Using lip balm: How to choose and limit use

Apply lip balm to help soothe, create a pleasant feeling for the lips. Some lip balms can make dry lips drier, so you should check the ingredients on the label before you buy. In addition, you should also pay attention to the frequency of use to see if you are using it for the purpose of protecting and moisturizing the skin of the lips or for other reasons.

Here are some tips when choosing the right lip balm for you:
Avoid ingredients like phenol, menthol, and salicylic acid, which can dry out lips and cause tingling when applied. This can irritate or remove the outer layers of the skin, much like an exfoliator. Then your lips will be less protected, more susceptible to environmental factors and have to apply more lip balm. Limit lip balms that contain fragrance or added fragrance. The chemicals in some fragrances and fragrances can cause skin irritation or allergies, drying and cracking. You should look for petroleum-based jelly products. These are recommended because they moisturize the lips and prevent chapping instead of causing chafing. Use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30. Also, use sunscreen on your lips when you're outside for long periods of time, when playing sports, or at the pool or beach.

While there are benefits to using lip balms, they can also cause the following side effects:
Common side effects: Dry skin Uncommon side effects: A stinging sensation on the skin Effects Rare side effects: Contact dermatitis, folliculitis, acne, rash, skin irritation, skin burns

Some common questions you can use to ask yourself if you are psychologically dependent on lip balm:
Do you use lip balm regularly? Do you carry lip balm with you at all times? Do you spend a lot of money on it? Do your friends or family comment on how often you use or spend on lip balm? Do you have trouble concentrating or enjoying life because you can't get your mind off the need to apply lipstick? The more "yes" questions you answer on the list, the more likely you are to depend on lip balm.
Apply lip balm to help soothe, create a pleasant feeling for the lips. However, this lipstick also leaves certain side effects. Therefore, you need to carefully consider ingredients and brands before buying and using.

References: webmd.com, health.clevelandclinic,org