When it comes to lip care, lip balm is the MVP. Not only does it seal moisture, but it also smooths out fine lines, protects your lips from environmental exposure, doubles as a primer, and more. With all of lip balm’s benefits, it should be a staple in everyone’s beauty routine.
By Myrtle Bautista
Freelance Contributor
Unfortunately, some people still shy away from it because of rumors. In this article, we debunk the most common myths about lip balms so you can see they are worthy of a spot in your makeup kit.
Myth #1: You can become addicted to lip balm
If you’ve been following the beauty world for a while, you might’ve heard rumors about “lip balm addiction.” It’s when a person needs to apply them multiple times a day. But we wouldn’t go as far as to call it an addiction. Lip balms don’t contain addictive ingredients that can make your body dependent on them. It’s more of a habit that a person may form as part of their self-care routine. For example, if you live in a cold climate, you’ll probably apply lip balm more frequently to prevent dry lips in the winter. You may also constantly coat your lips because of your lifestyle, or you may be more prone to dry lips than most people.
However, it can become a problem if your lip balm interferes with your day-to-day life. If you carry it everywhere and can’t function without it, you may have developed a psychological dependence on it. But don’t worry — in most cases, constantly applying lip balm is nothing more than a habit.
Myth #2: Lip balm can cause your lips to become dry
Another rumor that’s making rounds in the skincare world is that lip balm can make your lips more chapped. This rumor isn’t true, as lip balms are supposed to lock moisture in, making it impossible for them to dry out your lips. This misconception may be because some skin care products contain irritating ingredients, such as salicylic acid. That’s why you should always choose lip products containing natural ingredients free from synthetic colors and scents.
Your lips can also dry out if you have a habit of licking them, especially if you’ve coated them with flavored lip balm. We know it can be tempting, but licking your lips can strip them of much-needed moisture.
Myth #3: Lip balm can cause cold sores
Let’s say your best friend borrows your lip balm, which you apply to your lips. After a few days, you wake up with a cold sore and blame it on your lip balm. Then you discover that your friend’s cold sore started before they borrowed it. You see, it’s not the lip balm that causes cold sores — the sharing of this product does.
Remember, the number one rule is that your lip balm should be off-limits to other people. Cosmetic products such as lipsticks and lip balms can become contaminated with viruses such as HSV-1 (herpes simplex), which not many people know they have. That’s why you should never share your lip products with other people. If you already have a cold sore, avoid lip balms that contain menthol, which can exacerbate your condition.
Myth #4: Lip balm can increase the risk of cancer
Some people claim that shiny lip products such as lip balms and glosses can cause UV light to be concentrated on the lips, causing skin cancer. While it’s true that lip cancer is a common kind of oral cancer (the rate of lip cancer is 0.5 per 100,000 men and women per year, according to the National Cancer Institute), you must treat this rumor with skepticism. No studies have shown whether lip products can cause lip cancer.
Myth #5: Lip balm doesn’t have an expiration date
Lip balm lasts about 12 to 24 months from the moment you open it. This expiration date is because, like other beauty products, lip balm can become a breeding ground for bacteria. When it comes into contact with your mouth (and whenever it’s exposed to the air), germs can transfer to its surface. Furthermore, many lip balms contain fats and oils that can go rancid after two years.
To determine the expiration date, examine the lip balm label. There should be a small icon in the shape of a cosmetics pot with a number inside, indicating the number of months you can use the product after it’s been opened. If you can’t find the icon, look for the usual signs of expiration, such as mold growth, funky smell, change in color and consistency, etc.
To prolong the shelf life of your lip product, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For long-lasting lip protection, consider natural lip balms formulated with fewer ingredients.
Show your lips some love with Rustic MAKA
Don’t let the rumors be the reason why you miss out on the benefits of lip balm. Your beauty routine won’t be complete without it. When you stick to the facts and welcome lip balm with open arms, you’ll be able to kiss your lip problems goodbye. Pamper your lips today with Rustin MAKA — with our wide range of organic lip products, you can give your lips the TLC they deserve.
These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For any medical concern you should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Full Medical Disclaimer.
