Vaseline is a petroleum-based gel commonly used in skincare routines, home remedies, and in a variety of household projects. It is one of the best skin barrier repair moisturizers. It is triple purified and devoid of any allergens, preservatives, fragrances, surfactants, steroids, chemicals, and carcinogens. [1]
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Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview
While there are a lot of misconceptions about what Vaseline is and isn't good for, learning when it's appropriate and when it's inappropriate to use Vaseline will make sure you get all the benefits and none of the drawbacks of using this product. Learn how to incorporate Vaseline into your beauty routine, into your household chores, and when to avoid Vaseline and find a different product instead.
Steps
Common Questions: Tips for Using Vaseline
What are the benefits of using Vaseline for your face?
Board Certified Dermatologist Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD says Vaseline is one of the best skin barrier repair moisturizers out there. It's also great for people with sensitive skin because it's been triple purified to remove allergens, preservatives, fragrances, surfactants, steroids, chemicals, and carcinogens. [5]
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Expert Source
Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (ADA), you can even use Vaseline on dry, flaky eyelids. [6]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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Can you use Vaseline for wounds and cuts?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (ADA), Vaseline is a great option for minor wounds like cuts, scrapes, and scratches because it keeps the area moist and prevents a scab from forming (scabs take longer to heal). Always clean the wound before applying Vaseline. [7]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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Board Certified Dermatologist Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD says, "The best time to apply Vaseline is overnight. Cover the wound with a bandage after applying." [8]
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Expert Source
Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview
Can you use Vaseline for cracked heels?
Board Certified Dermatologist R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH says that dry, cracked heels can benefit from Vaseline. She suggests applying Vaseline to your cracked heels and then putting socks on over that before you go to bed. [9]
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R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist
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Vaseline can also prevent your heels from chafing against your shoes and forming blisters. [10]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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Tips
- Don't apply too much at one time, only take a little.Thanks
- For best results where the tip needs to be long lasting, re-apply it periodically throughout the day.Thanks
- A fresh tin of Vaseline should last you a long while, so if you've used most of the tin in a short period of time, you're definitely using too much.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Put a small layer around your fingernails when painting them. When the polish has dried, wipe the vaseline away, and it will take off any polish you got on your cuticles.
- Twist up your hair and use vaseline on the tips, then tie it up and go to sleep. Wake up, take your rag off, and undo your twists and there you go. Rock it like that.
- Don’t use vaseline on new tattoos. The petroleum is too thick and can cause the same issues as getting it wet.
- DO NOT use as a lubricant for rings, it can stain expensive metals.
Warnings
- Some of these methods may not work on dark skin.Thanks
- Unpurified petroleum is very different and must not be confused with Vaseline. Petroleum is unpurified and may contain aromatic hydrocarbons and can be a carcinogen. On the other hand, vaseline is a pure jelly that is triple filtered and is not carcinogenic. [11] X Expert Source Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist Expert InterviewThanks
Things You'll Need
- Vaseline
- Lotion
References
- ↑ Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://michellephan.com/beauty-tips-vaseline-in-your-beauty-routine-skin-care/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC286261/
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/vaseline.html
- ↑ Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly
- ↑ Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly
- ↑ Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
About This Article
To use Vaseline, apply it to rough, dry patches of skin to help moisturize them so they're smoother. You can also massage some Vaseline into your nails every day so your cuticles are softer. If your lips are feeling chapped, cover them with a thin layer of Vaseline to lock in moisture. You can even use Vaseline as a treatment for dandruff by massaging some into your scalp before you wash your hair. To learn how you can use Vaseline around the house, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
- "This is a really, really great article. I really love how it's original! Lots of these Vaseline articles are all the same, and seem very copied since they keep repeating everything over and over again. I like how I actually learned new stuff about Vaseline! I didn't know you could do that much with it! And again, I really like this article and it's one of my favorites. I really recommend reading it." ..." more