Using petroleum jelly is beneficial to the skin, especially in helping the skin keep moisturized and smooth. But some studies revealed that using petroleum jelly for over a long period of time can cause cancer, especially if the petrolatum is contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Along with the studies that petrolatum can cause cancer for overuse, dermatologists restrict petroleum jelly products with PHAs to avoid skin irritations. Petroleum jelly is one of the underrated ingredients of most moisturizers and skincare. It is a waxy and thick paste for the treatment of dry skin, minor cuts, and burns.
Petroleum jelly is also called petrolatum. It is yellowish to translucent to amber or white with no fragrance or taste. Petrolatum is an occlusive ingredient which means it gives moisture to the skin and creates physical barriers on the skin to prevent water loss or lack of hydration. Petroleum jelly products can be used by any age and are safe to use in healing minor wounds or cuts. People who have acne-prone skin and have oily skin are not advised to use petroleum jelly on the face. While some argue that petroleum can cause cancer, the truth is having cancer using petroleum jelly is low because, unlike any product, petroleum jelly is the safest product to use because of its natural ingredients.
How to use Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly doesn’t require many additives, chemicals, or other formulas to work on the skin and become beneficial. It means that using petroleum jelly is simple. It can be applied on the skin or incorporated with other products such as moisturizers, creams, lotions, and other hydrating products. If you are planning to use petroleum jelly on your face, apply it to your damp face for better results. Moreover, if you have minor cuts or scrapes, you can also use petroleum jelly to keep the wound’s moisture. You don’t need to worry if petroleum jelly might irritate your skin because it prevents the skin from scabbing, which causes the wounds to heal. If you have dry, chapped, and flaky lips, you can apply a petroleum jelly lip balm to keep the moisture of your lips. Apply the right amount of petroleum on your lips and leave it for hours.
List of Petroleum Jelly products for Lips, face, and other Purposes
While there are many petroleum products around the world to choose from, it is better to be knowledgeable about buying products that are beneficial to your skin. Knowing what ingredient to avoid is crucial in taking care of your skin. Below is the list of different types of petroleum jelly you can use, from creams to ointment.
Remedy Phytoplex lip balm gives a cooling effect on the skin and soothes the skin because of the formula of Cooling menthyl lactate. This product also serves as a moisturizer on the skin, as it gives protection and soothes the skin, relieving discomfort and dryness. Aside from having no petrochemicals that occlude on the skin, it is safe because of the oxygen-rich environment. One of its product’s advantages over other lip balms is the natural oils it contains, such as jojoba oil, shea butter, omega 3 and omega 6, sunflower, and soybean.
Sunmark Petroleum Jelly temporarily protects the skin from minor scrapes, cuts, and burns. It protects the skin and relieves dryness. This product is applicable on lips and feet as it gives moisture to dry and chapped skin. The active ingredient that can be found in this product is 100% of white petrolatum. Moreover, sunmark petroleum jelly is applicable not only to the skin but also to hair and nails.
Vaseline Pure ultra-white petroleum jelly is a soothing ointment that gives moisture to the skin. It is an ointment that can be used in different topical therapeutic agents. Moreover, this product is a non-water soluble and topical lubricant. Vaseline products are known for their effective use in relieving dryness and rough skin.
Curad Petroleum Jelly moisturizes rough, dry, and chapped areas of the skin. It helps to heal minor scrapes, cuts, and burns. This product also helps to keep the skin moist during post-surgery healing. While it can be used on lips and eyelids, it is also applicable in healing and soothing diaper rash. Moreover, it is usable in many ways, such as applying in your cuticle to have hydrated nails. It can also be used in removing eye makeup and glue to your skin.
Blistex lip balm is one of the most effective lip balm products for people who have flaky and very dry skin. Its advantage over other products is that it has SPF 15, which is helpful in keeping your lips healthy and away from sunburn. This product also contains long-lasting protectants that seal water and moisture on the skin. By sealing the moisture of the skin, it can prevent or alleviate dryness and dehydration.
Final thoughts
Using petroleum jelly is more beneficial than the chances of having cancer through using it. Studies show that there are low chances of having cancer by using petroleum jelly products. Many dermatologists still prescribe the use of petroleum jelly on the skin as it gives protection and moisture to the skin barrier. If you consider using petroleum jelly on your skin, it is still advisable to see your doctor for better healing. Having very dry skin and severe flaky lips that last for weeks can lead to serious conditions if not treated soon.
Even though petroleum jelly is helpful on our nails, skin, and hair, keep in mind that not all petroleum jelly products are beneficial on the skin, especially if you have a severe skin condition that needs other medication. Set an appointment with your doctor to learn more about how to treat a specific skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. For more lip care, moisturizers, and petroleum jelly products, you can visit AvaCare Medical. For more information, you can call us at 1-877-813-7799 or email us at [email protected].
