Are you addicted to your favourite lip balm?

Dr Mikki Singh, founder and medical director of Bodycraft Clinics said, “Habitual use of lip balm can lead to a condition known as "lip balm addiction," where the lips become dependent on external hydration sources.“

This dependency can cause the lips to produce less natural moisture. (Source: Freepik)

We all love the smooth, hydrated lips we get from a swipe of our favourite lip balm, right? But did you feel like you’re caught in an endless cycle of applying and reapplying your favourite balm, only to have your lips still feeling dry and chapped? What if we told you that the product you’re using might be making you addicted?

Dr Daniel Pompa, a content creator on Instagram shared a video mentioning, “Stop putting motor oil on your lips.”

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A post shared by Dr. Daniel Pompa (@drpompa)

Dr Mikki Singh, founder and medical director of Bodycraft Clinics said, “Habitual use of lip balm can lead to a condition known as “lip balm addiction,” where the lips become dependent on external hydration sources.“

This dependency can cause the lips to produce less natural moisture, leading to a cycle of continuous application to avoid dryness. However, one must note that it is important to have well-moisturised lips to prevent dry chapped lips, added Dr Singh.

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Ingredients in lip balm that cause negative effects or dependencies

Dr Singh said that phenol and menthol are often added for their cooling effect, and these ingredients can be irritating and may cause dryness or sensitivity with prolonged use.

Fragrances and flavours in lip balms can cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals, mentioned Dr Singh.

These products are comedogenic and may cause pore clogging in surrounding areas. (Source: Freepik)

Natural alternatives to lip balm

Dr Singh recommended coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax can be used as alternatives. These products are comedogenic and may cause pore clogging in surrounding areas.

“In my practice, we advise skin boosters, an injectable moisturiser, for people who want to improve the hydration of their lips”, mentioned Dr Singh.

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A common misconception about lip balm

Dr Singh said that lip balm addiction is not as serious as it is made out to be. “The lips don’t absorb chemicals as much as other skin and body areas. In my practice, I haven’t seen cases related to this.”

How should one handle extremely dry or chapped lips without relying on lip balm?

Dr Singh recommended a few tips to handle extremely dry or chapped lips:

*Stay Hydrated: Ensure adequate water intake to maintain overall skin hydration.
*Gentle Exfoliation: Use a soft toothbrush or a homemade sugar scrub to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, followed by applying a natural lip mask like beeswax.
*Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E to support skin health from the inside out.

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