Vaseline is a name for a popular brand of petroleum jelly. There are plenty more brands of petroleum jelly out there in the market. It is basically a mixture of mineral and wax. It is widely used in cosmetic products.
Used for facial care
Vaseline has a water repellent property but it is not water soluble. It seals in the moisture so it doesn't leave your skin, hence it creates the illusion of moisturised and hydrated skin BUT all the while blocking your pores. It will give you the instant gratification of a softer skin, you are actually drying out your pores by keeping out air and moisture. What's more, if you apply the product onto an unwashed face, you are literally sealing in the dirt!
There are lots of recipes online regarding mixing other ingredients to it. For example, mixing Vaseline with lemon to treat dark spot. It is best to follow the instructions 100% and try them on a shorter interval first. The acid in lemon, although seem harmless, it will still cause burn and irritation. It is very tempted to up the dosage for faster results but remember, slow and steady win the race.
Another popular example is mixing Vaseline with toothpaste and turmeric. It is said to clear pimples but doesn't stop acne breakout. The same mixture (without the turmeric of course) are said to also clean jewellery and remove stains. I shall leave you to decide whether this is a correct mixture to be using on your delicate skin.
Treating Sun Burn
Vaseline/petroleum jelly is not safe to use as an immediate measure to treat sunburn or sun damage on your face. Vaseline is oil-based, which means it can seal in heat and aggravate your symptoms further. It is however safe to use on cleaned, already healing burn.
Vaseline has been around for over 140 years. It is a trusted household items. It can be applied to chapped lips, baby rashes and extremely dried skin. It can also be used to remove stains and lubricate metal. It is a wonder product so it required to be treated with respect.
So, Vaseline for skin care, does it really work? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
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