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8 uses for petroleum jelly – and 5 to avoid

<p>Most people have tub of petroleum jelly somewhere in their bathroom cabinet. But why is this slippery, oily substance – often called Vaseline, after the popular brand name – considered such a staple? “Petroleum jelly is an incredibly versatile product,” says plastic surgeon Dr Alexis Parcells. Its genius lies in its simplicity. It’s only made up of one ingredient, and because it lacks fragrances, essential oils, colouring and other additives, it can be used for a wide variety of purposes.</p><p><strong>What is petroleum jelly?</strong></p><p>There’s only one ingredient in Vaseline: petroleum jelly. Also called petrolatum, it is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons created as a byproduct of oil. It isn’t flammable, and it doesn’t have any taste or smell. Some ancient cultures used it as a healing ointment but it was officially patented and marketed as a product in 1859. Chemist Robert Chesebrough noticed that oil plant workers used “rod wax” – a sticky substance that built up on the oil machinery – to prevent and heal wounds. He refined the substance into the whitish gel we all recognise today and named it Vaseline. He advertised his “new” product by burning himself and then using the jelly to heal the burn. Since then, people have used it as everything from a wound treatment to a diet aid, but some uses work better (and are safer) than others. Petroleum jelly is also present in many commercial paw paw ointments.</p><p><strong>Risks or side effects</strong></p><p>Petroleum jelly can be a trusty first-aid essential for blisters, wounds and cuts, but it’s not recommended for everyone. There are people who may have a sensitivity or may even have an allergy to products that contain petroleum. This can manifest in skin irritation. If you’re not sure whether you have a sensitivity or allergy, do a patch test on your skin before applying the product completely.</p><p>Here’s everything you need to know about petroleum jelly, including how and when to use it, and when to avoid it.</p><p><strong>Skin moisture</strong></p><p>Petroleum jelly isn’t absorbed into the skin so it’s not a moisturiser like lotion. Instead, it forms an ‘occlusive’ barrier on top of the skin. Putting a thin layer over moisturised skin will help keep your skin soft by preventing moisture loss, says Dr Parcells. It’s particularly good for people with sensitive skin or those who are trying to avoid extra chemicals, she adds.</p><p>Keep in mind, this probably isn’t something you’ll be wearing during the day, as it can look greasy and oily. If you’re worried about the look, use it as an overnight skin treatment. Just be sure to use bedding you don’t care about staining, as it can leave oily marks.</p><p><strong>Mask-wearing</strong></p><p>Thanks to the pandemic, many people are spending hours every day wearing a mask, and that can lead to chafing, rashes and irritation. Petroleum jelly can protect your face by forming a protective barrier between your skin and the mask. Medical professionals who used a mixture of petroleum jelly and lanolin on skin that came into contact with tight facial masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) experienced 30 per cent less friction, according to a 2020 study published in PLOS One. They reported greater comfort and fewer injuries like skin tears, blistering, ulcers and hives. Regular lotions made the chafing worse, but because petroleum jelly is not absorbed, it formed a protective layer over the workers’ skin.</p><p><strong>Makeup removal</strong></p><p>Is your eye makeup difficult to get off at the end of the day? Try using petroleum jelly on a cotton swab. Oil naturally dissolves makeup, including waterproof formulations, and it’s very gentle so you don’t need to tug or pull at your skin and eyelashes. It’s also unlikely to cause a reaction and is safe to use in the eye area, Dr Parcells says. Try not to get it in your eyes. It won’t hurt you, but it is hard to get out and can cause blurry vision in the meantime.</p><p><strong>Eczema</strong></p><p>Eczema is a skin condition characterised by itchy, red and sometimes painful rashes. The rashes can be made worse by a variety of irritants in the environment, including weather, clothing, water and skin products. The No. 1 way to help eczema is to protect the skin while it heals. And one simple, effective and affordable way to do that is by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the affected area, according to a 2017 study published in JAMA Paediatrics.</p><p><strong>Nappy rash</strong></p><p>Nappy rash happens when skin is kept in a moist environment with little air circulation, like in a nappy, for a period of time. Protect sensitive baby skin against nappy rash by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly. You can also use it to treat existing nappy rash by cleaning and drying the affected area, then applying the jelly.</p><p><strong>Wounds</strong></p><p>Applying petroleum to small cuts, scrapes and burns can prevent scabs and scars from forming, says Dr Parcells. If your wound is open or appears infected, use a petroleum jelly product that also contains antibacterial ingredients, she says. Make sure your skin is dry and clean before you apply petroleum jelly. Fungal or bacterial infections can occur if you don’t follow proper wound care.</p><p><strong>Chafing during exercise</strong></p><p>You never notice exactly how tight the elastic on your underwear is, where your shoe rubs your heel, or just where the hem on your shorts hits your thigh until you’re five kilometres into a 10k run – and by then, the damage is done. Prevent painful chafing, rashes, and blisters during exercise by rubbing a thin layer of petroleum jelly on pressure points before putting on your workout clothing. It’s especially helpful for minimising friction from skin-on-skin chafing, like between your inner thighs.</p><p><strong>Lip balm</strong></p><p>One of the most popular uses for petroleum jelly is to protect the sensitive skin on your lips from harsh environmental conditions. Whether there’s aggressive air conditioning in your office or it’s a dry or cold windy day outside, your lips are more exposed to the environment than other parts of your body and lose moisture faster, says Dr Parcells. You can protect them with a layer of petroleum jelly.</p><p><strong>When NOT to use petroleum jelly</strong></p><p>Think twice before using petroleum jelly for the following reasons. In some cases, it may not be effective. In worst-case scenarios, it can be dangerous.</p><p><strong>As a lubricant for sex</strong></p><p>Don’t use petroleum jelly as a lubricant during sex, says reconstructive surgeon Dr Eric Weiss. The biggest reason to avoid using Vaseline as a lube is that petroleum jelly weakens and damages polyurethane and latex condoms, making them more likely to fail – and could increase your risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, petroleum jelly is greasy and can stain sheets and clothing. Experts generally recommend water-based lubricants that are designed specifically for sex because they won’t damage condoms or silicone-based sex toys.</p><p><strong>As a way to treat lice</strong></p><p>Slathering the hair and scalp with petroleum jelly is a popular home remedy for treating head lice in some parts of the world. It’s said to work by smothering the lice and killing them. Unfortunately, according to a 2016 analysis of 579 studies on lice treatment published in Paediatric Dermatology, this doesn’t work. While the lice may appear to die, in reality, they’re just not moving and may “resurrect” once the jelly is washed out, the study authors noted.</p><p><strong>As a way to lose weight</strong></p><p>Some boxers and other athletes who need to lose weight quickly swear by smearing petroleum jelly on their skin, wrapping themselves in plastic wrap, and doing intense cardio exercise or sitting in a sauna. The idea is that it will intensify the heat and increase sweating. Even if it does do that, which is debatable, it’s only making you lose water weight. The small benefit is outweighed by the extreme risks of becoming dehydrated and overheated, says Dr Weiss.</p><p><strong>On acne-prone skin</strong></p><p>“Petroleum [jelly] should be avoided in people with oily, acne-prone skin, as it can worsen or cause the formation of clogged pores,” says Dr Parcells. Adding more oil to the oil on your skin can compound acne. Instead, talk to your dermatologist about moisturisers designed for your skin type.</p><p><strong>In your nostrils</strong></p><p>Never use petroleum jelly in or around nostrils, especially on children, says Dr Parcells. You may end up with a condition called lipid pneumonia, an infection caused by the inhalation of fats. Though rare, it can lead to serious and long-term health problems.</p><p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-e3925162-7fff-c8ea-7336-477fe695251b">Written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/8-uses-for-petroleum-jelly-and-5-to-avoid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p><p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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10 more ways to use Vaseline in your beauty routine

