You definitely should keep using what works for you. I've tried that combination method that you're currently using. I had no success with aquaphor and/or HC creams. I first applied the aloe vera capsule to raw skin before the body created it's own barrier, that may be the difference if you applied it to lips with a skin barrier already. Basically I knew if there was a skin barrier, it was eventually going to die and peel off. So I prevented a skin barrier from forming in the first place and let the lips heal under the aloe vera. So I had raw skin for like a week, weird but the new skin that grew in was healthy, strong, elastic, and similar to my outer skin layer which wasn't damaged.