Ask the Addict: Lip Gloss or Lipstick Okay?
Lynn writes:
I am addicted to chapstick, I have been for years. I am on day two of not wearing any. My lips haven’t had moisturizer for 2 days and they are in terrible pain.
I am just wondering, after I get better…when I wear lipgloss or lipstick (down the road) I am scared I will fall into the same habit with those or go back to chapstick. Have you heard of any cases like this?
Have we heard of this? Of course we have.
Among the reasons for lip balm addiction are the psychological feelings one gets when you start your ritual of covering the lips. For some, trading lip balm for lip gloss or lipstick equates to someone addicted to drinking beer switching to wine. At the same time, lipstick especially will form a barrier between your lips and the elements. So, you definitely need to be careful to keep your use within appropriate limits.
Unless there is a professional reason to use lip gloss, however, we’d recommend staying away. Many of these are flavored, which only adds to the impact of “glossing.” These are essentially more viscous versions of lip balm anyway, so if you’re trying to cut the habit this isn’t much of a step.
Hope your sobriety continues.
Hi my name is Harry, I am 30 years old and for 30yrs of my life I never had chapped lips. I guess its the extreme dry cold winter we are having this year. I was on my way to work this mornin and I notice that my lips were cracked and in a little pain. I thought I would get some chapstick for my chapped lips, makes sense right? About an hour after applying the chapstick I felt a strong urge to reapply and have for every hour since.
Am I crazy? Why isnt this product illegal?