Chapped lips can range from being a minor nuisance to being incredibly painful.

Lips can become chapped for various reasonsand frequently become problematic when the weather is cold and dry.

Yet, in the summer, lips can also dry out from too much sun.

Woman applying Vaseline to lips

No matter the weather, lips can also get chapped when you lick them too often.

The saliva can make the skin drier.

You may not even realize how much you are licking your lips until they start to feel sore.

Dab of petroleum jelly on woman’s finger

Then many people grab some Vaseline thinking it will cure their chapped lips, but there are some downsides.

For that, youneed a humectantthat actually draws in moisture from the environment to soften and heal the skin.

Popular humectants include shea butter, honey, and aloe.

Woman with acne looking in mirror

Yet, theVaseline company’s websitebegs to differ and says that their product won’t lead to clogged pores.

“Pure healing jelly does not clog your pores it leaves them clear.”

While it may not affect all people, it can negatively impact some.

Scooping Vaseline from jar

However, for many, the chapped areas quickly turn into cracked and peeling skin.

Furthermore, it can worsen if you peel the skin or bite it.

It happens when small petroleum jelly particles are inhaled and build up in the lungs.

Applying petroleum jelly to lips

Rarely, small amounts of the jelly can travel into the windpipe (trachea) and lungs.

Over many months, the jelly can build up in the lungs.

Lipoid pneumonia is a form of aspiration pneumonia that occurs from inhaling oil-based substances.

When using Vaseline on your lips before bed double-check to apply a very thin layer.