Vaseline is a non-comedogenic skincare product, so it does not clog pores. While many components of makeup powder cannot be absorbed into the skin and instead tend to clump together to clog pores, Vaseline jelly absorbs deeply into the skin and doesn’t block the pores. As far as moisturizing goes, think of Vaseline as creating a thick barrier between the environment and your skin, this is the opposite of a humectant, which draws in moisture. This product is the main component of occlusive agents, which prevent loss of moisture. The best way to stop breakouts is to use petroleum jelly on a clean, washed face at night because it’s greasy and not suitable for daytime activities.
Does Petroleum Jelly Clog Pores?
Will Vaseline Block Pores?
While it has been used to protect the lips and cheeks from windburn in severely cold weather or on the slopes, some feel it’s not a wise idea to use it as a moisturizer on the entire face. Some believe that it can clog the pores, but petroleum jelly (also known as petrolatum) is as non-comedogenic. Comedogenic is a term used by the FDA to describe cosmetics that cause comedones, usually referred to as either whiteheads or blackheads.
According to some skin care professionals, petrolatum and mineral oil (the clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum) can sometimes induce acne. While studies have shown that industrial-grade mineral oil may be comedogenic, cosmetic-grade is not. Petroleum jelly has been considered harmful to acne-prone skin because of its greasiness, but there aren’t any definitive studies proving that it clogs the pores and causes breakouts.
Still, those with acne and susceptible to flare-ups are often advised to avoid heavily petroleum-based moisturizers. Others believe that as a sealant, petroleum jelly can prevent the skin from releasing sebum, toxins, and sweat. If this happens, the skin can neither breathe nor eliminate toxins, thereby blocking pores and lead to breakouts. In the final analysis, it seems to depend on the individual.
Dry Skin Treatment Using Petroleum Jelly
Vaseline is Both An Emollient and Occlusive Product
Many dermatologists recommend the use of petroleum jelly for severely dry skin conditions. Petroleum jelly is considered an emollient and occlusive ointment that softens and smoothes skin helps it replace oils and prevents transdermal water loss (TEWL) from the skin surface, so it’s ideal for dry skin. It is often described as a “skin protectant” in the cosmetics industry, and as a sealant, it traps moisture inside the skin.
In her book, "Beautiful Skin of Color," Dr. Jeanine Downie suggests using Vaseline Petroleum Jelly on extra dry elbows and knees at night, as a protective layer to seal up the moisture within your skin. Based on information on the Vaseline website, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is a mixture of microcrystalline waxes, mineral oil, and paraffin that are blended to form a smooth filling that has a melting point just above the human body temperature. It melts into the skin, flowing into the spaces between cells and the gaps in the skin’s lipid guard.
Once it reaches this layer, the petroleum jelly re-solidifies acting as a sealant, creating an occlusive barrier to the natural water loss of our skin surface. It also keeps the effects of weather and exposure to outside contaminants out. There's protection against skin that is dry and chapped from the drying effects of harsh weather conditions. Moisture is then allowed to build up naturally from within the skin surface itself.
Vaseline as a Moisturizer
Can I Use Vaseline as a Moisturizer?
Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer that stops water from escaping the human skin. Most people have used Vaseline, and you're probably familiar with petroleum jelly (aka, petrolatum). This term originates from petroleum (the same kind used for gasoline and other substances such as deodorant), petroleum jelly is a primary in many people's medicine shelves, and this is for a good cause. It's excellent for protecting and smoothing and the rough skin surface. "Vaseline is an occlusive component that inhibits water loss and an emollient whose function is to hydrate the rough dead cells on the skin. If your skin is dry, you should opt for petrolatum on a product's components list. People with normal to oily skin may want to skip petrolatum, though, as it may exacerbate greasy skin.
Petroleum Jelly Properties
Moisturizers fall into two major categories: humectants and occlusives. The function of Occlusives is to hold water in the skin and stop it from evaporating, while humectants draw moisture toward the top of the skin surface to fatten up the cells. Because petroleum jelly is in a lipid state, it's unsolvable in water and therefore known an occlusive cream. The thick salve is also known as an emollient, meaning it can moisturize and soothe the skin.
Petroleum jelly classifies as one of the most effective occlusives for dehydrated skin surface. To analyze how effective a lotion moisturizes the skin, scientists test for transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on a patch of skin after application. On average, petroleum jelly lessens TEWL by as much as 98 percent, outperforming both mineral oil and lanolin. Petroleum jelly works so efficiently because not only does it block water loss, but also the lipids fill in the spaces between the skin cells on the upper section of the epidermis.
Concerning moisturizing, picture Vaseline as a thick barrier creator between your skin and your surrounding- this is contrary to a humectant, which draws in water vapor. It’s part of occlusive products, which prevent moisture loss. To best prevent breakouts, use petroleum jelly on a clean, washed face at night because it’s greasy and not harmonious with daytime activities. But for what it's worth, name-brand Vaseline is non-comedogenic.
