It’s an odourless jelly-like substance with a colourless to pale yellow look. It’s ubiquitous in most drugstores and synonymous with various beauty hacks. Any ideas? If you guessed petroleum jelly, you’re absolutely right! Also known as petrolatum, petroleum jelly is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes with tons of terrific uses. Here are five of them.
#1 Helps wounds heal
Petroleum jelly’s benefits come from its main ingredient petroleum, which seals the skin with a water-protective barrier. This is great for wounds as they need moisture to heal. Petroleum jelly can also ease the redness of a new scar without leaving a burning sensation. Before applying, ensure that your skin is properly cleaned and disinfected to avoid entrapping bacteria.
#2 Moisturises face and dry skin
TikTok beauty trend followers are no strangers to slugging. This original K-beauty trick proves to deeply moisturise dry face, lips and eyelids. All you have to do is apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly on your face before going to sleep. Use this as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine. Avoid it if you have oily and acne-prone skin as the jelly can trap dirt and oil causing breakouts and spots.
#3 Protects pet’s paws
Just like human feet, your pet’s paws need extra care and attention. If you find cracks on your furry friend’s pad skin, treat it with a little petroleum jelly. Clean the surface with some water and cotton gauze. Dry it and apply only a small amount as a curious pet might lick its paws, and consuming too much could cause an upset stomach.
#4 Treats diaper rash
Diaper rash is mainly due to friction between the skin and wet diapers. If this happens, rub on some petroleum jelly during each diaper change. The jelly will form a protective barrier that will help protect the skin from constant exposure to moisture. With proper care, your little one should be rash-free within three to four days.
#5 Prevents chafing
Chafing is a skin irritation that occurs when there is skin-on-skin contact or when the skin rubs against clothing. Prolonged chafing can cause redness and painful blisters. To prevent this, you can apply petroleum jelly or talcum powder to the affected areas. Additionally, healthcare workers can use these items to provide long-lasting skin protection when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) at work.
Sources: Healthline, WebMD, AAD, Medical News Today, The Healthy
