The practice of "beezin" has become increasingly popular once more, with some users turning to TikTok to demonstrate their enjoyment of the activity. By rubbing Burt's Bees lip balm around the eye area, beezers assert that they can reach a "high" state, prolong their intoxication levels, and increase their ability to stay awake.
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Burts Bees Lip Balm - Getty Images
Why You Should NOT Do It.
Medical professionals caution against such behavior, as any type of product applied near the eyes can have negative, harmful side effects. According to ophthalmologist Dr. Patrick Harkins of Waco, Texas, the eye and eyelid are "very sensitive parts of the body" and thus react differently to other areas of the body, making the usage of a non-specifically-formulated product ill-advised.
Doctors recommend avoiding the practice of beezin', no matter how trendy or socially accepted it may become.
In the early 2010s, "beezin'" became a popular trend. It recently reemerged on TikTok, but doctors are warning against it due to potential harm.
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What Are The Effects?
Menthol is the main ingredient of "beezin'," causing a cooling sensation on the skin where it is applied. Although menthol can be found in mouthwash, toothpaste, and certain ointments, the ingredient being used for "beezin'" appears to be the Beeswax Lip Balm from Burt's Bees, which has peppermint oil listed among its ingredients.
Putting these ingredients on the eyelid skin is dangerous and can result in infections, so "beezin'" is definitely not recommended.
Fresh green mint plants in growth at field
Menthol - Getty Images/iStockphoto
On top of that, "beezin'" does not actually result in a high, so there's really no upside to the trend. Burt's Bees noted that their beeswax lip balm product has been around for over 30 years.
"It’s crafted with ingredients from nature like beeswax, coconut oil, and of course peppermint oil – all selected to care for lips," the representative continued. "It may be 100% natural origin, but that doesn't mean it can go on eyes. Burt’s Bees tests all of its products, including the Beeswax Lip Balm to ensure they are safe for their intended use. We recommend that people use our products as directed."
According to Doctor Harkins
Dr. Patrick Harkins mentioned that products with menthol or peppermint oil are formulated specifically for certain parts of the body, like the lips, he said. Then there’s the risk of infection, especially with something that could have been used on other parts of the body, according to Harkins.
"Putting a lip balm that's been used on your or someone else's lips on your eye is probably a really bad idea because it’s possible to spread infection that way," Harkins said.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Getty Images/iStockphoto
"I would be more worried specifically just about an inflammatory reaction, but that can lead to vision loss, scarring, all kinds of problems."
Harkins’ best advice: "If it's on TikTok, don't do it," he said. "That's my parting advice. I guess that's more of general advice, but medical too."
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