Does Vaseline Help to Prevent Wrinkles – Is It Really Work?

The primary component of Vaseline is petroleum. Kerosene and gasoline are two examples of petroleum byproducts that you might be more familiar with. Vaseline is slick and filmy in consistency, just like those products.

Vaseline won’t do much to lighten dark circles or smooth out deeply etched wrinkles. As it adds moisture to the skin, petroleum jelly can help wrinkles appear less prominent.

Vaseline is a safe moisturizer to use on your face, but there are a few things to be aware of before using it for this purpose.

What is Vaseline Made Of?

Mineral oils, waxes, and other ingredients are blended to create vaseline, which has the consistency of semisolid jelly. By Robert Augustus Chesebrough in 1859, petroleum jelly had been created. Chesebrough noticed that the gooey, semi-solid jelly that oil workers applied to their burns and wounds caused them to heal very quickly. This jelly was packaged by him as Vaseline, and it quickly became a huge hit on a global scale.

Read More: Vaseline vs. Petroleum Jelly

Can Vaseline Prevent Wrinkles?

Vaseline is a fantastic nighttime moisturizer, but experts in beauty say it won’t keep your skin wrinkle-free. Vaseline helps to lock in water and moisture so that the skin retains its hydration when it is applied thinly over freshly cleansed skin. Petroleum jelly is a potent moisturizer, and moisturized skin is less likely to look older and the wrinkles would be less obvious that way. However, petroleum jelly by itself cannot actually prevent wrinkles.

Can Vaseline Prevent Scars?

Vaseline was first used as a balm to treat cuts, burns, and other minor wounds, as this origin story demonstrates. Dermatologists still advise using it for this purpose, in fact. The skin is frequently covered in petroleum jelly following cutaneous surgery (i.e. when a skin growth or lesion is removed). This helps prevent the formation of a scab by keeping the injured area moist. Scabby wounds heal more slowly and are more likely to leave a scar.

Vaseline’s occlusive properties help it keep wounds moist. By acting as a barrier, it stops water from evaporating off the surface of the skin. That’s because it does, but there are some restrictions. If that sounds like it might also make the product a great skin moisturizer, that’s because it does.

Is Vaseline Still a Top Choice Moisturizer?

Despite the numerous moisturizer options today’s consumers have, dermatologists agree that Vaseline is still a great option.

It is advised by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for rough, chapped hands, feet, elbows, and cuticles, chapped lips, diaper rash, and peeling nails. Applying it right after taking a bath will ensure that the moisture is locked into the skin and produce the best results.

Applying foot moisturizer before bed and covering them with thick socks until morning are two common online foot care tips. This specific beauty tip is recommended by Dr. Caroline A. Chang, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Brown University’s Alpert Medical School. As a lip balm, she also adores Vaseline.

Dr. Chang sees petroleum jelly as a “truly the top-of-the-line” moisturizer but concedes its greasy texture won’t appeal to everyone. She cites the possibility of a more tolerable texture as one benefit of more expensive moisturizers. For feet and hands, texture is less important, but for the face, it becomes very important.

Can Vaseline Be Used on the Face?

Because it’s a strong option, vaseline might not be the best option for daily facial moisturizing. The same property that makes it so effective at sealing in moisture also makes it capable of sealing in less desirable elements like impurities and dirt. Skin should always be cleaned beforehand, though it is safe and equally effective on the face.

But the pores of the skin are one thing that Vaseline’s occlusive barrier won’t block. Contrary to popular belief, the product is non-comedogenic, which means it penetrates the skin without clogging pores.

Vaseline should not be applied to the face, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), as this could exacerbate breakouts. Dr. Gabriele Weichert of Synergy Medical Aesthetics in Nanaimo, BC also won’t propose it as a facial moisturizer for this reason: “I never advise using Vaseline on the face in teens or adults unless they already enjoy doing so because it can obstruct hair follicles and cause acne breakouts.”

One of the very few possible irritants from using petroleum jelly is acne breakout. Another advantageous feature that contributes to the product’s continued popularity is its hypoallergenicity. As Dr. Chang explains, “Vaseline has no preservatives or additional ingredients, so the chance of an allergic reaction is minimal. The substance is comparatively inert.”

Some beauty websites, such as the one for the product, advise using Vaseline as a base in face masks when paired with organic ingredients like aloe vera, spices, yoghurt, or honey. Any experimentation with a Vaseline mixture should be spot tested first and avoided entirely by those with sensitive skin or acne, keeping in mind dermatologists’ concerns about heavy use on the face.

Benefits of Using Vaseline on Face

Very dry skin might be helped by Vaseline. Vaseline aids in securing the essential natural oils and moisture your skin needs to look healthy and well-hydrated. Vaseline is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores or cause acne, which is actually surprising. However, if you already have breakouts and acne, it won’t help the situation. Vaseline’s goopy, greasy consistency would not be pleasant on skin with oily or excessively oily skin.

Read More: Is Vaseline Good for Dry Feet

The Takeaway

Most people find that Vaseline is a secure and affordable way to keep moisture in their skin. It’s probably safe for you to use Vaseline even if you have skin conditions like rosacea or psoriasis.

Vaseline can be used to help small cuts and bruises heal, protect sensitive skin, and remove makeup quickly. Vaseline probably is worth a try for you even though it doesn’t moisturize your skin on its own.

FAQs