Vaseline is a derivative of petroleum refining with multiple qualities that are most beneficial for 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 Vaseline is also commonly used topically as a remedy for different problems and skin diseases; to get rid of dehydrated and scaly skin, to cure dermatitis caused by the use of diapers in the little ones, etc.
What is Vaseline for?
The skin is the largest organ in the body, so it is important to take good care of it. However, that doesn't mean you should spend all your savings on overpriced and luxurious products, as Vaseline proves that inexpensive products that are easily found in pharmacies and supermarkets have multiple uses for skin care for the whole family. But what exactly is Vaseline for? How is it usually used? We talk about some of the most common uses of Vaseline:
- Relieves dry skin and itchy skin (lips and eyelids included)
- prevents chafing
- Treat dermatitis caused by diaper use
- rehydrates the nails
- Moisturizes and lengthens lashes
- Nourishes and repairs hair
If you want to discover other beauty tricks with Vaseline, do not miss this article on What is liquid Vaseline used for .
Types of Vaseline 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 Vaseline are the same no matter how you buy it.
- Liquid Vaseline – People who use this Vaseline seek to “restore” the skin, that is, to thoroughly hydrate it. However, you should know that there are two types of liquid petroleum jelly: moisturizing and laxative. The 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 petrolatum works for acute or chronic constipation in children and adults. It helps people with stitiquez who should not undergo physical effort, such as recent surgery, heart patients, hypertensive, people suffering from abdominal hernias, anal fistulas, etc.
- Solid Vaseline – Solid Vaseline 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 goes for the treatment of wounds or burns in specific areas of the skin.
Vaseline contraindications
Although purified petroleum jelly has many benefits, not everyone should use it for everything, as there are certain warnings about the uses of petroleum jelly that you should keep in mind:
- Allergies – Many people show signs of allergies to the use of petroleum products. You should always pay attention to irritations and adverse reactions when using a new product, so if you have any allergy symptoms, stop using Vaseline and see your doctor.
- Risk of pneumonia – Although this is an unlikely side effect, we recommend that you discuss your case with your doctor before using Vaseline around the nose area, especially in children. Inhalation of mineral oils can cause aspiration pneumonia in some people, so you'd better err on the side of caution.
- Clogged Pores – It is possible for some skin pores to become clogged with the use of Vaseline (mainly due to the oily texture of the product). Although it is not a particularly serious contraindication, we recommend that you clean your skin well before applying Vaseline, as this will reduce the risk of outbreaks.
- Acne breakouts – Avoid putting Vaseline on your face if you are prone to acne, as this product could cause breakouts in some people. This ties in closely with the warning above, so make sure you cleanse your face thoroughly before applying Vaseline if you decide to use it anyway.
- Possible condom breakage: Vaseline is a natural lubricant, which is why many defend that it is a great lubricant. Although this is completely true, in case of using a condom, the use of Vaseline is not recommended. As an oil-based lubricant, this substance interferes with the latex in condoms and can cause condoms to break easily or even be less effective.
- Digestive diseases: the use of liquid Vaseline as a laxative can be habit-forming, so we advise you never to consume this product on your own without first consulting a doctor.
Is Vaseline carcinogenic?
This is one of the most common questions when we talk about the use of Vaseline, since there are all kinds of alarming opinions that must be qualified.
One of the main ingredients of Vaseline is petroleum, a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in certain rock strata. This substance is extracted from these rocks and refined to produce different fuels and products. When we talk about oil impurity (HAP) we refer precisely to its refinement level.
Although it is true that oil is a harmful product that causes skepticism among experts, Vaseline (like many other products extracted from oil) 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 so insistently (and are unaware of their PAH), Vaseline cannot be considered a carcinogenic or harmful product for humans.
How to avoid Vaseline contraindications
People with skin conditions like 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 in moisture just like Vaseline does, but they're safe.
Another way to avoid the contraindications of Vaseline is by limiting its consumption; Of course, nothing will happen if you use Vaseline 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, Vaseline has been a basic element in the medical and aesthetic industry for a long time due to its incredible properties, which is why we don't want you to go without this product. In this way, the only thing we advise you to avoid the side effects of Vaseline is to use it only if necessary and, otherwise, switch to other products. If, for example, you are looking for a natural moisturizer for your skin, bet on one of the options that 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!
