Health & Medicine

Are you 'Beezin?' Alleged Teen Trend Involves Lip Balm on Eyelids

Kathleen Lees
First Posted: Apr 25, 2014 11:59 PM EDT

Social media has shed light on a new trend among today's youngsters. It involves rubbing peppermint lip balm on their eyelids. (We don't understand it, either.)

Kids are hoping to catch a natural high from "beezin," the term for the alleged new trend, according to the Oklahoma news station WKRC. It's been described by some users as the "experience of being drunk or high." For others, it might just provide an extra energy boost to help them stay awake. (Better than buying a Red Bull every day, right?)

"It's the peppermint oil that's causing the burning sensation and I suppose some people think that is kind of funny," said Dr. Brett Cauthen, via WKRC. Dr. Cauthen also stressed that just because the products are "all natural" does not mean they are safe or should be used for unintended purposes. 

Yet some skeptics just aren't buying it. In fact, James Hamblin, senior editor at The Atlantic said the phenomenon may be more "trend-rumor" than actual trend.

Regardless, if teens are putting lip ointment on their eyelids, is it safe?

Though we're not entirely certain, a representative from the company said the lip balm should be used for its ended purposes, and that's on the mouth and not the eyes.

"There are lots of natural things that probably shouldn't go in eyes - dirt, twigs, leaves, food - and our lip balm. Burt's Bees tests all of its products, including the Beeswax Lip Balm, to ensure they are safe for their intended use," said a brand representative, via The New York Daily News

"We recommend that people use our products as directed and we will make every effort to ensure that the intended use of our lip balm is clearly communicated."

What do you think?

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