A woman in the US was fined $ 200 for applying lip balm at a red light. We are writing this as we apply our lip balm for the fifth time today, and it’s not even time for brunch yet.
Some of us can use lip balm on a daily basis, even though we don’t know what effects excess lip balm can have on our lips.
We have compiled a list of things that happen when we use lip balm a lot. As a bonus, we’ve added a nice DIY recipe that you can easily make at home.
Your Lips Might Become Even Drier
According to dermatologists, lip balms contain ingredients that can irritate or exfoliate our lips. These are things like phenol, camphor, menthol, fragrances, flavorings, salicylic acid, and vitamin E.
For example, one study found that 33% of patients developed contact dermatitis due to vitamin E.
It May Lead To Irritation Around Your Lips
Experts say that we should apply lip balm a maximum of 3 times a day. Upon awakening, after eating/drinking, and immediately before going to sleep.
If you are using too much lip balm, you may experience irritation or small spots may appear around the lip area.
Your Lips Might Become Lazy
Some lip balm formulas create an artificial barrier to lock in moisture, making your lips work less to maintain their own hydration levels.
The Act Of Putting On Lip Balm Becomes Addictive
While some may say they are addicted to lip balm, TOC Action Director Joel Rose says this is not possible.
We can’t be addicted to lip balm. Instead, we get addicted to the calming mechanism that we get with the use of our lip balm.
DIY Recipe For Lanolin-based Lip Balm
If you want to find the best lip balm AND save money, why not do it yourself? Follow this homemade lanolin-based recipe that you can make for yourself and your friends. Will need:
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1.5 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of beeswax
- 1 teaspoon lanolin
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Melt the coconut oil, beeswax, and lanolin in a bowl over a pot of water. Stir slowly as it melts. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat.
Add shea butter and honey. Stir while it melts. Add lavender essential oil (optional) and stir. Pour lanolin lip balm into containers or tubes and let it set.
Final step: enjoy your homemade lip balm!
How often do you use your lip balm? Did you notice any signs of lip balm addiction?
Leave a Reply