Vaseline for Lips: Does It Give Healthy-Looking Lips?

For most people, it’s hard to remember the first time they used Vaseline for lips! When we were little, all of our mothers' dressers had that tiny tub of Vaseline on them. Vaseline has undoubtedly played a significant role in many of our lives for a very long time.

However, there are diverse views on the topic of Vaseline's usefulness for our lips. While some people swear by petroleum jelly and claim that it's the best thing for their lips, others think it's harmful and has a drying effect.

Let’s have a closer look and see if it is good to use Vaseline for lips.

---

Should You Use Vaseline for Lips?

As Q-tips is a well-known brand name for cotton swabs, so is Vaseline for petroleum jelly, which is entirely white and refined.

Vaseline for lips works by creating a barrier on the lips to stop moisture loss, as opposed to humectants, which absorb water from the air. This indicates that it maintains the moisture already present on your lips rather than adding any new moisture to it.

Vaseline is our go-to product for lips or skincare. (Image via Pexels/ Karolina Grabowska)

You might be able to prevent dryness on your lips by applying Vaseline to them before they become cracked and dry. However, once moisture is lost, petroleum jelly doesn't work all that well to replace it.

---

Is Vaseline Good for Your Lips?

The answer to this question depends on the condition of the lips you are using it for. You can use Vaseline for lips to protect them from barriers, as it forms a layer on your lips.

However, if you are using it as a remedy for chapped lips, it may not prove to be helpful on its own. Vaseline won't help much if your lips are chapped and in need for hydration because there isn't enough moisture for it to lock in.

It can be used in conjunction with other moisturizing products in your daily skincare routine to stop your lips from becoming chapped.

Vaseline may prevent lips from damage. (Image via Unsplash/ Melissa Di Rocco)

Vaseline for lips has the unfavorable side effect of making your lips feel sticky and oily. This is because it contains purely petroleum jelly, a form of oil. Therefore, seek a lip balm that doesn't include petroleum jelly if you want to keep your lips moisturized without making them feel greasy or oily.

If you don't practice good cleanliness before applying petroleum jelly, it could result in a fungal or bacterial illness. Due to its sticky texture, you might apply it to your lips and transmit bacteria or fungi there.

So be sure to keep your Vaseline container clean and in a clean environment. Before applying it to your lips, be sure to wash your hands and carefully cleanse and dry your lips.

---

How to Prevent Chapped Lips?

Chapped lips can appear at any time of the year, though most individuals are more prone to experiencing them in the winter. Additionally, external pressures like wind, cold, and sun damage can be very damaging to the lips.

Since the lips lack oil glands, in contrast to other body parts, they are more prone to chapping and dryness. Peeling, fissures, and cracking of the lip skin are symptoms of chapped lips.

It's recommended to use Vaseline along with moisturization. (Image via Pexels/ Amir Seilsepour)

Avoid licking or plucking your lips. Use balms to soothe your lips to prevent further irritation. If the weather is to blame for your chapped lips (such as bitter cold, strong winds, or extremely dry air), try staying indoors, turning on a humidifier, or drinking plenty of water.

---

How to Use Vaseline for Lips?

Now that you know the best way to use Vaseline for lips, i.e., along with some moisturization, here are some additional steps to follow:

• Exfoliate your lips to remove flakes and dead skin.
• To avoid discomfort and further chapping, hydrate your lips with a calming moisturizer or lip balm containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Finally, remember to treat your lips with Vaseline to maintain their smoothness and softness.