Lip BalmsDo we love our lips too much? John EricsonA version of this article was published in the December, 2001 issue of the Texas Bandmasters Association Journal. As brass players we frequently use lip balms for chapped lips. A note of caution on these. I basically have no problems with lip balms, but try to only use very mild ones, at least on an extended basis. There are three main active ingredients in the stronger lip balms--Camphor, Menthol, and Phenol. Camphor and Menthol are basically harmless, but Phenol is a skin irritant. Phenol is put in the medication to help irritate and remove the old, dry skin found on very chapped lips. To use this kind of medication for a short time when you have very dry, chapped lips may be beneficial, but to use Phenol on a long term basis is not good. My own experience is that you can really get hooked on lip balms with Phenol in them. Your lips feel raw and irritated so you use lip balm without realizing that the lip balm is actually MAKING your lips feel even more irritated, a true vicious circle. Honestly, when I quit using a popular brand of lip balm with Phenol in it I had what felt to me like withdrawal symptoms. It was not a lot of fun for a few days, but after that my lips felt better than they had in years. And I was playing better too. So, basically, use them when you really need them, but try not to use any lip balm on a long term basis with Phenol in it. I try to use lip balms as little as possible. At this time I only use on a very occasional basis an overnight type of lip balm. Specifically, ChapStick Overnight Lip Treatment, which is basically just a moisturizer for the lips. I am not going to get hooked on lip balm again! Copyright John Ericson. All rights reserved. |