The skin does not easily absorb petroleum jelly. This means that it is not really a moisturizer, but a barrier that can keep dirt out and prevent moisture loss. People can try applying it to irritated skin before spending time outside in cold, dry, windy air.
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.
Though petrolatum in itself is unlikely to clog pores, it can still irritate acne-prone skin and potentially cause breakouts. "In general, if you have oily, sensitive skin, you may not like slugging because it can feel heavy and greasy," Liu warns.
Since petroleum jelly is water-repellant—not water-soluble—it forms a barrier over your skin. It traps moisture below this barrier, creating that illusion of hydration. However, it also traps toxins, dirt, and other contaminants under that barrier—and keeps moisture out.
It isn't right for everyone, though. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, don't use Vaseline or petroleum jelly on your face. Vaseline may be best used at night, when you're not planning on applying makeup, such as mascara, to your eyelashes.
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.
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.
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.
"Vaseline is the holy grail in skincare for dermatologists," says Onyeka Obioha, MD, board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist. "Petroleum jelly allergies are very rare, making it safe for even the most sensitive skin types," says David Petrillo, chemist and founder of Perfect Image.
For minor wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and scratches, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. This helps prevent the wound from drying out and forming a scab, as scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
Does Vaseline Blue Seal Lighten The Skin? No, it doesn't lighten the skin.
Each jar of Vaseline and all other products that are made of petroleum jelly come either with an expiry date or a “best if used by” written on the label. Unilever recommends that people use their Vaseline jars within three years of its production.
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.
So while you might feel the instant gratification of a softened surface, you're actually drying out your pores by keeping out air and moisture. What's more, the thick texture makes it difficult to cleanse from the skin, so never slather Vaseline on an unwashed face if you want to avoid breakouts.
Vaseline can help with a number of dry eyelid conditions. People who notice that their skin is dry or irritated during the dry, cold winter months can use it to prevent moisture loss from the eyelids. Some people also use it as a moisturizer to reduce the risk of wrinkles, or as a supplement to traditional eye creams.
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.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using white petroleum jelly throughout the day and before bed to moisturize and sooth dry, cracked lips. Petroleum jelly seals in water longer than oils and waxes. It's also inexpensive and easy to find online and in drugstores.
This product hasn't changed much since Robert Augustus Chesebrough discovered it in 1859. Chesebrough noticed that oil workers would use a gooey jelly to heal their wounds and burns. He eventually packaged this jelly as Vaseline.
According to researchers , petroleum jelly is one of the most effective moisturizers on the market. It works by sitting on top of the skin, where it forms a barrier and prevents water from leaving your skin. Vaseline can be used as an everyday moisturizer for very dry skin.
The way you treat the pimple after popping matters, too. Arthur said you should apply some over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, which will help reduce inflammation. After that, a dab of Vaseline will help keep the now-open wound from scabbing over.
"It won't heal acne—it will literally cause it." Since petroleum jelly does have some anti-inflammatory effects that can help diminish the look of redness, Dr. Lain says.
Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars
By sealing in moisture it also helps to reduce dryness of scarred skin, once your skin has healed. This may help to improve the appearance of scars, making the skin look smoother and softer, as well as help to reduce itchiness caused by dryness.
Try massaging a moisturizing cream or lotion that contains petroleum jelly into your skin using circular motions – the physical act of massaging may be beneficial for stretch marks as it can help promote new tissue growth and break down the bands of collagen that form in the underlying tissue leading to stretch marks.
There's no scientific evidence to support the popular claim that Vaseline makes your hair grow faster. It might protect your hair against breakage and dryness, but it won't encourage your hair to grow at a faster rate.