WHAT ARE YOU USING ON YOUR LIPS?!

LIP CAUTION!

I have been moved to write this blog because of the large number of patients we are seeing at the clinic who are concerned with congestion around their lips and chin.... even if congestion is not of a concern anywhere else in there skin.

Most patients have one thing in common. They are using a petrochemical or highly synthetic bases product on their lips.  And some or most of these products are not designed to be used on the lips. 

What are these products? 

Listing from most commonly used:

1. Papaw ointment
2. Vaseline
3. Lip Gloss

Papaw ointment: 

The manufacturers of papaw list the benefits as:

• Minor Burns & Scalds
• Sunburn
• Gravel Rash, Cuts & Minor Open Wounds
• Nappy Rash & Chafing
• Insect Bites
• Splinters & Thorns

These are all great ways to use Papaw ointment.  Please note that 'lip balm' is not listed as a use.

Papaw ointment has 2 main ingredients - Carica Papaya 39mg/g Fresh Fermented Fruit
and Pharmaceutical Grade Petroleum Jelly.  Petroleum Jelly is a petrochemical and is also the main ingredient in Vaseline.  Although petroleum jelly is safe and inert (will not impact the body), it is an extreme comedogenic (likely to cause clogged pores/ blackheads/congestion/acne). 

Please only use this product for what it is recommended.  It is a great healer, but should only be used short term, not daily!

Vaseline:

Is a comedogenic and should not be used daily on the lips.  You may notice breakouts/clogged pores increasing when using this as a lip balm, plus you may also find your lips become dryer and need more moisturising.

Lip Gloss:

Please check the ingredients on your lip gloss.  Highly synthetically fragranced & petrochemical based.  Both of these ingredient groups are also highly comedogenic, plus the fragrance can cause added irritations.

My advice:

 Make sure you have enough omega 3 in your diet.  Drink plenty of water.  Cut down or out alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes.  Use your professional product eye balm on your lips. Wear sunscreen. Avoid excessive sun and wind exposure.

Inika do GREAT certified organic lip glosses and lip sticks.

For short term sun protection when you know you are more likely to experience sore lips, such at the beach or snow, I recommend the original Chap Stick with SPF.  Remember, this is only short term, not daily.

Visit your local skin clinic for advice on ongoing dry/cracked/sore lips to obtain the perfect pout!

Then pucker up!! 

Paula :)

PAULA'S YOUTUBE CLIP ON LED

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW A LITTLE MORE ABOUT LED?

Click this link to see Paula's clip on the history, theory and therapeutic applications of LED (Light Emitting Diode).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZhgFLB9eYw

Have a watch! :)

USING LED TO TREAT SAD

Using LED (Light Emitting Diode) for treatment of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, winter depression) is a well-recognised form of a recurrent depressive disorder, characterised by depression and can include increased appetite, weight problems, sleep problems and fatigue. 

SAD is thought to be related to natural seasonal variations in light levels. In Australia SAD is experienced mainly during winter because we are exposed to less natural light during these months. SAD can also be experienced in those who work night shift or work very long hours and miss out on seeing the sun. 

LED light therapy has been shown in clinical trials time and time again to significantly reduce symptoms. See link http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1971065/ for more information on the clinical studies.

Recent research has emphasised that the human circadian rhythm system is sensitive to short wavelength light (Blue Light). These shorter wavelengths enable a more convenient effective therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 

What does this mean to us?

Having LED treatments using the blue light wave length works best for SAD.

A patient will normally feel the effect of the light during the treatments.  The feeling reported from patients is commonly extreme relaxation and a sense of well-being.  A feeling of general "happiness" can also  be reported over the next few days.

How is the treatment carried out?

LED is a very relaxing and pain-free treatment.  The patient will lay comfortably on a treatment bed, while the LED is shining on to the face - over the eyes - for 20 minutes.

In summary - this is a great & effective treatment.   As LED is also a leading skin treatment - the worst thing that can happen, is you end up with improved skin condition :)  Give it a go... you will enjoy!

Paula