How do you tell the difference between actinic cheilits on the lips vs just dry lips?

Emollient : An emollient like Vaseline will relive just dry lips but not actinic chelitis. Unless you have had long exposure to sun light from an out-door occupation, actinic chelitis is unlikely. If application of emollient fails to resolve the matter, it would be prudent to see a dermatologist. Just in case you "dry lips" are due to vitamin deficiency, take multivitamins.