In order to “get high” or perform an all-night study session, people are applying lip balm to their eyelids in a dangerous new TikTok fad, according to doctors.
The 2010s saw the emergence of the practice known as “beezin,” whereby users apply Burt’s Bees lip salve around their eyes to simulate and amplify the effects of intoxication while also enhancing alertness.
Although the trend from the previous decade was transient, it has recently experienced a comeback as a result of videos on TikTok receiving millions of views.
Doctors cautioned that spreading this notion was “dangerous” because it might result in infections and skin conditions like eyelid dermatitis, which could be “sight-threatening.”
The traditional peppermint taste of Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm can make users’ lips feel chilly and tingly.
Applying peppermint oil to the eyelids has the same effect because it produces a burning sensation that, according to reports, makes people’s eyes feel alert.
Videos show individuals applying lip balm around their eyes before sharing it with pals.
Peppermint oil is one of the components in Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.Menthol is another ingredient in the company’s medicated moisturizing lip balm.
Both of these compounds will produce a cooling sensation when applied, which may also increase alertness.
An Illinois optometrist named Dr. Mike Balgemann told DailyMail.com that the menthol’s alcohol content provides the eyes a cooling effect.
‘Getting menthol into the eyes will generally just irritate the eyes, leaving a person with the mistaken impression that they’re more awake from the discomfort. This will make the eyes water to flush the foreign agent.’
He added that the ‘eyelids is thinnest of any skin on our body—it’s highly sensitive and very delicate’.
If the substance gets into the eyes, it could increase the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and infection, Dr Balgemann said.