Benefits of Vaseline
7 Uses of Vaseline on Skin
Cosmetic shops once marketed vaseline as a universal cure for everything from burns to wrinkles. Even though it won't heal every skin disease, it is both an affordable and versatile skin care choice. The benefits of petroleum jelly are:
Acting as a skin barrier
The skin does not readily absorb petroleum jelly. It means that it is not a moisturizer, but a guard that can prevent moisture loss and keep dirt out. You can try using it on irritated skin before spending time outside in windy, cold, dry, air. If you have a cold, you can use it under the nose to prevent irritation due to constant nose-wiping or a runny nose.
Vaseline Prevents Chafing
Chafing occurs when skin rubs against either another body part or clothing, and it can be very irritating. It is particularly true for people with dry skin or eczema. Some people from broken skin or rashes because of chafing. Spreading petroleum jelly to sections susceptible to chafing may assist in its prevention.
Treating diaper rash
Many babies form diaper rash after resting in wet diapers. Petroleum jelly forms a moisture barrier that can diminish the danger of diaper rash. Vaseline can also provide relief from existing diaper rashes and soothe the skin.
Supporting healing
Many babies form diaper rash after resting in wet diapers. Petroleum jelly forms a moisture barrier that can diminish tYou should be using petroleum jelly to promote skin healing. Since vaseline creates a natural barrier, it may inhibit infection and reduce the risk of scarring. However, one 2018 study disputes this claim. The researchers found that petroleum jelly could stop the skin from forming its natural protective layer, increasing the risk of infection and cause slow healing. he danger of diaper rash. Vaseline can also provide relief from existing diaper rashes and soothe the skin.
Preventing Exfoliation
It can be irritating when your skin starts to peel. When your skin is so dry that it starts falling off, Vaseline can help skin heal and soothe the irritation simultaneously. You should try using it on chapped lips, dry or irritated eyelids during cold weather climate.
Managing eczema
This disease, Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes scaly patches, irritation, and itching. A study suggested that petroleum jelly might inhibit outbreaks of eczema . The study found that often moisturizing the skin of newborns at high risk of the disease could stop outbreaks. Vaseline, according to this study, was precisely effective and more affordable than other choices.
Rehydrate nails
If you frequently get manicures and pedicures, apply petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles in between polishes. It will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping. For the best results, use it when your nails are damp.
Risks of Using Vaseline
What Are The Dangers of Using Vaseline?
Although petroleum jelly has many advantages, it maintains its use to external only. Vaseline is not edible. Don't use petroleum jelly for either vaginal lubrication or masturbation. The type and brand of jelly you buy may cause different reactions. These include: Potential side effects
Allergies
Some people are more delicate and can develop allergies if they use petroleum-derived products. Always look out for adverse reactions and irritations and when using a new substance.
Infections: Not cleaning the skin surface or allowing the skin to dry correctly before spreading Vaseline can cause bacterial or fungal disease.
Risks of Aspiration
Confirm with your doctor or dermatologist before using petroleum jelly around the nose area, especially in children. Inhaling mineral oils may cause aspiration pneumonia.
Clogged pores: Some people may break out when using petroleum jelly. Make sure you clean the skin properly before you apply the vaseline to reduce the risk of breakouts.
Vaseline Myth & Misconceptions
Popped Zits
Vaseline is oil based and will only worsen conditions by blocking pores. It may be inviting but squeezing pimples will lead to bacteria spreading deeper under the skin and induce more blemishes.
Prevent Wrinkles
As your skin ages, its ability to retain moisture reduces, thus making your skin surface dry and older in appearance. Vaseline jelly can make wrinkles less visible because it’s adding moisture to the skin surface, which softens lines, but it can’t prevent aging. Only an ointment with a proven active component, like retinol, can impede wrinkles. Plus, vaseline is so oily that it can create other issues, such as breakouts.
Remove Makeup
Don't use vaseline when removing makeup, particularly near your eyes. Yes, it functions to remove makeup but the force you have to apply to get the vaseline off stretches the skin around the eyes and may contribute to wrinkles. You are much better off using olive oil instead.
Eczema Relief
Petrolatum ingredient which is found in vaseline jelly can be found in products that are recommended by doctors for eczema patients. In fact, some patients with eczema have found that other products can lead to the pain of seriously dry, itchy skin, and petroleum jelly rubbed on dry patches at night is effective to minimize dryness without causing more discomfort. Besides vaseline jelly is also does not have fragrance and is thus less likely to result in more irritation. Doctors advice eczema patient's to use it as a moisturizer for eczema on the hand.
Since petroleum jelly is greasy, it is not basically used as a moisturizer. However, it is used on often on dry spots when regular moisturizers are not working. Below are two easy treatments for regions that have a tendency of becoming dry and rough.
Dry elbows and knees
If you have dry and itchy skin, especially during winter, apply Vaseline jelly on the knees since it is very greasy. To prevent your clothing and bedding from being oily, cut the toes out from several pairs of tube socks, and pull the cut socks over the elbows or knees. Do this two times a week.
Dry Hands and Feet
You can use olive oil or vaseline and rub it to the feet or hands. Next, wrap cling wrap to affected regions and seal with clean, dry cotton socks to lock in deep moisture.
