As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face. However, according to Vaseline's company website, Vaseline is noncomedogenic, meaning that it will not clog or block pores.
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.
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.
For most people, Vaseline is a safe and cost-effective way to lock moisture into skin. Even if you have skin conditions such as rosacea or psoriasis, it's likely safe for you to use Vaseline. Vaseline easily removes makeup, protects sensitive skin, and can even be used to help small cuts and bruises heal.
Petroleum jelly has gotten a bad rap in the clean beauty revolution because it starts out as a petroleum by-product; however it's highly refined and totally safe (and frequently recommended by dermatologists) to use, particularly for those with dry skin.
Can you use Vaseline on your face? Those with very dry skin on their faces may benefit from using Vaseline as a moisturizer. However, if you have acne-prone skin, you should avoid putting Vaseline on your faces. Doing so may trigger breakouts and can make acne worse.
Petroleum jelly is a thick, waxy paste that many people use as a skin care product and treatment for minor cuts and burns. Other names for petroleum jelly include petrolatum and Vaseline, a common brand name.
Petroleum jelly has the unique ability to absorb into our skin and lock itself into place in between cells in our lipid barrier. Manufacturers of the stuff will tell you this creates long lasting, smooth skin.
In its purest form, petroleum jelly is supposedly safe. However, if petroleum jelly has impurities, these contaminants can have carcinogens (A.K.A. cancer-causing bad guys) like poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).
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.
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.
The white-colored jelly is used as vaseline, while the yellow-colored jelly is used as a lubricant. However, the main problem with vaseline is that it doesn't provide extra moisture to the skin. It merely traps the skin's moisture from escaping.
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.
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 doesn't directly clog pores, but it can still exacerbate breakouts and acne in people with naturally oilier skin, Dr. Que says.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Q: Vaseline is commonly used for a dry nose. But please never, never use petroleum jelly (petrolatum) or anything oily inside your nose. Putting Vaseline in the nose could be life-threatening, as the oil can get into your lungs, and you can't remove it.
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.
Nasal congestion can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections — such as colds, flu or sinusitis — and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be caused by irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust.