Whether you’re a dedicated athlete in training, a new parent or a beauty enthusiast, you may face challenging skin care concerns. From cuts and scrapes to diaper rashes, having a general-purpose skin treatment on hand can largely impact how easily and quickly skin heals.
While countless products are available to treat skin irritation and rashes, many of them can be quite costly or ineffective at treating your specific concern. Luckily, you don’t need to create a complicated skin care regimen or spend a fortune to help your skin look and feel its best.
Petroleum jelly — a by-product created from processing petroleum oil — can help certain individuals address their skin concerns. While results vary, many users find that it soothes their skin and promotes healing. With its moisturizing properties and thick, waxy texture, petroleum jelly can be a versatile solution for different areas of the body, including your face, hands and nails.
Discover how to care for your skin’s health with this simple solution, and remember to check with a dermatologist to determine if it’s effective for your needs. Book an appointment with Berman Skin Institute for personalized skin care advice and additional skin care services.
Why Is Petroleum Jelly Good for Skin?
Petroleum jelly, or petrolatum, is a combination of mineral oils and waxes. The main ingredient is petroleum, which helps create the water-protective barrier. Petroleum jelly comes in a semisolid form that is easy to spread yet stays in place, helping the skin retain moisture and heal.
Petroleum jelly has several qualities that can be ideal for many skin types and concerns:
- Hypoallergenic properties: Due to its low sensitization potential, petroleum jelly likely won’t irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. It is generally considered safe, making it a versatile option for many skin types. Even individuals with sensitive skin can take advantage of its benefits.
- Noncomedogenic nature: Because petroleum jelly is thick, many assume that it will clog the skin and cause acne. When used correctly, though, petroleum jelly won’t clog pores, which can make it great for dry, acne-prone skin. Provided it’s used in moderation, you likely won’t have to worry about breakouts even if you apply it to your face.
- Nutrient sealant: Petroleum jelly can also be used alongside other skin care products. If you’re dealing with excessively dry skin or a specific skin concern, you can use petroleum jelly to help seal in the moisture and nutrients from your other skin care products. This can enhance the efficacy of the ingredients in your other products and heal your skin faster.
Does Petroleum Jelly Help Dry Skin?
If you’re looking for a simple and effective remedy for dry skin, petroleum jelly could be your solution. However, in some cases, you may need a more tailored skin care product to treat and heal your specific concern.
There are several benefits of adding petroleum jelly to your general skin care routine, including its ability to:
- Retain moisture: Petroleum jelly can increase your skin’s hydration levels and minimize itchy, flaky skin.
- Promote healing: Petroleum jelly adds a protective, moisturizing barrier that can help enhance healing. If you have a minor cut or burn, you can speed up the healing process and lower the chances of scarring.
- Protect against external irritants: Especially if your rash or skin irritation is caused by external irritants or environmental factors, petroleum jelly can add a protective layer and help shield your skin from further damage.
- Soothe dry, cracked skin: Petroleum jelly can help moisturize dry, cracked skin and give it a smoother texture.
- Provide immediate relief and long-term hydration: While petroleum jelly is fast-acting, it is also long-lasting, making it a potential solution for dry or irritated skin. Once you apply it and work it into your skin, it will continue to infuse it with moisture.
How Does Petroleum Jelly Help Skin?
Petroleum jelly can help soothe and heal various skin concerns. While individual results can vary, and you should always contact your dermatologist for specific skin concerns, here are just a few of the ways it can help.
1. Soothes Chafed Skin
Chafing is a common skin concern among athletes and overweight individuals. Athletes like runners and bikers are especially susceptible because of the movement involved in these activities.
Chafing can occur when skin repeatedly rubs against clothing or another area of skin. That constant rubbing can cause itchiness, a burning or stinging sensation, or a rash. Because petroleum jelly acts as a lubricant, it can reduce some of the friction while helping soothe already chafed skin.
2. Rehydrates the Skin
During the cooler months when there’s less humidity in the air, you may start to experience skin dryness, which can cause itching and irritation. Your skin may also crack and eventually bleed. To rehydrate your skin, add moisture and reduce irritation, you can apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly.
If you frequently get manicures and pedicures, you may experience some dryness on your nails. Regularly apply some petroleum jelly on your nails — especially when they are damp — to rehydrate them and lock in the moisture.
3. Heals Rashes
Babies, children and adults can all be susceptible to rashes. You can help soothe and heal everything from diaper rashes to allergy rashes by applying some petroleum jelly to the affected area. After reapplying it for several days, you may notice that the area isn’t as irritated and is starting to heal much faster.
4. Helps Treat Injured Skin
Applying petroleum jelly to injured skin can also help speed up the healing process. Whether you’re dealing with a cut, scratch or scrape, you may find that your injured skin tends to get dry and itchy. To prevent this from happening or to relieve some of the itchiness, rub some petroleum jelly over the area.
Get Professional and Reliable Advice on Skin Care
While petroleum jelly can be a great solution for many issues, sometimes you need a professional diagnosis and a personalized skin care routine to achieve the results you’re looking for. No matter what skin concern you’re dealing with, Berman Skin Institute offers an array of treatment services to help improve the health and appearance of your complexion.
We have several locations throughout Northern California where we provide state-of-the-art medical technology and research — all while maintaining an emphasis on patient welfare and healing. Along with a patient-centric focus, you can expect the latest in technology and innovation and a comprehensive service offering at each of our dermatology and cosmetic surgery centers.
Whether you’re dealing with chafed skin or a rash, we are committed to accommodating our patients’ needs as much as possible. With complimentary cosmetic consultations available, you can receive professional and reliable advice on your skin care concerns.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more and receive personalized skin care advice.
