How to Use Vaseline for Your Face

We need to look at the different properties of Vaseline to understand whether or not it is a healthy product to rub on your face. This is, in part, because facial skin is some of the most sensitive on our body^[1], not to mention the fact it is so regularly exposed to the elements. We don't want to put anything on our face which might make an already delicate situation any worse.

Vaseline is the brand name for petroleum jelly, but others are available. The question many have over the benefits of Vaseline is whether or not it can moisturize your face. The answer isn't quite straight forward. It is not that petroleum jelly will moisturize your face, but it will provide a protective barrier for the moisture on your face. Vaseline when used on dry or cracked skin will help seal in moisture after you have moisturized your face. It not only locks moisture in, but keeps dry air and other dryness causing elements out.

However, if you put Vaseline on dry skin which has not been cleaned, this barrier will do the opposite. It will keep dirt on an unwashed face and won't let moisture in. If you skin is dry and calling our for moisture, then it will simply keep your skin dryer. Cleanse your face well, apply moisturizer and then cover with a thin film of Vaseline jelly if you want to protect against harsh climate or hot dry air.

When using Vaseline on our face, we need to bear in mind that there is often not an industry standard quality for petroleum jelly. Vaseline is refined to the point impurities are removed (triple purification). This leaves it hypoallergenic and also non-comedogenic. This last word is a fancy term meaning it won't promote acne growth by clogging sebaceous glands in our skin's pores. However, some take this to mean it will stop clogged pores. On the contrary, Vaseline jelly is not a cleanser, although there are Vaseline cleanser products out there. If you have already blocked pores, then you won't clean them with Vaseline. Instead, you will put up a barrier and keep that dirt in the pores, likely creating pimples or blackheads.

So, if you want to use Vaseline jelly as part of your facial cleansing regimen, then you can follow our hints and tips. We've put the ideal way to help with acne in this handy step-by-step list:

• Remove: remove makeup with a suitable makeup remover. Don't rub too hard and ensure it is something gentle otherwise it may promote acne.
• Cleanse: wash your face with the appropriate facial cleanser to your skin type. If you are unsure what kind you might need, check out our article on how to choose the right facial cleanser for you.
• Dry: carefully dry your face with a soft towel, padding the skin and not rubbing too vigorously otherwise you may damage the skin.
• Moisturize: using the right kind of moisturizer for your skin type, apply to your face and rub in well in gentle circles. Ensure you well mositurize your T-zone.
• Apply Vaseline: once your skin is clean and well mositurized, you can apply the Vaseline jelly. You have two options here. First, you can rub the Vaseline all over your face, using only a light film to create that barrier which seals in moisture. If you use too much, your skin will look oily and might not be the look for you. However, if you wan to be more conservative in your application, you can rub it on the places you get breakouts the most or even in those areas you feel a breakout about to occur.

When applying the Vaseline to your face, you can use your hands. However, we recommend using a cotton pad to ensure as little dirt as possible will get into your pores.

Your skin is not the only place on your face where Vaseline can be really useful. Your eyebrows might also benefit from being revitalized by this versatile product. As Vaseline helps protect your skin from many factors, the same can be said for hair. Instead of reducing the possibility of breakouts, it helps protect the hair follicles, keeping them healthy and encouraging growth.

To use Vaseline for your eyebrows, follow these steps:

• Remove makeup: remove any eyebrow makeup with an appropriate product. You may not want to use makeup remover on your eyebrows in case it dries our the hair. Using your facial cleanser to wsh your eyebrows is better than using shampoo as they may be too delicate for a harsh product.
• Run Vaseline through eyebrows: you can do this in two ways. First, you can put a little Vaseline on a cotton swab and rub it on this way. Secondly, you can use a clean mascara brush or a similarly small brush. The latter method is more exact and won't go on your skin if you don't want it to. With both methods, remember that a little goes a long way.

Also, instead of simply using it with a mascara brush, Vaseline can also be used as a replacement for mascara. If you want to know more about this treatment, check out this article on using Vaseline as mascara.

Chapped lips are particularly bothersome because they can become dry in all different types of environments. When it is very cold, the cold air will dry out your lips, often making them chapped and even cracked. When it is hot, the same can happen, especially in arid climates. Your lips also need protection against the wind.

However, it is not just external factors which create chapped lips. If you are dehydrated, your skin will be affected, particularly the skin on your lips. If you have been using a lip protector, but still have very dry lips, then you may need to check you are drinking enough water. Also, if you have anxiety issues or simply habitually chew your lips, this will dry them out and may even lead to cuts on your lips.

If you want to use Vaseline jelly to help reduce this dryness, you can by simply rubbing some of the Vaseline directly onto your lips as you would Chapstick or lip balm. Be careful not to use too much, however, as it can migrate from your lips onto the rest of your face. If your face is not properly clean, then this can lead to build up of dirt.

Vaseline is a very versatile product which can be of great benefit to you, especially if you have dry skin. Here are a few other ways your face may benefit from using this product:

• Can reduce wrinkles my locking in moisture and promoting healthy cell development. Also by protecting against cigarette smoke and other pollutants which can age the skin.
• If you wash your face properly before going to bed, it can be used as a replacement for a night cream. This is particularly useful during the winter when your exposed face may be dried out by the cold.
• Removes flaky and dry skin. If you dry skin and a predisposed to flakiness, Vaseline jelly can help your skin stay mositurized and keeps flaky skin at bay.
• Is good for protection if you have skin conditions such as eczema. As Vaseline jelly has been approved by the National Eczema association, it can help fight against the red patches this skin condition causes. To be used in conjunction with your doctor's advice.
• Vaseline might also be helpful in protecting the skin against other rashes.

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