Have you heard people say that Chapstick and other lip balms are addictive? Pay attention to the folks who use those products, and you might see the products getting a lot of use.
But are lip balms really addictive? No!
One popular theory is that lip balms include ingredients that make your lips dry out faster — so you have to reapply frequently throughout the day and restock more often. But it’s just not true.
Then why do some folks reach for the lip balm over and over throughout the day? (I’ll confess — I’m never far from a tube of Chapstick. I keep one in my purse, one at my bedside, and one in the car.)
- It feels good. Lip balms make your lips look and feel soft! As soon as that feeling starts to wear off, many people are inclined to reapply.
- Watch your lip licking. Lots of people put on lip balm and immediately lick their lips… over and over. The repeated wetting and drying can suck moisture out of your lips and lead you to reach for the lip balm again.
If your lips are extra dry and your favorite lip balm isn’t cutting it, try this: apply a layer of cortisone cream to your lips followed by a layer of Vaseline. Do that for a week to give your kisser a chance to heal and soak up some moisture.
When you’re ready to go back to lip balm, look for ingredients like petrolatum, glycerin, or mineral oil. Those are things that won’t rub off easily (meaning you will have a harder time licking them off) and won’t irritate lips.
Oh and don’t forget that lip balm — just like any makeup or beauty product — can expire. Over time, ingredients can break down, leaving your favorite product less effective. Replace any skin care item after a year — that’s about how long preservatives can last before starting to break down.