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What’s Common Petroleum Jelly Made of?
Also called petrolatum, petroleum jelly is usually a mixture of waxes and mineral oils, which then form a semi-solid substance. Since its discovery in 1859 by Robert Augustus Cheseborough, this product has not changed much. Chesebrough realised that oil workers would apply gooey jelly on their burns and wounds. Later on, he would package the jelly as Vaseline.
The benefits of petroleum jelly come from its primary ingredient – petroleum – which creates a water-protective barrier on your skin. This helps the skin heal and retain its moisture. Read through this article for some insight into how you can use petroleum jelly.
The Benefits and Uses of Petroleum Jelly
1. Heals Minor Burns and Skin Scrapes
A study has revealed that petroleum jelly is an active ingredient for keeping your skin moist in the course of post-surgery healing. This could be incredibly useful for less severe skin injuries. Ensure the surface to which you’re applying the petroleum jelly is cleaned and properly disinfected. Failure to do so will cause pathogens and bacteria to be trapped below the jelly and slow down the healing process.
2. Moisturise Your Hands, Face, and More
For a moisturised skin, it is advisable that you apply petroleum jelly after every shower. Being an occlusive moisturizer, it will prevent your skin from drying. You could also use it for a dry nose during allergy or cold season.
For cracked heels, you need to start by soaking your feet in warm, salt water. Rinse your feet dry and apply the petroleum jelly, and put on a clean pair of cotton socks to lock in the moisture.
Improve your rough hands: after scrubbing your hands and rinsing, apply the petroleum jelly and put on a pair of gloves to retain the moisture and quicken the healing process.
For chapped lips, applying petroleum jelly will help get them soft.
3. Help for Your Pet Paws
Your pet’s pad skin – especially dogs – could crack and cause a lot of discomfort to the animal. Clean the pad skin with some cotton gauze, dry them, and apply the petroleum jelly. This should be done when your pet is having a rest or after a walk.
4. Preventing Diaper Rash in Toddlers
Petroleum jelly has been found to minimise the effects of diaper rash in kids. You should clean and dry your baby’s skin before applying the jelly. This semi-solid substance forms a protective layer that protects their skin from continuous exposure to moisture. You should see your doctor should the rash persist.
5. Removing Your Eye Makeup
Oil has been found to be an effective substance in the removal of eye makeup, and petroleum jelly is a safer alternative to use in your eye areas. Apply the jelly with a cotton pad and avoid pressing too hard on the skin. Be sure to close your eyelids as you wipe the makeup off.
6. Save Split Ends
Wind and sun exposure, as well as swimming pool water, could result in dry skin. Petroleum jelly helps make split ends less conspicuous in addition to giving your hair some shine. Smear some petroleum jelly between your palms and rub it onto your hair ends.
7. Prevent Stains from Nail Polish or Hair Dye
You can also apply jelly along your hairline to prevent stains arising from your hair dye. This will also work if you prefer doing your nail paint at home. The layer of petroleum jelly can be easily wiped out compared to a dye stain.
8. Preserve Your Perfume Scents
Perfumes tend to last longer when petroleum jelly is applied directly onto the skin.
9. Use as a Lubricant for Stuck Objects
If a bangle is stuck on your wrist, apply some petroleum jelly on your wrist and get some under the bracelet. This way, the bangle will easily slip off the finger.
For rusty door hinges, apply some jelly on the hinge and swing your door left and right to spread the lube evenly. If there is some excess, you can wipe it off. Petroleum jelly is also handy for lubricating devices such as diaphragm pumps.
The emollient properties of petroleum jelly, its ability to quicken skin healing, and its safety record have all made it a staple in the beauty and medical industry. Ensure you go for a triple-distilled, purified product, like the well-known Vaseline, to avoid exposing your skin to toxins, some of which could be carcinogenic.