Tips

“The Pitfalls of Overusing Lip Balm: Why Less is More for Healthy Lips.”

Many individuals believe that using a lip balm every day will keep their lips soft, smooth, and supple. However, overusing lip balm can have the opposite effect. Here are the adverse effects of applying too much lip balm.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

Dry and humid weather is always one of the top “enemies” of your beauty routine. One day your skin is flaky and won’t hold makeup, the next your lips are chapped and cracked. Many people believe that diligent use of lip balm will keep their lips soft and supple, but this isn’t always the case. Let’s explore the potential drawbacks of using lip balm too frequently and how to avoid negative side effects.

1 Lips Can Become Drier

Overusing lip balm can lead to drier lips

According to Dr. Leah Jacob, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Tulane University (USA), lip balms only provide temporary relief and some may even cause flaking and dryness. When the thin layer of moisture from the lip balm evaporates, it can lead to increased water loss and drier lips.

2 Potential for Skin Irritation

Frequent use of lip balm may cause skin irritation

Dr. Leah Jacop also notes that lip balms often contain irritating and exfoliating ingredients such as phenol, camphor, menthol, fragrances, and flavors. In a study on vitamin E, 33% of patients developed contact dermatitis due to this ingredient. Hilery Dorrian, a natural therapist and teacher at the Center for Homeopathic Education in London and New York, adds that overusing lip balm can prevent the skin on your lips from producing its own oil, leading to small spots around the mouth.

3 Lips May Become “Lazy”

Lip balm can make your lips lazy

Joshua Zeichner, a New York-based dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital (USA), explains that some lip balm formulas create an artificial barrier to lock in moisture. As a result, your lips may become “lazy,” doing less work to maintain their natural moisture and becoming dependent on the product.

4 You May Become “Addicted” to Lip Balm

You might get “addicted” to lip balm

Whitney Bowe, a certified dermatologist in New York, explains that if you feel “addicted” to lip balm, it’s because you’re addicted to the soothing sensation it provides. Ingredients like peppermint, cinnamon, and camphor can be irritating and make you want to reapply every hour.

The recommended usage is no more than 3 times per day—morning, after meals/drinks, and before bed. Stay hydrated by drinking 2 liters of water daily to maintain moisture in your lips and skin.

We hope that now you’re aware of the potential drawbacks of overusing lip balm. If you have this bad habit, it’s time to break it and protect the health of your lips.

Frequently asked questions

Overusing lip balm can lead to a dependency on the product, as it can interfere with the skin’s natural ability to moisturize itself. This can result in a cycle of dryness and over-application, causing a constant need for more lip balm. Additionally, some ingredients in lip balms, such as menthol and camphor, can irritate the skin and make the problem worse.

It is recommended to apply lip balm a few times a day, especially after meals or when your lips feel dry. However, it’s important to let your lips breathe and adjust to their natural moisture levels. Applying lip balm excessively can do more harm than good.

There are several natural alternatives to keep your lips healthy and moisturized. You can use natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. Honey is also a great natural moisturizer and has antibacterial properties. Another option is to use a mixture of sugar and oil to gently exfoliate your lips, removing dead skin and promoting cell renewal.

Maintaining healthy lips is about finding a balance. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as dehydration can lead to dry lips. Exfoliate your lips gently once or twice a week to remove dead skin. Choose lip balms with natural, hydrating ingredients, and avoid those with irritants like menthol and artificial fragrances. Most importantly, listen to your body and let your lips guide you on how much product they truly need.