Are You Addicted To Your Lip Balm? by Jane Thurnell-Read

I've already written about what the word 'natural' means when applied to personal care products such as shampoo, skin care and cosmetics. Now I want to put the spot light on lip balms.

Judging by the amount of lip balm that is sold many people suffer from dry or flaky lips. Michio Kushi in his book Oriental Diagnosis says that different parts of the lip correspond to different parts of the digestive system. The upper lip represents the stomach. The lower part corresponds to the intestines, so the state of your lips may indicate problems with these areas of your body.

People who use a lot of lip balm may also be allergic to it! When you are allergic to something, you often crave it.

I have had several clients who were allergic to their lip balm. Because they were allergic to it, they used it more. And because they were allergic to it, their lips became more and more sore, so they used it more. A miserable vicious cycle.

The ingredients in lip balms are in my opinion a real cause for concern.

Carla Payne of Seven Wives agrees. She explained to me:

"Mineral oils, taken from petrol refineries, are used in most lip balms. Instead of offering you valuable protection and healing, they over hydrate the skin in your lips. As your skin struggles to get back to a normal level of hydration it dries out very quickly, fooling you into believing that your skin is dry; so you reach for your next fix of lip balm."

Also have a look at the articles on colour in cosmetics and the other one on fragrances.