Petroleum Jelly
One of the most recommended home remedies for chapped lips is petroleum jelly, the waxy paste popularly associated with the brand Vaseline. The “petroleum” part in the name may sound odd, but many can attest to its effectiveness in addressing chapping lips. Ascertain that you are getting high-quality petroleum jelly, though. Some brands have impurities that can irritate the lips and worsen the problem. Also, ensure you do not have allergic reactions to petroleum jelly.
Using petroleum jelly is a straightforward process. You have to clean your lips, pat them dry, and apply a thin layer on the lips. Do not use it too liberally, as the paste may spread to parts of the face, or you might end up swallowing it unwittingly. A thin application is often enough to keep the lips lubricated and prevent irritation due to air exposure.
One important reminder: petroleum jelly is an occlusive substance. This means that it only protects the surface it coats. It does not moisturize or actively heal chapped lips. If your lips are dry, use a moisturizing agent before applying the petroleum jelly. Avoid using it on lips that already have severe sores or wounds.
