Everyday thousands of people use petroleum jelly to treat their skin concern or minor injuries. The good news is that petroleum jelly has been used in skincare for a long time. From newborn babies to adults and everyone in between, doctors and consumers alike never seemed to have a problem with it. On the other hand, some people have experienced various skin problems like allergies and acne breakouts after using petroleum jelly. Also, some people are concerned with using petroleum jelly on the skin because they believe it can cause cancer. For these reasons, there have been some questions raised about whether it is actually safe to use on the skin or not. Well, this article will help you find out the truth.
Petroleum jelly is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes formed into a semisolid jelly-like substance. In 1859 it was first discovered by Robert Augustus Cheesbrough. After that this product has not changed so much. It is marketed as vaseline.
It is derived from petroleum, and is used as an emollient, lubricant and ointment base. Petroleum jelly is readdily available without a prescription and is used to treat a variety of skin problem. Also it is used in cosmetics and in many brands of lip balm and lip gloss. Petroleum jelly is also known as ‘petrolatum.
Is petroleum jelly safe for your skin?
Many people use petroleum jelly daily on their face as a moisturizer. Many people use petroleum jelly to lock in moisture and keep their skin glowing, young and healthy.
Petroleum jelly is non toxic, and safe for humans. Dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly for skin care because it is useful for treating a range of skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, cold sores and diaper rash.
It is non-comedogenic, which means it doesn’t block pores and so doesn’t contribute to acne. The best way to use it on your skin is to apply it to the affected area and leave it on overnight .
Undoubtedly Petroleum jelly is safe for your skin when used externaly, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Also, eating it of injecting it can cause a variety of side effects.
First we will discuss the benefits of pertoleum jelly.
Benefits of using petroleum jelly for skin.
1. Helps heal minor wounds
According to AAD, petroleum jelly can help cure minor wounds such as cuts, scraps and scratches.
Petroleum jelly works by forming a thin, protective coating on the skin. This coating acts as a barrier to keep moisture in and germs out of the wound. It is important to clean the wound before applying petroleum jelly.
2. It is an affordable make up remover
Petroleum jelly can be used as a makeup remover Petroleum jelly has many uses, but one you may not have heard of is as a makeup remover. You can use this all-natural product to take off your eye makeup, lipstick and mascara. It will even remove the waterproof makeup you use in cold weather. You can use petroleum jelly as your makeup remover if you have sensitive skin, as it is non-allergenic and has no fragrances. It is cheap and easily accessible.
The best part is that you can use the same jar of petroleum jelly for your personal use and then use it for your baby as a lip balm.
3. Save your hair from split ends
If you’ve used blow drying, straightening, and chemical hair products to style your hair, you’re probably all too familiar with split ends. Petroleum jelly can be used to remove split ends and add shine to your hair.
When you use petroleum jelly, you’re taking care of your hair by making sure it’s clean and shiny. This will not only help to reduce the look of split ends, but it will add shine to your hair.
4. Works as a diaper rash cream.
Diaper rash is a common complaint among babies, and there are many different ways to treat it. Ointments and creams may help reduce the redness and discomfort of a diaper rash. Petroleum jelly is an ointment that works well as a diaper rash cream.
Petroleum Jelly works by creating a barrier of protection between the skin and harmful bacteria or other irritants that cause diaper rash. The product’s water-resistant nature makes it ideal for treating irritated skin on babies’ bottoms who are prone to diaper rashes.
5. Enhances the effectiveness of other skin care products
When petroleum jelly is applied to the skin, petroleum jelly creats a barrier that helps to lock in moisture and keep other products from evaporating. This can help to make your skin care products more effective and efficient.
5. Treat chapped lip
A variety of environmental factors can cause your lips to lose moisture, Due to the loss of moisture, your lips become dry and chapped. At this time, you can use petroleum jelly to restore the moisture of the lips.
6. Treat Eczema and psoriasis
If you have eczema or psoriasis, petroleum jelly can be a great treatment. A studay by dermatologists found that occlusives like petroleum jelly can be great for managing the symptoms of eczema or psoriasis and to prevent it from getting worse.
Sid effects of petroleum jelly
Depending on the skin type and how you use it, petroleum jelly has a few side effects that we have discussed below.
Breakouts
Some people have found that petroleum jelly can cause breakouts on their face if they apply it too often or in too large of quantities. It’s best to avoid using petroleum jelly on your face if you have acne or blemishes because this will only make things worse.
Allergies
people with more sensitive skin should avoid applying petroleum jelly. The use of petroleum jelly on such skin may cause allergic development.
Infection
Your skin should be thoroughly cleaned before applying petroleum jelly. If you use petroleum jelly on unclean skin can cause fungal infection problems. If you have an open wound or abscess, use any type of ointment or cream for wounds rather than petroleum jelly until it heals naturally.
What type of skin is suitable for using petroleum jelly?
The type of skin you have will determine what kind of petroleum jelly is suitable for you. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
Normal skin: This type of skin is suitable for using petroleum jelly because it does not react badly with the product. The petroleum jelly will not irritate your skin, and it will not cause any problems in the long run.
Dry skin: Petroleum jelly is one of the most popular products for dry skin repair and hydration. The best thing about using this product on dry skin is that it helps to increase the amount of moisture present in your skin. It is also easy to apply and does not leave a greasy film on your face or body after application, which is another advantage that makes it suitable for use by people with dry sensitive skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.
Oily skin: If you have oily skin, then you should avoid applying petroleum jelly on it because this will only make matters worse. Instead, you should use an oil or lotion that contains emollients or humectants as these substances are very good for oily skins.
How to use petroleum jelly on skin?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying petroleum jell to slightly damp skin. This optimizes application and prevents the product from drying out the skin. The best time to apply petroleum jelly is after a shower or washing your face.
To apply petroleum jelly, use clean hands to avoid introducing bacteria onto the facial skin. Then, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly all over your face, avoiding any areas that may be sensitive or irritated. Don’t forget to gently massage it into the skin until you’ve covered every inch of your face with a protective layer of petroleum jelly.
If you’re using petroleum jelly on sensitive areas like around your eyes or in between your fingers and toes, you can apply it right before bedtime so it has time to absorb into the skin before bedtime and during sleep.
Conclusion
Petroleum jelly is not as harmful to your skin as it is made out to be, but you must use it correctly in order to avoid getting any negative side effects.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that there are many different brands of petroleum jelly on the market today, and they are not all created equal. Petroleum jelly in its refined form is the safest and most effective for the skin. Unrefined pertoleum jelly contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that can cause cancer.
If you are worried about the negative side effects of petroleum jelly, I suggest that you do some research on the brand you are currently using.
If it contains any harmful chemicals or additives, then you should definitely stop using it immediately. You can find more information about the benefits and side effects of petroleum jelly on the internet.
