Reasons why you should protect your lips

By Olivier Agouna-Deciat

Lips are soft and very sensitive. They are part of the tactile sensory system of our body. This high sensitivity of the lips is due in part to the fact that they have fewer external cellular protection layers compared to the rest of the skin. In general the skin of the lips only has 3 to 5 layers of cells compared to the usually up to 16 layers of the rest of the facial skin. You should also know that the skin of the lips are hairless and have no sweat glands thus lacking the oily protection coat secreted by those glands in the rest of the body’s skin to keep it smooth, moist and even prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria. There are very few cells producing melanin (dark pigment in the skin) explaining why the lips appear lighter and the reduced number of protective cellular layers allows blood vessels to be superficial and contribute to the reddish color generally seen.

The anatomy of the lips is the very reason why lips are so vulnerable. The skin of the lips can dry out and crack more easily than that of the rest of the body. The reduction or even absence of melanin also makes them more vulnerable to the damaging effect of UV rays from the sun. This is why you should be more cautious about this delicate part of your body and always take appropriate protective action. Petroleum jelly based products give you a mere coating but do not nurture your cells nor provide the much need renewal. Once washed away, petroleum jelly based product leave your lips even dryer and more brittle than before. Your best bet is to protect your lips with a moisturizer or balm that is made of safe natural ingredients that can provide moisture, protection and renewal in the case of pre-existing damages.

Shea Touch all natural lip balms are made with pure unrefined shea butter, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, candelilla wax and added vitamin E oil. In addition to providing and locking in moisture, shea butter components also help to stimulate cellular regeneration, promote collagen replenishment, prevent elastin destruction, provide some antimicrobial potential, UV protection and multi-vitamin nourishment (A, D, E and F). Apricot kernel oil is known to contain a high content of vitamin A which helps in slowing down skin aging. Coconut oil contributes additional moisturizing and softening effects. Candelilla wax, a food grade natural wax gives a healthy protection and a lasting luster. Last but not least, vitamin E oil provides anti-oxidative effects, contributes to slowing down the aging process and protects from skin damaging sun rays. Shea Touch lip balms come in 4 delightful, uplifting and charming flavors. Chose from peppermint, lemon-eucalyptus,vanilla or strawberry flavors and start enjoying healthier lips today!