Petroleum jelly is a derivative of oil refining with multiple qualities of the most beneficial for the skin, hair and even nails. With an oily and fine texture, Vaseline has been used around the world for decades as a fundamental element of certain beauty rituals.
But it should be noted that petroleum jelly is also commonly used topically as a remedy to different skin problems and diseases; to end the dehydrated and scaly skin, to cure dermatitis caused by the use of diapers in the little ones, etc. But at what times should we avoid petroleum jelly? Is it always as beneficial as it seems? In the following article we talk about the contraindications of petroleum jelly so that you can inform yourself in more detail.
What is Petroleum Jelly for?
The skin is the largest organ in the body, so it is important to take good care of it. However, that does not mean that you should spend all your savings on exaggeratedly expensive and luxurious products, as Petroleum jelly shows that the cheap products that are easily found in pharmacies and supermarkets have multiple uses for the skin care of the whole family. But what exactly is Vaseline for? How is it usually used? we tell you about some of the most common uses of petroleum jelly:
- Relieves dry skin and itchy skin (lips and eyelids included)
- Prevents chafing
- Treats dermatitis caused by diaper use
- Rehydrates the nails
- Moisturizes and lengthens eyelashes
- Nourishes and repairs hair
If you want to discover other beauty tips with petroleum jelly, do not miss this article about What liquid petroleum jelly is for.
Types of petroleum jelly that exist
Technically, there are only two types of petroleum jelly: liquid petroleum jelly and solid petroleum jelly. The only difference between them is the format in which you will find them, but the components of petroleum jelly are the same whether you buy it as you buy it.
- Liquid petroleum jelly: People who use this petroleum jelly seek to “restore” the skin, that is, moisturize it thoroughly. However, you should know that there are two types of liquid petroleum jelly: the moisturizing and the laxative type. Moisturizer is, as we have said, an emollient product that can be used as a lubricant due to its nourishing properties. As a laxative or intestinal lubricant, liquid petroleum jelly works for acute or chronic constipation in children and adults. It helps people with stitiquez who should not undergo physical exertion, such as newly operated, heart patients, hypertensives, people suffering from abdominal hernias, fistulas, etc.
- Solid petroleum jelly: Solid petroleum jelly is used to moisturize or treat more specific areas of the body, such as the lips. That is why lipsticks of this type are usually found in the form of bars. The same applies to the treatment of wounds or burns in specific areas of the skin.
Contraindications of petroleum jelly
While purified petroleum jelly has many benefits, not everyone should use it for everything, as there are certain caveats about the uses of petroleum jelly that you should be aware of:
- Allergies: Many people show signs of allergies from the use of petroleum products. You should always pay attention to irritations and adverse reactions when using a new product, so for any allergy symptoms, stop using petroleum jelly and go to your doctor.
- Risk of pneumonia: Although this is an unlikely side effect, we recommend that you consult your case with your doctor before using petroleum jelly around the nose area, especially in case of children. Inhaling mineral oils can cause aspiration pneumonia in some people, so you'd better be cautious.
- Clogged pores: Some pores of the skin may become clogged with the use of petroleum jelly (mainly due to the oily texture of the product). Although it is not a particularly serious contraindication, from we recommend that you clean your skin well before applying petroleum jelly, as this will reduce the risk of outbreaks.
- Acne breakouts: Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are prone to acne, as this product could cause breakouts in some people. This is closely linked to the above warning, so be sure to clean your face thoroughly before applying petroleum jelly if you decide to use it anyway.
- Possible condom breakage: Petroleum jelly is a natural lubricant, which is why many argue that it is a great lubricant. Although that is completely true, in case of using a condom it is not advisable to use petroleum jelly. Being an oil-based lubricant, this substance interferes with the latex in condoms and can cause them to break easily or even be less effective.
- Digestive diseases: the use of liquid petroleum jelly as a laxative can be habit-forming, so from we advise you never to consume this product on your own without first consulting with a doctor.
Is Vaseline carcinogenic?
This is one of the most common questions when we talk about the use of petroleum jelly, since there are all kinds of alarming opinions that must be qualified.
One of the main ingredients of petroleum jelly is petroleum, a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in certain strata of rock. This substance is extracted from such rocks and refined to produce different fuels and products. When we talk about oil impurity (PAH) we refer precisely to the level of refinement of this.
While it is true that oil is a harmful product that causes skepticism among experts, petroleum jelly (like many other products extracted from petroleum) contains a highly analyzed and evolved formula that has made it a much safer and healthier product for children and adults.
Thus, although it is always possible that some brands do not test their products with such insistence (and do not know the PAH of these), petroleum jelly cannot be considered a carcinogenic or harmful product for humans.
How to avoid contraindications of petroleum jelly
People suffering from skin conditions such as acne or rosacea should stay away from petroleum jelly, as these thick emollients can aggravate such problems. However, they do not have to give up the benefits of this product, as they can receive them through other substances.
In this case, products made with beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter or cocoa butter seal moisture just like petroleum jelly does but do not carry risks.
Another way to avoid the contraindications of petroleum jelly is by limiting its consumption; of course, nothing will happen if you use petroleum jelly spontaneously to heal wounds or soothe irritations, but avoid getting used to its consumption so as not to take unnecessary risks.
As you can see, petroleum jelly has been a staple in the medical and aesthetic industry for a long time due to its incredible properties, which is why from we do not want you to do without this product. In this way, the only thing we advise you to avoid the side effects of petroleum jelly is to use it only in case it is necessary and pass on, otherwise, to other products. If, for example, you are looking for a natural moisturizer for your skin, bet on one of the options we offer you in this other article on How to make a homemade moisturizer. Taking care of your skin is much easier than you think!
