Here’s Why You’re Addicted to Lip Balm

It’s winter, you’ve been living in artificial heating and your lips are dry as a desert. Or maybe it’s last night’s vinos that have left you with a parched pout. Or perhaps it’s wild, windy weather that’s given you lip wrinkles, or too many salty snacks that are the cause of your prune mouth.

Either way, you’re not that worried. “Some lip balm’ll fix it!” you think. So, you slather on the good stuff, only to find you need another hit half an hour later. Then another. And another. So, what gives? Why are you so hooked on lip balm, and how can you break this vicious cycle, once and for all?

Balm Addiction Cause #1 – Irritating Ingredients

While it makes total sense to reach for lip balm when your lips are dry and chapped, it’s important to realise not all are created equal. Rather than nourishing, some balms contain ingredients that can actually make the problem worse, irritating the skin and causing further dehydration. Which you then try to remedy by applying more balm… and on and on it goes.

It’s important to read a balm’s list of ingredients, and become familiar with those that trigger irritation for you. In general, try to steer clear of common irritants such as camphor and salicylic acid.

Balm Addiction Cause #2 – Lazy Lips

It might sound kind of weird, but certain ingredients used in lip balm can inhibit the lips’ self-healing and self-moisturising abilities. In other words, if you’re continually applying an occlusive product (like petrolatum) that works by creating a barrier to keep moisture in, your own lips become super lazy. And less likely to put in any effort to keep themselves plump, juicy and hydrated.

The solution

To beat your ‘addiction’ and create a healthier relationship with lip balm, it’s important to choose a product that actually nourishes the lips, and is free from irritants. This month, we’re loving Burt’s Bees. 100% natural, Burt’s Bees balms are free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and SLS, and enriched with moisturising ingredients including beeswax and coconut oil for a soft, supple and protected pout.

Available in a range of flavours including Wild Cherry, Strawberry, and Honey, as well as tinted options, they leave the lips nourished and protected, and break the dryness cycle that leads to lip balm ‘addiction’.