Why shouldn't I put petroleum jelly on my lips?

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

Internal Medicine

Don't put Vaseline on your lips. Vaseline is made from the goop that comes from oil drills (petroleum jelly, remember?), so it's something you don't want too close to your mouth because you'll ingest little bits each day. Instead, use cocoa butter or Burt's Bees Balm to moisten up dry lips (they use beeswax -- good for bees, ok for you).

More About this Book

YOU: Being Beautiful: The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty

Most people think that beauty revolves around such things as lipstick, sweet eyes, or skinny jeans -- all those things that we can see (and obsess over) in the mirror. But the fact is that beauty...

Continue Learning about Skin Care

People get moles removed for a handful of reasons. Sometimes it’s purely cosmetic, other times it’s because the mole shows signs of potential skin can...

Are you keeping an eye on your skin? If you don’t regularly scan for new growths or spots that are changing in appearance, it’s time to get into the h...

When hives do not go away quickly, the first step in treatment is to consult an allergist.

Look radiant with these expert-approved skin treatments

Who wouldn’t want smoother, wrinkle-free skin? According to a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type ...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Features:

Condition Headquarters:

Why shouldn't I put petroleum jelly on my lips?

Continue Learning about Skin Care