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Lip balm

*** Shopping-Tip: Lip balm
Image:chapstick.jpg thumb|140px|A tube of [[ChapStick.]] '''Lip balm''' is a substance topically applied to the lips of the mouth to relieve chapped or dry lips and Herpes simplex virus cold sores. Lip gloss is similar, but generally has only cosmetic properties. The balm is usually manufactured from beeswax, petroleum jelly, menthol, camphor, scented oils, and various other ingredients. Some manufacturers also add vitamins, alum, or salicylic acid (aspirin). Most lip balms contain sunscreen, to minimize Sunburn sun damage. Lip balm may come in small containers, where a finger is used to spread it on the lips, or in 'stick' form (similar to lipstick) which is applied directly to the lips.

Addiction
There are many stories of lip balm addiction, where the users of lip balm feel the need to constantly re-apply the product, claiming that their lips will chap and dry if they stop. Whether it is a physical withdrawal or purely psychological addiction is unclear. There are some urban legends claiming that lip balm manufacturers add special chemicals or even fiberglass to their product to facilitate Angular cheilitis lip chapping, but none of these tall tales have been substantiated. Some "medicated" lip balms such as Blistex have a chemical called phenol in them. This serves to disinfect the lips, but can also lead to dryness of the lips and irritation.

Addiction cure
Using the natural oils of your own skin can cure a lip balm addiction. When you have the urge to sooth your lips don’t lick them or apply balm. Instead, use your knuckle to transfer oil from your forehead to your lips. Within a few days the urge to soothe will diminish and within a couple of weeks you should be back to normal.

Popular brands
Image:Carmex.gif frame|Carmex container. * Carmex * ChapStick * Tholene * Lotus Skin Care * Blistex

External links and references

- Lip Balm Anonymous
- Lip Balm entry on [http://www.snopes.com/ snopes.com]
- HELP! I really need a lip balm fix Des Moines Register article Category:Over-the-counter substances Category:Skin care fi:Huulirasva sv:Läppbalsam

*** Shopping-Tip: Lip balm