<p>Here at Over60, we’re always on the lookout for new ways to get more bang for our buck, and one of the most budget-friendly and useful products out there has to be Vaseline. As we’ve <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/04/ways-to-use-vaseline-in-your-beauty-routine/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">demonstrated before</span></strong></a>, there are <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/more-ways-to-use-vaseline-in-your-beauty-routine/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">so many different ways</span></strong></a> to use that miracle tub.</p> <p><strong>1. Remove stains</strong> – Apply Vaseline to the stain using a damp cloth. Gently dab the stain and watch as it begins to disappear.</p> <p><strong>2. Save your favourite lipstick</strong> – If your favourite shade is running low, mix the last bit with some Vaseline, pop in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds, and you’ll have the perfect lip gloss.</p> <p><strong>3. Make perfume last longer</strong> – To make your fragrance last all day long, apply some Vaseline to the areas you usually spray your perfume beforehand.</p> <p><strong>4. Remove makeup</strong> – Sometimes, makeup wipes simply don’t do the trick. If this happens, dip some cotton balls in Vaseline and apply to stubborn makeup.</p> <p><strong>5. Stop dye bleeding</strong> – If you dye your hair at home, stop it staining your forehead by applying Vaseline before you start.</p> <p><strong>6. Banish flyaways</strong> – Up-dos look great, but stray hairs always make even the sleekest bun or ponytail look messy. Use a bit of Vaseline to slick back those flyaways.</p> <p><strong>7. Remove a stuck ring</strong> – When you find yourself struggling with a ring stuck on your finger, add some Vaseline into the mix and it will slide right off.</p> <p><strong>8. Lush lashes</strong> – Don’t like the over-done look of mascara? Lightly coating your lashes with Vaseline will leave them looking darker and glossy, and is even rumoured to help them grow.</p> <p><strong>9. Stop nail polish drying shut</strong> – Ever go to do a self-manicure only to find you can’t open your bottle of varnish? Stop it drying shut again by spreading Vaseline around the inside of the lid.</p> <p><strong>10. Heal a sunburn</strong> – Prevent sunburnt skin from peeling by lathering it with Vaseline. This will lock in moisture and stop the skin drying out.</p> <p>Have you tried any of these ingenious tricks? Let us know in the comment section below.</p>

