Tired of being addicted to lip balm!!!

[AFWife]

I'm addicted to this stuff: http://www.blistex.com/Lip%20Medex.htm

Yes, it's a full blown addiction. I get antsy if I don't have it around at all times, it has to be THIS STUFF on my lips when they get the slightest bit dry, etc...

It's pretty bad...the worst part is that it's roughly $3 a pop and one "tub" only lasts me a month or so (I keep two on hand at all times)


Any advice on something to supplement? Something cheaper, more natural, or some advice on how to kick the habit without losing my mind?

[Ecologystudent]

Try switching to a beeswax based one? I find they're less addictive, harder, and last longer. You could also make your own. I actually like the ones my sister made better than any store bought balms.

You can also add extracts, so you could have the "cooling" effect of mint.

[lastrid]

I used to use that stuff and loved it. I would try the Burt's Bees medicated balm (it's the original one). It's not quite as intense with the menthol, but it works wonderfully. You might just have to resign yourself to a week or so of detoxing from the petrolatum in the Blistex.

[Vancouver Mommy]

I've been addicted since I was 11. It all started with those damn Bonne Belle Lip Smackers and has progressed to my current favourite, Burt's Bees. I literally cannot sleep without lip balm. If we're in a hotel and I forgot to bring some, I have to find a gift shop or pharmacy.

[amyandelle]

: I'm addicted too! I prefer either Blistex or Carmex (the minty kind). I never leave home with-out it and if I do I get nervous which actually makes me lick my lips more and they get dryer quicker:

Amy

[Tangled Hill]

Any idea what ingredient is so addicting? Or is it a mental thing? Just curious. I first heard of people getting addicted to lip balm a few years ago, and I've wondered about it ever since.

[purplegirl]

I'm not sure there is a physiological aspect to the the 'addiction' but probably more of a rebound effect. You use it because your lips feel dry, but the ingredients make your lips drier, so you feel the need to use it again and so forth. I agree with switching up the type--beeswax based as it tends to not be as drying and the need to keep reapplying isn't as often.
Good luck

[Tangled Hill]

Originally Posted by purplegirl

You use it because your lips feel dry, but the ingredients make your lips drier, so you feel the need to use it again and so forth.

Okay, that makes total sense. Thanks!

[LionTigerBear]

Anemia can also chap your lips, or also chapped lips could be related to a vitamin B deficiency. Just something to look into.

I would switch to Burts Bees (they have a very nicely mentholly version) and then look inot possible deficiencies that might need to be addressed.

My chapped lips are "addicted" to Burts Bees during the winter, but my "addiction" is gone by mid-spring. For me, I'm pretty sure it's brought on by some kind of winter-time deficincies, exacerbated by dry indoor heated air, and possibly linked to SAD, but it's still something I am trying to figure out.

[AFWife]

Originally Posted by Tangled Hill

Any idea what ingredient is so addicting? Or is it a mental thing? Just curious. I first heard of people getting addicted to lip balm a few years ago, and I've wondered about it ever since.

A lot of mine is the menthol. Part of it is probably the "rebound effect" but I REALLY love the cooling effect.


I'm glad to know i'm not alone in this!


Question: Is there anything in it that could be bad for me?

[Belleweather]

Try making it yourself. Here's an awesome lipbalm recipe. If you really like the menthol, you can buy crystals to add that flavor, or use a small amount of peppermint essential oil. You could refill your blistex tubs, too!

[talia rose]

LOVE Burts Bees here...

[flowers]

I remember hearing something about upping healthy fats in your diet to help with overly dry lips.

[Getz]

I didn't realize there were so many of us lip balm addicts! I use the regular Blistex and have tubes all over the house. I never leave home without it either. My sister is addicted too. I think she uses Lip Smackers.

Just typing this makes me need to go apply some!

[homefrontgirl]

I have a blistex addiction too, but mine's for cherry flavor. I'm always leaving the tubes in my pockets and they go through the dryer (wax stains, yuck!). I think it's mostly the arid climate I live in though. Glad I'm not alone!

[nora--not a llama]

this stuff is AMAZING.

http://www.bubbleandbee.com/servlet/...s?sfs=fd657b8f

i highly recommend it. my fav is the karma apple, but if you prefer minty flavors, you'd probably love the peppermint cocoa flavor.

[rainbowmoon]

I am addicted to the tangerine one by Zum.
http://www.indigowild.com/shopping/p...ail.cfm?ID=634

[mrscompgeek]

Another vote here for Burts Bees lipbalm!! I love it. I also use regular blistex alot but I LOVE the tingle I get from the mint in burts bees!!

[sunnysandiegan]

I just got back from using a GC for a massage and facial. Oh, heavenly! Anyway, I asked about dry, chapped lips and the esthetician recommended raw honey. She didn't include my lips in any of her treatments. When she met me outside the door when all was said and done, she had some raw honey on a spoon for me. She suggested a THICK layer, so I did. It looked like I put on lip gloss. It felt and smelled divine as I walked home. My lips still feel smooth and hydrated (over an hour later). Mmmmm...

[rainbowmoon]

dry, chapped lips is a sign of dehydration too.