What is Petroleum Jelly?
A Brief Overview
Petroleum jelly, also widely known as Vaseline, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons. It’s a common ingredient in many personal care products, such as lip balms and cosmetics. Petroleum jelly has long been used as an all-purpose skin moisturizer and beauty aid thanks to its skin-softening and anti-inflammatory properties. Though petroleum jelly is derived from petroleum, it is considered a safe and effective moisturizer when used correctly.
History of Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly has been around for centuries, derived from oil wells in Pennsylvania in 1859. It was originally used as a lubricant and water-sealant for machinery and metal surfaces. Refiners and medical professionals quickly noticed its lubricating, softening, and waterproofing effects on skin. Around the same time, petroleum jelly was already being used for medical purposes, particularly for wound healing and skin protection. Thus, the so-called “wonder jelly” became one of the first commercially available synthetic skin moisturizers.
Uses and Benefits of Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is widely used as a skin moisturizer, and is known to be effective in very dry, chapped and scaly skin, especially when used over a long period of time. It’s often applied directly to the skin, and is most effective when still damp and warm. As a moisturizing agent, it has hydrating and emollient properties which help lock in moisture and minimize skin dehydration. Additionally, it is non-allergenic, promotes wound healing and contains anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce skin discomfort and irritation.
Furthermore, petroleum jelly can also be used as an all-purpose skin care product. It is often used as an ingredient in many beauty products such as lip balms, eyeliners, shampoo, face masks and more. Petroleum jelly has also been used to soothe itching and sunburns, heal dry and cracked hands or feet and soften dry, cracked lips. Additionally, it can also be used to treat cold sores and blotchy skin, reduce wrinkles, and prevent skin blemishes.
In conclusion, petroleum jelly has long been used for its skin-softening and anti-inflammatory properties and as an all-purpose skin care product, and was one of the first commercially available synthetic skin moisturizers. It is an effective moisturizing agent that helps lock in moisture and minimize skin dehydration, and can be used to treat and prevent skin conditions such as dry, chapped skin, sunburn, cold sores and wrinkles. All in all, petroleum jelly is a safe and effective skin care product that is commonly used by millions of people all over the world.