Take a look in your medicine cabinet, and you're likely to find a jar of petroleum jelly. It's used for so many things, from baby's bottom to your chapped lips.But is your trusty petroleum jelly really a "cure-all"? More importantly, is it as harmless as you think? Here is an analysis by New York-based dermatologist Dr. Alan Dattner, founder of HolisticDermatology.com, and celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno.*
What Is Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly is a derivative of oil refining. Originally found coating the bottom of oil rigs in the mid-1800s, it's a byproduct of the oil industry and therefore an unsustainable resource (read: not eco-friendly). It's commonly used topically to cure everything from dehydrated, flakey skin to diaper rash.
Why Is It Potentially Harmful?
Though generally regarded as safe, the components that are removed from the oil during the refining process of petroleum jelly are carcinogenic in some cases. "Vaseline supposedly has all of these [components] removed," Dr. Dattner says. "But there are probably plenty of petroleum jelly imitators, and one doesn't always know the extent that they're removed." Denno also points out that, since petroleum jelly can be found in "different grades of purity," you don't always know how non-toxic your petroleum jelly-based beauty products really are. (For the record, Vaseline is highly-refined, triple-purified and regarded as non-carcinogenic.) As for your skin? Petroleum jelly can create the illusion of moisturized, hydrated skin, all the while suffocating your pores. It's water-repellant and not water-soluble, meaning it merely seals the barrier so that moisture does not leave the skin. So while you might feel the instant gratification of a softened surface, you're actually drying out your pores by keeping out air and moisture. What's more, the thick texture makes it difficult to cleanse from the skin, so never slather petroleum jelly on an unwashed face if you want to avoid breakouts. "It essentially seals in the dirt," says Denno. People suffering from skin conditions like acne and rosacea should stay away from petroleum jelly altogether, since such thick emollients can aggravate those conditions. Those who rub Vaseline on dry, cracked noses to get through a cold might want to think twice, too: If petroleum jelly gets into the lungs, it can cause lipid pneumonia. It won't happen if you apply it once in a while, but Dr. Dattner recommends not making a daily habit of it.
Why Do People Use It?
"It's an inexpensive way for a formulator to offer the appearance and immediate feel of hydrated skin," Denno says explaining why petroleum jelly crops up in our beauty products. As a mineral oil, it doesn't actually moisturize, but it does a good job at holding in moisture -- if you make sure to thoroughly wash and moisturize your skin before application, that is. When you wash your skin with soap, you destroy some of the barrier and remove natural oils, so petroleum jelly can help repair that barrier if used properly, Dr. Dattner says. "It’s like putting a piece of plastic over your skin -- it prevents evaporation," he explains. But everyone is different, so it's important to see how your skin reacts to Vaseline or any other petroleum jelly-based products before committing to a regimen.
What Can You Use Instead?
Don't think you have to forfeit the soothing feeling of petroleum jelly if you are trying to avoid its potentially harmful properties. If you're looking for a dewy moisturizer, just opt for more natural alternatives and check ingredients. Products containing beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter and cocoa butter seal in moisture and don't come with some of the risks of petroleum jelly. "Remember that some of these products are absorbed into the skin, so it's nice to use something that you wouldn't mind putting into your body," Dr. Dattner says.
Non Petroleum Jelly produced by Old Paths Wellness contains organic extra virgin olive oil which absorbs into the skin to moisturize and revitalize while the beeswax and vitamin E seals and protects it. Because our non petroleum jelly is made with all natural ingredients, it is safe for you and your child's skin. For those who use essential oils topically, it works as a carrier oil. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed. Another way we encourage "abundant living naturally".
*Excerpt from The Huffington Post article entitled, Petroleum Jelly May Not Be As Harmless As You Think by Rebecca Adams, October 23, 2013.
