Are lip balms addictive?

Dear Reader, 

Assuming that your ChapStick consumption refers to slathering balm on your lips rather than munching on it, there isn’t much cause for concern. While applying lip balm can become a habit, it isn’t really possible to get addicted to it. Lip balms won’t cause your body to stop producing its own moisture, though it’s worth noting that some ingredients like menthol or lanolin in lip products can cause skin irritation and dryness.  

Why do your lips get dry? 

The skin on your lips is thinner than the skin on other parts of your body. Lips also don’t have oil glands or hair follicles that help to lock in moisture, making it easier for them to become dry and chapped. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, air pollutants, cold or hot temperatures, and certain medications like retinoids can also leave your lips feeling parched.  

Do lip balms actually make your lips drier?  

Applying lip balm doesn't actually stop your body from generating natural moisture like some common myths suggest. How effective lip balms are at moisturizing depends on what’s in them. Ingredients such as menthol, camphor, salicylic acid, and lanolin can cause irritation or even remove the outer layers of the skin, causing them to become even drier. Artificial flavors, colors, and scents—though chap-tivating—can also cause skin irritation. This could lead to a vicious cycle where the more lip balm you apply, the more chapped your lips get.  

To keep your lips feeling hydrated, consider choosing lip balms without fragrances or flavors. Ingredients that add moisture and form a protective barrier over your skin, such as petroleum jelly, glycerin, hemp seed oil, and shea butter can help to seal in moisture. It’s also recommended to use lip balm with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, to protect your lips against sun damage caused by UV light.  

Can you get addicted to lip balm? 

It’s not possible to get addicted to lip balm because it doesn’t contain ingredients that can cause dependency. However, applying lip balm can become an unconscious habit. It’s not uncommon for people to find themselves reaching for lip balm when they’re stressed or anxious, even if they don’t need to moisturize their lips.  

How often should you apply lip balm? 

There aren’t any hard and fast rules for applying lip balm. Some products might be more effective than others at keeping your lips moisturized depending on their ingredients and the thickness of the ointment. Generally speaking, you can apply lip balm as needed throughout the day when you notice your lips are dry, at night before bed, and after eating or drinking. While outdoors, it’s recommended to apply lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours.  

What are some other remedies for dry lips?  

Don’t have your trusty lip balm on hand? Never fear! There are still ways you can keep your lips looking luscious. You might consider the following tips and tricks:  

• Drink water: Staying hydrated inside and out can keep your skin plump and moisturized. 
• Use a humidifier: Running a humidifier on cold, dry days (or nights) can help add much-needed moisture back into the air. 
• Avoid licking your lips: While it may feel natural, licking your lips can dry them out even more. This is because saliva contains digestive enzymes that can irritate the skin. 
• Avoid exfoliants: Lip scrubs and exfoliators can damage the top layer of your skin, breaking the skin barrier. This can allow bacteria to enter, increasing the risk of infection.  
• Don’t pick: It might be tempting to peel or bite off flaky bits, but the damaged skin on your lips helps to protect new skin cells underneath. Picking them off can cause irritation and dryness. 

Simple, fragrance-free lip balms are often the safest to use. They’re an effective way to soothe, treat, and prevent chapped lips—especially if you live somewhere cold, dry, or windy. That said, lip balm isn’t a cure-all for all types of chapped lips. It’s recommended to speak with a dermatologist if there’s crusting in the corners of your mouth, or if your lips are painful and itchy. These symptoms could be caused by an allergic reaction or a yeast or bacterial infection, which may require medical treatment.  

Keep calm and balm on!