Does Lip Balm Help or Hinder Dry Lips?

This is a contentious issue which Sabrina and I were discussing a few months back, it seems that some people almost become "addicted" to lip balms (I know I have one for each handbag). Being  nerdy med students, we wondered if it was psychological or if possibly the old wives tales about Vaseline drying out your lips were true. Here's what my google search (highly reputable source...high level evidence base I assure you) found.  




Ingredients found to be drying:  eucalyptus, camphor, phenol and menthol, alcohol and salicylic acid - according to 2 american dermatologists

Ingredients related to acne breakouts/clog pores: petroleum 

Slightly unrelated note: Better to use wind up products rather than pots due to bacteria/hygiene issues

Unfortunately most brands contain some kind of mixture of these ingredients or alternatively, people are often strongly against artificial ingredients so there is no real quick easy fix or brand that is number 1. It might just be worth giving the ingredients list a little browse next time you're looking for a new lip balm and considering what might be drying out your lips and why you may be reapplying every 15 minutes.

Biggest factor: staying hydrated, requiring more regular lip balm may be the first sign that you're dehydrated and drinking more water will naturally heal your otherwise balm-resistant dry & cracked lips...and even better, it's free! 

As far as the psychological issue is concerned...I don't believe there has been any formal research but as long as you're not ingesting too much of the stuff or getting obsessive-compulsive over it, applying a non-drying lip balm regularly can't be bad for you, go on, your lips will love it! 

What do you guys think?

x Alina/Sparkle