Dry, Cracked Lips? Make Your Own Ayurvedic Lip Balm

I have a predominantly Vata constitution, which means I’m naturally more prone to dry, cold skin. Combine that with the dry, cold qualities of autumn and it’s a recipe for a skin disaster!

I feel like as soon as we hit the autumn equinox my lips take a dramatic turn – for the worse – and no matter how many times I apply lip balm, it feels as though they just keep getting worse. Sound familiar?

So why are our lips particularly vulnerable at this time of year? Before I share my go-to homemade Ayurvedic lip balm, let’s look at what is actually happening to our lips as the seasons change, and how a little Ayurvedic wisdom can help.

Our lips are one of the most vulnerable areas of our face. Unlike much of the skin on our face, the visible part of our lips doesn’t have oil producing sebaceous glands to keep them naturally lubricated, and the outer protective layer is considerably thinner, making them particularly susceptible to moisture loss.

As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors (with the heating on) the combination of cold outdoor air and low indoor humidity can increase moisture loss from the lips. Add in cold winds, mouth breathing when we are congested and the habit of repeatedly licking our lips when they feel dry, and its little wonder they can end up feeling so sensitive.

And while reaching for a lip-balm seems like the obvious solution, not all lip balms are helpful. Some contain ingredients such as menthol, camphor, peppermint oil, and fragrances that can aggravate dryness and sensitivity. That cooling or tingling sensation we sometimes associate with a product working may, in fact, be a sign of irritation.

Anyone who knows me will know there are not many ailments for which I haven’t suggested a little ghee as the answer! Yes, I’m obsessed, but there is good reason for that.

Ghee, known as Ghrita in Sanskrit, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, both internally and externally. It is particularly valued for its snigdha, or unctuous quality, traditionally used to counteract dryness and roughness. In Indian households, applying a little ghee to dry lips before bed has long been a familiar practice, and it’s one of the simplest examples of how Ayurvedic self-care can be incorporated into everyday life.

The use of oils and fats to lubricate and soften the body is known as Snehana, or oleation. It’s a practise that extends beyond skincare, but the principle is particularly relevant during the colder months, when our skin is more exposed to the drying effects of the environment.

Ive spent years reaching for lip balms whenever my lips start feeling dry, but something I’ve become increasingly conscious of is how many potentially irritating ingredients can find their way into even the simplest everyday skincare products.

Its an age-old saying that serves as a useful reminder to be more conscious of what we are applying to our bodies, particularly our lips where small amounts of whatever we apply inevitably gets swallowed throughout the day.

For this recipe, I’ve combined three ingredients – ghee, sesame oil and shea butter – to create a rich homemade balm that helps soften, smooth and protect. And the best part is that it takes around ten minutes to prepare.