Petroleum jelly is a thick wax-like paste that is used in many ways. It was originally discovered as a by-product forming on oil rigs during the oil drilling process. Chemists refine the petroleum jelly to be used topically. It was observed that this jelly is used as a treatment for burns. Petroleum jelly has all of its benefits covered under its main ingredient; Petroleum that forms a water protective barrier on the skin, this helps your skin heal from damage and retains moisture.

Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive product that’s found in the majority of houses. Read this article to learn what else you can use petroleum jelly for.

Healing of wounds

A study proves that petroleum jelly for burns, scrapes, cuts, or abrasion is a favorite for dermatologists. It may be good for less-serious injuries. It seals the water in your skin, which is great for the wound as it needs a moist environment to heal. It may take up twice as long for dry and injured skin to get back to normal.

The creamy petroleum jelly may reduce the redness of a new scar and minimize the chances of infection. It will not burn or make you feel uncomfortable when applied to open wounds. Make sure to clean and disinfect the area before applying petroleum jelly on your face especially, otherwise the bacteria and other microbes will get trapped inside and delay the healing process.

Managing Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and Psoriasis are chronic conditions that cause irritation, itching, and scaly patches. In these conditions, the skin has a hard time storing water in and damaging substances out. If your skin is extraordinarily dry, it can crack and bacteria make their way into the skin layers.

A prime use of petroleum jelly is; it can reduce eczema outbreaks. It can slow down the process of inflammation and keep your skin moisturized. Petroleum jelly baby is also being used for babies suffering from atopic dermatitis or eczema. You can use it on their skin after 3 weeks of their birth.

Moisturizer

Human skin does not easily absorb petroleum jelly which means it acts as a barrier to keep the dirt and locks the moisture in. You can use petroleum jelly on your face, hands, and feet after every shower. It prevents your skin from excessive drying. Lotion petroleum jelly has multiple benefits on the face.

A lot of people ask this question if petroleum jelly darkens lips? The answer is No, it doesn’t. Petroleum jelly is extremely healthy for lips as it locks moisture in your chapped and dried lips which helps them retain their natural color. Petroleum jelly for lips or lip balm petroleum jelly has replaced any chapstick that you would use. Putting petroleum jelly on cracked heels can heal them very quickly, don’t forget to cover your feet with socks after applying petroleum jelly.

Kill mature lice

Like mayonnaise, petroleum jelly is a home remedy for lice. Research shows it may kill adult lice. But it doesn’t keep the eggs, known as nits, from hatching. Family care petroleum jelly should be used on the hair of all members to minimize lice.

Zero split ends

Sun and wind exposure as well as pool water can dry up your hair. Another cardinal function of Petroleum jelly is that it can reduce the look of split ends and add shine to your hair. Rub a small amount of jelly between your palms and apply to hair ends.

Diaper Rash Relief

The best white petroleum jelly protects the skin from foreign substances. That includes your baby’s poop and pee. You can use it between diaper changes if your baby gets a rash.  Dermatologists like it because there are no fragrances or preservatives. That’s good for babies’ butts and parents’ hands. And there’s no evidence that costly diaper rash creams work better than creamy petroleum jelly.

Eating Petroleum Jelly

In large doses, petroleum jelly can give you diarrhea as it acts as a laxative inside the body or stomach cramps. It may make you throw up. Keep it away from kids and pets.

Hydration of nails

If you frequently get manicures and pedicures, your skin is prone to getting extremely dry. Apply organic petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles in between polishes. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping. For the best results, apply it when your nails are damp.

Risks and Considerations

A lot of people ask if it is possible to be allergic to petroleum jelly? The answer is yes! Some people are more sensitive and can develop allergies if they use petroleum-derived products. Always keep an eye out for irritations and adverse reactions when using a new product.

Does petroleum jelly darken skin? Less reflection means skin absorbs more UVB rays. And since UVB rays are responsible for tanning, the skin gets darker. Petroleum jelly intensifies UV rays as they reach the skin. These skin cells can only tan when they stay in contact with intensified UV rays, elastin (fibers in the skin) start to break down, which over time causes the skin to sag and stretch making the skin look dark and dull.

Does petroleum jelly cause cancer? There are no clinical studies that demonstrate that the use of petroleum jelly promotes cancer. Purified forms of petroleum jelly do not contain dangerous ingredients. Vaseline is a certified source for the consumption of petroleum jelly.

Unrefined petroleum jelly does contain some potentially dangerous contaminants. A group of carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can cause cancer and damage the reproductive organs.

Is petroleum jelly good for acne? Petroleum Jelly traps in oil and dirt. People who are prone to acne should avoid using it on the face. People who have oily or acne-prone skin may not like the greasy feeling that petroleum jelly leaves on the skin.