Check your average medication cabinet, and you are certain to discover a jar of Vaseline. However is your trusty petroleum jelly actually a “cure-all”? Extra importantly, is it as harmless as you think? We enlisted New York-primarily based dermatologist Dr. Alan Dattner, founding father of HolisticDermatology.com, and celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno to help us take a more in-depth look.
Petroleum jelly, generally known by the most popular brandname Vaseline, is a derivative of oil refining. Initially discovered coating the underside of oil rigs in the mid-1800s, it’s a byproduct of the oil trade and subsequently an unsustainable resource (learn: not eco-friendly). It is generally used topically to cure all the things from dehydrated, flakey pores and skin to diaper rash.
Why Is It Potentially Dangerous?
Although generally regarded as protected, the elements that are removed from the oil in the course of the refining technique of petroleum jelly are carcinogenic in some cases. “Vaseline supposedly has all of those [components] eliminated,” Dr. Dattner says. “However there are probably loads of petroleum jelly imitators, and one does not at all times know the extent that they are removed.” Denno also factors out that, since petroleum jelly may be found in “different grades of purity,” you don’t at all times know how non-toxic your petroleum jelly-based mostly beauty merchandise actually are. (For the record, Vaseline is very-refined, triple-purified and regarded as non-carcinogenic.)
As for your pores and skin? According to Denno, Petroleum jelly can create the illusion of moisturized, hydrated skin, all of the while suffocating your pores. It water-repellant and not water-soluble, meaning it merely seals the barrier in order that moisture doesn’t depart the pores and skin. So while you might really feel the instant gratification of a softened floor, youe actually drying out your pores by keeping out air and moisture. What extra, the thick texture makes it tough to cleanse from the pores and skin, so never slather Vaseline on an unwashed face if you wish to avoid breakouts. t essentially seals in the dirt,he stated. (Vaseline says on its website that its product is non-comedogenic, which implies that the product does not itself block pores.)
Folks affected by pores and skin circumstances like acne and rosacea ought to keep away from petroleum jelly altogether, since such thick emollients can aggravate these conditions. Those that rub Vaseline on dry, cracked noses to get via a cold might need to suppose twice, too. The product is really useful for exterior use solely, which doesn’t embody nostrils. What’s extra, a rare however scary potential drawback happens if the petroleum jelly moves from nostrils by way of the respiratory system, according to Dattner. If petroleum jelly gets into the lungs, it could cause lipid pneumonia. It won occur when you apply it infrequently, he mentioned, however he recommends not making a every day behavior of it.
Why Do Individuals Use It?
“It is an affordable means for a formulator to supply the looks and instant feel of hydrated pores and skin,” Denno says explaining why petroleum jelly crops up in our magnificence products. As a mineral oil, it would not really moisturize, however it does a great job at holding in moisture — in the event you ensure that to thoroughly wash and moisturize your skin earlier than application, that’s.
While you wash your pores and skin with soap, you destroy some of the barrier and remove natural oils, so petroleum jelly will help restore that barrier if used properly, Dr. Dattner says. “It like placing a piece of plastic over your skin — it prevents evaporation,” he explains. But everyone seems to be totally different, so it is essential to see how your skin reacts to Vaseline or every other petroleum jelly-primarily based products before committing to a regimen.
What Can You utilize As a substitute?
Don’t think you must forfeit the soothing feeling of Vaseline in the event you resolve to eschew petroleum jelly, although. If you’re on the lookout for a dewy moisturizer, simply opt for more natural options and test ingredients. Products containing beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter and cocoa butter seal in moisture and don’t include a number of the risks of petroleum jelly. “Do not forget that some of these products are absorbed into the skin, so it is nice to make use of one thing that you just wouldn’t thoughts placing into your physique,” Dr. Dattner says.
At least you may have options:
Petroleum Jelly Alternatives
Share this slide:
CLARIFICATION: This put up has been edited to mirror that Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is highly-refined, triple-purified and regarded as non-carcinogenic and non-comedogenic. This article has additionally been up to date with further details about the really helpful usage of petroleum jelly.
Want more? Be certain to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Fb, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.
