Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Benefits
Vaseline petroleum jelly traces its roots to the 19th century, when Brooklyn chemist Robert Augustus Cheeseborough first developed it as a natural remedy for skin abrasions in 1869. Petroleum jelly is a mixture of paraffin, microcrystalline wax and mineral oil. It prevents water from escaping the body through the skin and drying it out.
Moisturizes
Vaseline petroleum jelly is an occlusive moisturizer. Occlusives form a sealant that locks water into the skin, preventing dryness. It can also resolve dryness by preventing further water loss from the skin, allowing the skin to repair itself from within.
Repairs Cuts, Abrasions and Chapped Lips
One of Vaseline’s original uses was healing cuts and scrapes on the skin. The occlusive properties of Vaseline seal the skin breakage. This prevents bacteria or impurities from entering the wound, allowing the body’s natural healing properties to work without interruption. Applying it to the lips works as a balm, soothing the surface and preventing moisture from escaping.
Lubricates a Thermometer
Vaseline is also useful as a lubricant. recommends using petroleum jelly when taking a child’s temperature rectally. After cleaning the thermometer, coat the tip with petroleum jelly before inserting the thermometer anally.
Other Uses
Vaseline can also be used as a beauty aid. Rubbing a thin layer of Vaseline on the forearm holds a fragrance and makes it last longer. Vaseline can also seal split ends on strands of hair, delaying a trip to the salon.
Is Vaseline petroleum jelly Bad for Chapped Lips?
Dry skin is not exclusive to your face and body. Particularly in the harsh winter months, your lips can become dehydrated, cracked and flaky, leaving them chapped and in need of moisture. Vaseline is a name brand of petroleum jelly, an occlusive emollient that is recommended for the treatment of chapped lips. This product benefits your skin by helping it to retain more moisture and repair itself.
Causes
Dry weather can wreak havoc on your skin’s moisture barriers, as can indoor heat during cold weather. When your skin and lips lose moisture, they become inflexible, which causes cracking and scaling. Breathing through your mouth can dry out your lips, as can licking them. Saliva evaporates rapidly, leaving your lips drier than before. Not drinking enough liquids can also cause your skin to become dehydrated and in need of a moisturizing product like Vaseline.
Treatment
Whenever you go outdoors, apply a petroleum jelly like Vaseline to your lips. This oil-based product will moisturize dried-out lips, as well as reduce moisture loss. Apply this product multiple times throughout the day, as well as each night before bed. Keep using it even after your lips have healed to keep your skin hydrated.
Considerations
Though petroleum jelly is not typically an irritating product, you may experience an adverse reaction to it, such as a stinging sensation or a contact allergy that results in a rash. Apply the product to a small area first to check for any reactions. Discontinue use and see a doctor if any allergies develop.
Warnings
If your lips are severe chapped or do not heal after a week of applying petroleum jelly, see a doctor. Severely chapped lips sometimes may be caused by a rare underlying medical condition.
Vaseline for Wrinkles
Considered an occlusive moisturizer, Vaseline provides the skin with a protective barrier that locks in moisture. It is a blended mixture of paraffin, waxes and mineral oil that creates what is essentially petroleum jelly. While Vaseline will not reverse or erase your wrinkles, it can help keep your skin hydrated, reducing their visibility.
How to use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly for Wrinkles
Step 1: Wash your skin as you normally would using your usual cleanser. Follow the cleansing with a cool water rinse. Blot your skin lightly with a soft towel to remove excess water.
Step 2: Apply a dollop of Vaseline to the tip of a cotton swab immediately after blotting your skin dry. Dab the Vaseline lightly over your wrinkles.
Step 3: Tap the wrinkled area lightly with your fingertips to feather the Vaseline over your skin. Reapply after each cleansing, as needed.
Warnings
Occlusive moisturizers may irritate the skin. They also have the tendency to clog pores. If you experience any negative side effects with Vaseline, discontinue use.
