Petroleum jelly is a thick, waxy paste that has been used for years as a skin care product and treatment for minor cuts and burns. It is also known as petrolatum and Vaseline, which is a common brand name. Here are some of the uses and benefits of petroleum jelly:
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Moisturizing: Petroleum jelly can be used as a moisturizer to help soothe dry skin. It can also help with certain rashes and skin conditions such as eczema.
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Healing minor wounds: Petroleum jelly can be used to help minor wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and scratches heal. It helps keep the wound moist, which prevents it from drying out and forming a scab, and can also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep, or itchy.
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Protecting skin: Petroleum jelly can be used to protect skin against wind and cold. It can also be used to soothe skin after too much sun or wind exposure.
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Beauty uses: Petroleum jelly can be used as a makeup remover, to soften cuticles, and to help remove paint from skin. It can also be used to help restore facial skin where a face mask is chafing.
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it should be used externally only. It should not be eaten or inserted into the body. It can also trap bacteria and oil in the skin, which can make acne worse.
