TYPICAL lip balms don't contain substances that are addictive and they are not chock-full of carcinogens - substances that can cause or promote cancer.

There is no truth to rumours that lip balms contain cancer causing substances.

In fact, the worst side-effect to overuse of lip balm is an increase in lip chapping. Some ingredients in lip balm can lead to a tendency to use the product more frequently by prolonging the chapped effects.

Avoid products with phenol, menthol or salicylic acid. Balms with these ingredients may cause a pleasant tingling feeling, but that sensation is actually protective layers of dead skin on your lips peeling off. Removing these layers of skin leaves your lips more susceptible to the environmental factors that cause chapping.

Also avoid lip balms with an added scent or flavour, which may irritate the lips. Rather try something natural.

Your best bet is a lip product that contains petroleum. It keeps moisture in the lips, so it will help prevent chapping instead of perpetuating it.

Blistex has launched a natural, certified organic lip balm called Natural Cooling Comfort for the relief of dry, chapped lips with a rich blend of soothing, pure ingredients. - Keitumetse Segoai