Just like those products, Vaseline has a slick and filmy consistency. But unlike other forms of petroleum, Vaseline is safe to use on your skin and hands. It's even a favorite for some as a moisturizer.
But first thing's first, according to Talakoub, "Petroleum jelly is one of the safest products for the skin. It is safe on all skin types and has very little allergenic or irritant potential. It holds moisture in the skin and can help heal wounds."
Vaseline can be used as an everyday moisturizer for very dry skin. For people with normal skin, Vaseline can be good at adding moisture to common dryer-than-normal areas, like elbows and knees.
When properly refined, petrolatum is said to have no known health concerns. However, according some sources, petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Petroleum jelly may also irritate the lungs, especially in large quantities. Very rarely, this irritation can cause pneumonia. While some people use petroleum jelly to ease chapped, dry nostrils, doing so could potentially cause breathing difficulties.
To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids. Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.
However, according to Vaseline's company website, Vaseline is noncomedogenic, meaning that it will not clog or block pores. Nonetheless, people who have oily or acne-prone skin may not like the greasy feeling that Vaseline leaves on the skin.
As mentioned before, it can actually cause breakouts because it is greasy and could be trapping acne-causing agents on the skin. If a breakout occurs after trying Vaseline on the face, wash it off and stop using it for this reason.
Infections: Not allowing the skin to dry or cleaning the skin properly before applying petroleum jelly can cause fungal or bacterial infections. A contaminated jar can also spread bacteria if you insert jelly vaginally.
Petroleum jelly may help your skin and the medicines you take work better. It can ease inflammation and keep your skin moist. This can help you itch and scratch less. To get the most out of your petroleum jelly, use it on your skin when it's damp.
Petroleum jelly is well tolerated and works well for sensitive skin, which makes it an ideal treatment for eczema flare-ups. Unlike some products that can sting and cause discomfort, petroleum jelly has moisturizing and soothing properties that alleviate irritation, redness, and discomfort.
Use Vaseline® Jelly Under the Eyes
Now that your skin is clean and dry, it's time to apply a moisturizer to the skin that will help keep moisture in and keep skin from drying out. Putting a thin layer of Vaseline® Jelly under the eyes will lock in moisture, and form a protective barrier.
Petroleum jelly is considered nontoxic. Recovery is likely. More serious lung problems may result with long-term exposure to inhaled petroleum jelly droplets.
Vaseline's dry skin lotion is the perfect dry skin moisturizer, and is a non-greasy hand and body lotion that absorbs into your skin in 15 seconds to provide immediate moisturization without making your skin feel oily.
Since it's safe to use on the face, you don't have to worry about irritation if you get any on your skin. However, Obioha says to be careful if your pores are easily clogged. "I do not recommend applying Vaseline to your face as a moisturizer if you have oily, acne-prone skin."
Despite what you've somehow been led to believe for years and years, Vaseline does not, in fact, cause acne. Nor does it clog your pores or lead to breakouts or blackheads or any other scary skin problem. In fact, a layer of Vaseline could very possibly be the exact cure for your zits you've been looking for.
To make the best use of Vaseline's barrier effect, at least one renowned dermatologist recommends using it as a makeup remover every night and thoroughly wiping off the excess product. This will, in theory, lock moisture in your skin while you sleep.
“Purified petroleum forms a protective seal over the skin that keeps hydration in and environmental exposures like microbes out.” That, he says, is why Vaseline can be used “from your nose to your toes” to treat everything from cracked hands to chapped lips to crusty feet. It can even be useful in wound healing.
If you're not allergic, Vaseline isn't likely to cause harm or make your lips drier — it just may not be the best option for hydrating lips and preventing the delicate skin from becoming chapped. Other things to try for dry lips include: Try lip balms that contain: argan oil.
Vaseline can also cause a variety of other issues that take away from any beautifying effects that it may have. For instance, it appears that petroleum jelly causes collagen breakdown in the skin.
Ultimately, the only main difference between Vaseline and petroleum jelly is that Vaseline is made up of pure petroleum jelly which contain minerals and microcrystalline wax so it is smoother, while petroleum jelly is made up of a partial solid mix of hydrocarbons that comes from mines.
Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer that can be used effectively on dry skin and eyelashes. It can't make eyelashes grow faster or longer, but it can moisturize them, making them look fuller and lusher.
Key takeaways
However, petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) is safe to use on your eyes, and even eyelashes. The mineral oil in the jelly will help condition your brows and leave them soft and shiny. Vaseline works as a brow gel, too.
It might protect your hair against breakage and dryness, but it won't encourage your hair to grow at a faster rate. Some people also warn against applying Vaseline to your scalp or face, claiming that it can create a breeding ground for bacteria or even block hair follicles.