ChapNews Vol. 17: Addiction (Again)

It seems that lip balm addiction is the go-to "human interest" story for a lot of newspapers and TV stations. It's sort of weird because it's such a non-story on its own as a concept, but when you add in the INTERNET, suddenly it's worth spending four minutes reporting (sorry, Darfur!). I will do commend Kesshia Peyton (who no doubt included this little gem in her reel) of WKRG News Pensacola for actually trying to debunk the addiction myth:

If you think you're addicted to your lip balm, it could be all in your head. There's a lot of chatter online from self-proclaimed lip balm addicts. But dermatologist Dr. Marcia Driscoll says, right now, there's no hard, scientific evidence that it's a real problem.

"True addiction is thought of as something that is a physical dependence. That is, that if you take away the lip balm, would the person have a withdrawal syndrome?" said Dermatologist Dr. Marcia Driscoll.She says the urge to gloss could be more of a 'psychological' dependence - a habit that can start by simply having chapped lips.
"Sometimes it's a chronic problem because of an allergy or a chronic irritant exposure," said Dr. Driscoll.

The culprit could be the fragrances added to your lip balm. Switching to a petroleum-based product might help. Lanolin and sunscreens can sometimes be an irritant to your lips. Also sun, wind, cold temperatures, licking your lips, toothpaste and even dental floss can cause problems.

I don't know who's flossing so hard they're chapping their own lips, but listen to the doctor. Everyone is different, so consider switching to a more effective, less irritating balm if you're over-using yours.

(If you can't see the video below, just go to the site I mentioned above.)

WKRG.com

Guest Post! Lizard Lips

"Beachgirl5" sent us a review of Lizard Lips so enthusiastic we couldn't not share it with you (or resist ordering it immediately). The motto of the company that makes it is "Lip protection for the highly adventurous". We don't know much about her, but she's clearly got her priorities in order desert island-wise. Take it, lady!

I've been a lip balm addict for as long as I can remember. I have to have it - even under lipstick. It's a must at night and definitely outdoors. Seriously, if I could only take one item to a deserted island, it would be lip balm (sunglasses would be a close second).

How I found it - I think a friend initially gave me Lizard Lips back in the late 90's. At the time, it was in a round tin. The tin was kind of a pain, but I loved the product so kept using it. Over the years it evolved into a tube and it's been a bit hard to find here and there, but it's still my all time favorite and it's at it's best now.

Price: The price varies depending on where you buy it. It's $1.99 on Amazon and I've seen it for more on other herbal-type websites. I've also seen it with lower promotional pricing in stores occasionally. It can be purchased on the Lizardlips.net website in packs of 4, for $7.99 (so again, around $1.99 each).

Appearance: The appearance is very fun and eye-catching. Lots of color and, of course, the lizard [in the fine tradition of animal lip balm mascots like Badger Balm -Ed.]. I think it's appealing to all ages and brings out the kid in everyone.

Glide: The glide is one of my favorite features. It goes on very smoothly and feels soft. It's not waxy or heavy and doesn't leave you needing more a short time later.

Flavor/Smell: The original only came in a mild vanilla, which they still offer. Now, I'm typically not a vanilla fan as it can be too sweet and heavy for my taste, but this vanilla, I love. More recently, I've found additional flavors in Raspberry Creme, Tangerine Dream and Cool Mint. I'm not much of a sweet flavor person so tend to be really picky about these types of flavoring, but I like all of them. None of the scents are too powerful or offensive.

Lasting Power: As mentioned above, the lasting power is great. Many lip balms actually dry out your lips (I've read this is due to the petroleum found in many), which requires you to keep reapplying constantly. Not the case with Lizard Lips. It lasts really well aside from eating (or possibly kissing!).

Product Pluses: All the above - pleasant scents/flavors, feels great on, lasts well and is moisturizing and healing. Because of the great ingredients, I've even used it as a healing agent for dry skin spots or bug bites. Oh yeah, and the SPF22! I live in Arizona and I have yet to end up with sun burned lips.

Can I rate it a 10? Ok, 5 out of 5 tubes!