The Lip Care Lowdown: Separating Fact from Fiction

What is Petroleum Jelly, Anyway?

Petroleum jelly, commonly referred to by a brand name, is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes that has been around for over 150 years. While it’s often used to heal minor cuts and scrapes, as well as moisturize dry skin, its effectiveness on lip skin is a different story.

The Unique Challenges of Lip Skin

Lip skin is thinner and more vulnerable to the environment than other parts of the face. It’s also a unique combination of hair-producing skin tissue and mucous membrane, making it more prone to dryness and irritation.

Is Petroleum Jelly Good or Bad for Chapped Lips?

The short answer is that petroleum jelly isn’t inherently bad for chapped lips. However, it’s not a magic solution that adds moisture to your lips either. Instead, it acts as an occlusive, holding in moisture and preventing it from escaping. To get the most out of petroleum jelly, you need to apply a moisturizer first and then seal it in with the jelly.

The Pros and Cons of Using Petroleum Jelly

On the plus side, petroleum jelly has been shown to improve the skin barrier in people with eczema, reducing dryness and irritation. It’s also generally safe for gentle external use. However, it’s not eco-friendly, being derived from petroleum, a fossil fuel.

Greener Alternatives

If you’re looking for more sustainable options, consider trying coconut oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter. These alternatives can provide similar moisturizing benefits without the environmental drawbacks.

The Best Way to Help Chapped Lips Recover

To soothe chapped lips, avoid licking or picking at them, and instead try exfoliating with a mixture of sugar and shea butter or petroleum jelly. Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm containing ceramide and hyaluronic fatty acids, and seal it in with petroleum jelly or your preferred alternative.

Ingredients to Avoid

Not all lip care products are created equal. Be sure to steer clear of:

• Chemical exfoliants
• Minty ingredients
• Cinnamon
• Citrus
• Camphor
• Eucalyptus
• Fragrances
• Other irritants that can dry out your lips

When to See a Doctor

If your chapped lips persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it may be worth consulting a doctor. Chapped lips can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as cheilitis, or a side effect of certain medications or supplements.