Sunday 12 February 2012

Petroleum jelly / Vaseline / When it's OK to use it

So, I happen to have a tiny jar of Vaseline. Honestly, I avoid using petroleum jelly, aka Vaseline, as a moisturizer, and especially not for my face, since petroleum is a by-product of gasoline. Yikes! It's not the best choice for a healthy moisturizer.

 
I've also recently found out that it is a sealant, and doesn't get absorbed by the skin:

"studies have shown that Vaseline has no medicinal effect nor any effect on the blistering process, nor is it absorbed by the skin. Petroleum jelly's effectiveness in accelerating wound healing stems from its sealing effect on cuts and burns, which inhibits germs from getting into the wound and keeps the injured area supple by preventing the skin's moisture from evaporating."

But there are ways when petroleum jelly may come in handy, for instance:
  • It can soften rough skin on elbows, knees, or heels
  • Use it as a makeup remover to lift mascara and liner
  • Tame wild eye brows. Tap the product along the brows, then comb
  • Use it as hair pomade to prevent fly-aways and split-ends
  • Moisturize and heal dry, cracked cuticles
  • Mix it with your lipstick to create tinted lip balm (just don't eat it)
  • Use Vaseline around your eyes to prevent skin damaging effects of windy/cold weather
I've also found out via Reader's Digest, that the jelly can be used for manicures! The information is quite interesting and something I may try in the future:

No more messy manicures. During home manicures, it’s hard to keep the nail polish from running over on your cuticles. Petroleum jelly can help your manicures look more professional. Dab some along the base of your nails and the sides. If polish seeps off the nail during the manicure, all you do is wipe off the petroleum jelly and the sloppy nail polish is gone.

Also, what counts when buying this jelly is its purity. Pure petroleum jelly is considered to be safe and not as carcinogenic.

5 comments:

  1. Wow, those are good tips! I didn't know it was so close to gasoline. That's scary.

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  2. You can also mix it with perfume to create a solid perfume :)

    xx

    http://ms-jelena.blogspot.com

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  3. love vaseline....cracked lips be gone...little dab of vaseline and the hurt is gone...and my lips are moisturized!! :)

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  4. Thanks for this post. :)

    Oh and I found you through beautylish, hope you follow me back!

    http://urhappybunnie.blogspot.com

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  5. I love this vaseline. I have also tried cocoa glow vaseline. Its great for skin care.

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