Does vaseline help dry skin?

Are you tired of your skin feeling like sandpaper? Do you dread the thought of leaving the house without lathering on a generous amount of lotion? Fear not, for there may be a solution to your dry skin woes: Vaseline! Yes, that’s right, good ol’ petroleum jelly. But before slathering it all over yourself like an oily messiah, let’s dive into whether or not this popular household product actually helps with dry skin.

What Is Vaseline?

Vaseline is a brand name for petroleum jelly, which is made from a mixture of waxes and mineral oils. It was first patented in 1872 by Robert Chesebrough and has since become a staple in households worldwide. Not only does it have medicinal purposes such as treating wounds and burns, but it’s also widely used as a moisturizer and lip balm due to its occlusive properties.

How Does Vaseline Work on Dry Skin?

Dry skin occurs when there is an insufficient amount of moisture on the surface layer of our skin. Petroleum jelly works by creating a protective barrier that traps moisture in while preventing water loss through evaporation. Essentially, applying vaseline to dry skin creates a sealant between our epidermis (the outermost layer) and outside elements such as wind or cold weather – think how tight plastic wrap seals around food.

Are There Any Downsides to Using Vaseline on Your Skin?

While vaseline can work wonders on dry patches, other parts of your body might react differently. Here are some potential downsides:

Clogged Pores

Since petroleum jelly doesn’t fully absorb into our pores, using too much or leaving it sitting on our face overnight could result in clogged pores which can lead to breakouts.

Allergic Reactions

Though rare (one study quoted 0.7% incidence rate, always check for allergies to petroleum jelly before use. If you start to develop any rashes or itching, discontinue use immediately.

Not Hydrating Enough

While vaseline does create a barrier between your skin and the outside elements, it doesn’t necessarily add moisture to your skin like creams or lotions do. It’s important to drink plenty of water and pair Vaseline with a hydrating moisturizer if possible.

How Should You Use Vaseline on Your Skin?

If you decide that vaseline may be worth trying out as a moisturizer, here are some tips:

Start Small

Apply only small amounts at first – treat the areas most affected by dryness like elbows or knees and see how they react over time.

Pair with Lotion

Since petroleum jelly doesn’t contain water, pairing it with an emollient lotion can help lock in even more moisture into your skin; think of vaseline as a seal that locks everything inside!

Only Apply on Clean Dry Skin

To achieve maximum results, cleansing properly beforehand is absolutely necessary because anything blocking pores from getting clean would hinder healthy absorption of the product. So give yourself an exfoliating scrubdown before applying!

Conclusion

Vaseline might not cure all types of dry skin issues but its occlusive properties provide much-needed relief when paired carefully with other products such as lotions and applied correctly . Of course, everyone’s body chemistry reacts differently so test on small areas ladies, underboob sweat rash should NOT be handled lightly-. Try these tips out gradually though; no need to go fullblown greased pig yet!

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