Oil Glands the Cause of Addiction?
Today someone offered me some lip balm, I said no, it’s addictive in my experience. They seemed surprised. I explained why I thought so. I figured I’d look around on the net too, seeing what others thought about this. Of course, came across this site and many others dealing with the issue. I was surprised not to see anyone mention the reason I had. Now, I didn’t read your whole site, or every site of course, so maybe I missed it.
The idea about the drying chemicals makes sense. But, I think there’s even a more simple reason that could apply to all brands. Back in high school my biology teacher said that when you continuously apply oil to your skin, such as with balm, the oil glands will eventually stop producing the normal amount of oil. It may take several weeks of discontinued use for things to return to a more normal state.
I think this idea explains the addiction very simply. Stopping the balm cold turkey, of course, leads to a burning discomfort. The discomfort and misunderstanding of how long it may take to heal could lead to a quick reapplication, just keeping the glands dormant.
Maybe you already knew this, I just don’t get why I didn’t see it mentioned anywhere on these sites.
Take care,
Rob M.
It certainly is as good a concept as any we’ve seen. Now, if we could only confirm you teacher’s hypothesis…
I have been really hooked on lipsalve for about five years. It got to the point where I was reapplying it every five minutes and I was using the strong medicated ones so that the cooling sensation eased my burning itchy lips. My lips were going through a horrid cycle of being dry and itchy - so I’d bite them till they were really inflamed and then apply lipsalve. After a couple of days they would begin to heal and get flakey and it would happen all over again.
Three weeks ago I bought some Oleum cream which rehydrates and smooths, rather than just covering the skin with salve. Amazingly, it is working and my lips have gradually stopped itching, I’m learning not to lick them (saliva, I found out, has enzymes which irritate damaged skin) Now I’m applying Oleum three times a day - just like a normal moisturisor. I have not felt the urge to use lipsalve and I think I’m finally free of the stuff.
I think lipsalve is addictive, being caught without it made me (and many others I’ve spoken to) pannicky and desperate to get hold of some to relieve the distress of the dryness, itching etc.
Hey, I am so happy to know that this is a real problem and I’m not the only one. I just found this site and I think it has alot of good ideas on how to control chapstick use. i am 24 years old and have been addicted to chapsticks for years now. I can’t go without it,it’s just like cigarettes to me. i go through about 3 tubes a week, i wake up at night just to use it and I will completely freak out if I lose it or run out. I feel like my lips are shriveling up and I drive like a maniac to the closest store if that ever happens. my husband has pointed it out to me how crazy I am over it and I am trying to get better.. good luck to all of you as well….
For your information, lips don’t have oil glands.
@Rizzie - Thank god some one on here has some sense.
I have been a lip balm addict since I was in grade 5. I remember the first time I realised i had an addiction. I was 11 years old and wore a tinted lipbalm to class one day. My teacher immediately noticed and said “lipstick is not allowed, are you wearing lipstick?” I said “I am NOT wearing lipstick”, he then made me stand up in the class room infront of everyone and repeated “Are you wearing lipstick!” it was then I went hysterical ….. “NO! I AM NOT WEARING LIPSTICK! It is BLOODY LIP BALM GODDAMIT!”.
Now, I was never one to give cheek to any authority and am naturally a little shy, but somehow I felt compelled to back up my lip balm addiction in outlandish anger in front of the classroom at the tender age of 11 to an authority figure (my grade 5 teacher).
Sadly, I have tried to give up on the lip balms. However, the enticing mints, vanillas, oranges, bubblegums and even chocolate balms are too addictive. Sticky, smooth or thick balm slicked over my lips is addictive, as long as it’s some sort of balm (not lipgloss nor lipstick). I immeditely feel relaxed, at ease and even in control when I smooth it on. A new or even an old loved little tube or little tub of balm (they’re addictively so cute; even the ’seriously packaged balms’ I find them all adorable- from the sturdy little yellow carmex tub to the glamourously packaged Sara Happ The Lip Slip). It is so relaxing in that momment. The relaxing first 5 minutes of slowly smoothing my lips together to feel the balmy texture is so relaxing. I subconciously want, and do lick it off so I can start the whole process again. It’s crazy, but I’m glad that I’m not alone now that I found this site. Thank you and let’s hope I can stop this addiction and move on with my life once and for all!
hi i have oil glands on my lips past 2yrs, consulted good dermatologist bt it isnt get cured i dnt knw wat to do