Is lip balm addictive? That's the question Yael and Don discuss on this Moment of Science.   Y: I am a lip balm addict. Sometimes I catch myself applying some of this stuff just ten minutes or so after applying it the last time. I don't even know I'm doing it.

D: I don't think you're really addicted to lip balm. True addictions involve serious withdrawal symptoms. If you quit using lip balm, however, chances are you would be uncomfortable for a little while, but you'd adapt and get over your lip balm fixation. After all, our lips, if left alone, and unlicked, can stay moist on their own.

Y: I don't know about all that. I'm sure I'd freak out without my lip balm.

D: A lot of people feel addicted to lip balm, Yael, but there are reasons behind this. For instance, a lot of lip balms actually contain ingredients that are drying to lips. At the same time, these same ingredients are often what give lip balms that tingling sensation which makes us think they are doing good things for our lips. So we find ourselves reapplying to get that tingle which in turn dries out our lips, making us think we need another fix. Also, flavored lip balms can encourage us to lick our lips, which also dries them out, making us reapply the lip balm.

Y: What do I do?

D: Read labels and follow directions. Lip balm can be very helpful in replacing lost moisture in cold and windy weather. Medicated lip balms can help heal severely chapped lips. However, most lip balms are designed for limited use, not for every day. If you think you're using lip balm too much you might try to wean yourself off slowly.