While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Vaseline is an occlusive substance, meaning that it forms a layer on the skin's surface that can effectively block moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated and healthy. This means it's beneficial for very dry skin.
Dry Skin Healer
It also works by preventing loss of water in the skin, which allows natural oils to nourish and repair," says Engelman. Smooth Vaseline over cracked heels or dry elbows, slip on a pair of socks, go to sleep, and wake up to healthy, hydrated skin.
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.
While, unfortunately, Vaseline won't do much to help erase deep-set wrinkles or brighten dark circles, Sakar said the product can provide some of the same hydrating effects as your go-to eye cream — especially when it's paired with a moisturizing cream. "Vaseline is something that's called an occlusive," she said.
Unfortunately, there's little to no evidence that any of the ingredients in Vaseline, which is a brand name for petroleum jelly, can grow thicker or fuller eyebrows. However, Vaseline is very moisturizing and may actually help eyebrows look fuller and thick, even if they're actually growing at the same rate.
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.
"Petrolatum is inherently comedogenic, which means it will clog the pores," he says. "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.
Vaseline is a great replacement for highlighter. Just put a small amount on the high points of your face to create a dewy and natural glow.
Many moisturizers, including Vaseline, work by forming a protective barrier on the skin. This stops moisture from escaping throughout the day and during sleep. Water is a necessary component of the healing process, so scars and acne spots can heal while under a protective layer.
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.
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.
Vaseline (petroleum jelly) and Aquaphor can also help soothe and reduce the appearance of scars.
Ready? 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.
"I would never recommend this method to any patient," San Francisco-based dermatologist William Kwan, MD, tells Health. "Vaseline can clog pores and applying plastic wrap is physically occluding the pores.
Helps to prevent dryness, provides a barrier to shield the surface skin on your lips. Locks in moisture to support the skin's natural dry skin healing processes. The jelly helps to remove built up pigments on your lips. This leaves smooth soft and pink, giving naturally pink lips.
There is a persistent myth which states that Vaseline could help beard growth, but it's simply not true. Vaseline is pure petroleum jelly and it has no effect – positive or negative – on your facial hair growth rate.
Does Vaseline Blue Seal Lighten The Skin? No, it doesn't lighten the skin.
Because it's oil-based, water might not be enough. Use your regular make-up routine during the day. If you do this consistently, you can see results in as little as three days!
In fact, many already apply Vaseline to their cuticles as a soothing, healing medicine when dry or cracked. Turns out, it's also a great help when painting your own nails if applied on your cuticles or any skin surrounding your nail.
Castor oil: Castor oil has an essential composition of a chemical, which is useful for hair growth. Gently apply and massage castor oil on each eyebrow for two or three minutes. Leave this on for 30 minutes. Then wash your eyebrows with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
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.