from getting to your skin. It also clogs pores, and can even cause a condition known as “lipid pneumonia” when inhaled, especially if petroleum jelly is applied to a sore nose during a cold. (I’ve known people to apply lip balm to a sore nose.)
The good news is, you can avoid all these (and other) toxic ingredients with the following four natural lip balms.
Honey* And Lemon*
This classic combination is excellent for your lips. Simply mix a teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice with half a teaspoon of sweet almond, flax, or coconut oil and apply to lips. Try applying this at bedtime and you’ll wake up with softer lips.
Cucumber*
You don’t have to use oil every time you want to soothe your lips. Believe it or not, a slice of cucumber rubbed over your lips refreshes and moisturizes them, as well as provides bone-healthy nutrients like silicon.
Coconut Oil
You can use coconut oil to make your own lip balm blend, or simply apply it straight from the jar. Because it is solid at room temperature, coconut oil is portable and won’t spill. Alkalizing coconut oil has been shown to prevent bone loss as well. And it tastes delicious!
Flax Seed* Oil
While it doesn’t always get the attention that coconut oil does, flax oil is excellent for skin and lips. Flax oil is composed of bone-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, it’s anti-inflammatory, and enhances cell membrane integrity.
*Foundation Food
Using Natural Lip Balms Is An Important Step Away From Toxin Exposure
While it’s impossible to avoid all toxic substances, minimizing exposure is wise to protect your bones and your overall health. So is regular cleansing of your entire system, which removes toxins and renews and refreshes kidney and liver function. Proper function of these detoxification organs is essential for healthy, youthful bones.
If you’ve been using toxic personal care products, have taken osteoporosis drugs, or like most of us, have been exposed to toxins, the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse: The 7 Day Bone Building Accelerator can help flush these poisons from your system, alkalize your body, and give your bones a chance to renew.
Accelerated Bone Remodeling In Just 7 Days!
Discover how the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse can flush osteoporosis drugs and other bone-damaging toxins from your system – in just seven days.
The Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse is not a harsh cleanse that will have you starving yourself. It mainly focuses on nourishing, cleansing foods like artichoke, broccoli, watermelon, and many more delicious fruits and vegetables. Along with lemon juice, pure water, breathing techniques and much more, the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse is gentle yet very effective. And it only takes 7 days.
Do you suffer from chapped lips? Do have a homemade lip balm recipe or ideas to prevent chapped lips? If so, please share with the community by leaving a comment below.
Have a safe and toxin-free season!
You May Also Like These Related Articles:
9 Ingenious Ways A Lemon Can Replace Bone-Damaging Beauty Products
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The Frozen Yogurt Myth Revealed And Our Bone-Saving SolutionComments on this article are closed.
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Wow, Nancy! That is just fantastic, and it’s all thanks to your dedication. Great work!
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It has been about a month since I have received any emails from Vivan. What is going on? Looking forward to hearing from you. Melinda
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Hello Melinda,
The last e-mail I received from Vivian was September 28.
I’m also looking forward to hear from her.
Marlene -
Hello Melinda,
I’m also looking forward to hear from Vivian. The last e-mail I received was September 28.
Have a wonderful day.
Marlene
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Thank you Vivian for all your valuable info.
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Thank you very much Vivian.
Have a wonderful evening.
Marlene -
Any ideas for dry scalp and dandruff treatments.
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My 45-year-old daughter has eczema and psoriasis on her scalp. She’s tried all kinds of treatments and nothing has worked. She’s been using L’Oreal no sulfate shampoo and conditioner and has had the relief she’s sought for years. It’s also helped skin on the rest of her body because the toxins don’t run down over the rest of her. She also makes her own soap. Hope this helps.
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That’s remarkable, Lynda. Thank you for sharing that, and I am glad to hear your daughter is experiencing relief from her skin issues.
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I too have used Organic Shea butter for a few years. It moisturises you lips really well and even though it seems expensive it lasts for ages
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Ava Anderson Non-toxic has lip balms with no harmful ingredients! Look it up online.
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I am aware of Ava Anderson but check this out…www.beautycounter.com/maureenleventhal and read their story, mission and goodness!! I use the products exclusively for myself and as a resource at my Yoga studio !!
M
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Sounds great. What about bee-wax, it makes a huge difference, but where can you buy it, and how do you use it?
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Hi Shula,
Bees’ wax is sometimes used in making homemade lip balm. Generally, it’s melted in warm oil and then poured into a mold. Many health food stores carry it, and local beekeepers who sell their wares at farmers’ markets, fairs, and festivals often have bees’ wax to sell as well. 🙂
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Hello Vivian,
Is Instaflax safe to take for osteoporosis?
Thank you for all of your time in research to bring us up to date information.
Have a wonderful day.
Dorothy
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Do you mean Instaflex? (as opposed to Instflax).
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I just use Shea butter, A jar has lasted for a very long time!
Hi Vivian
I too haven’t heard from you since 28September.Hope you are well.I did send my dexa scan results to you.
Spine(in 2010 was -2.9)
Spine (in2012 was -2.8)
Spine (in 2015 is -2.6) Hallelujah!
Hopefully i’m moving in the right direction and hip and lower back are both -1.5 which is osteopenia.
it’s taken 5 years to make this improvement and I am delighted to march on following your advice and keeping on almond milk.
Thanks so much.My doc seemed relatively impressed.
Nancy