Beauty & Style

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5 ingenious ways to use Vaseline in your beauty routine

<p>Vaseline is a wonderfully versatile product and it's more valuable than you might think.</p> <p>In a pinch, it can replace so many beauty products, plus it can create a truly beautiful look when you use it on your lips, eyes, and even your cheekbones.</p> <p>Here are five more ways to use Vaseline in your beauty routine that you might not have thought about.</p> <p><strong>1. Highlighting</strong></p> <p>Don’t worry about those expensive “highlighters” or “illuminators”. Dab a minimal amount of Vaseline on to cheekbones, cupids bow and in the brow bone for a subtle glow.</p> <p><strong>2. Tame messy eyebrows</strong></p> <p>Slick a tiny bit of Vaseline over your eyebrows to keep them neat and tidy all day.</p> <p><strong>3. Painting nails</strong></p> <p>It’s so hard to paint your nails without getting at least a little bit of spillage. Dab some Vaseline around the cuticles to swiftly wipe up a nail polish spillage after a DIY manicure. </p> <p><strong>4. Transform old cosmetics</strong></p> <p>You can turn old eyeshadows and blushes into brand new products by missing them with Vaseline. Dated, powdery products can become tinted lip balms or cream eyeshadows.</p> <p><strong>5. Lip/body scrub</strong></p> <p>Mix Vaseline with sugar to create a DIY scrub that’s cheap, effective and free from nasty chemicals.</p> <p>How do you incorporate every day products into your beauty routine? Let us know your secrets in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/how-to-fill-in-your-eyebrows/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to fill in your eyebrows</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/7-beauty-mistakes-we-are-all-guilty-of/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">7 beauty mistakes we’re all guilty of</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/beauty-foods-for-skin-and-hair/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">10 beauty foods for skin and hair</span></strong></em></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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4 make-up products that have second uses

<p>With all of the fancy beauty lotions and potions out there, it’s easy to spend a small fortune stocking the beauty cabinet, however, these common beauty products can be used for more that one thing. Prepare to save your hard-earned dollars.</p> <p><strong>1. Lipstick</strong></p> <p>Lipsticks can also be used as blush and bronzer by simply dotting a small amount of the product along your cheekbone. A lipstick turned blush/bronzer/highlighter makes it easier for you to experiment without having to spend more money on fiddly products. </p> <p><strong>2. Vaseline</strong></p> <p>Use it as a lip balm, an overnight skin replenishing treatment (great for holidays, camping/hiking trips as well as all other times when you don’t want your precious skincare products melting and jumbling inside luggage and backpacks), a make-up remover or mix it up with loose eyeshadows or blushes for a budget friendly highlighter.</p> <p><strong>3. Lip balm</strong></p> <p>Apart from its original purpose of soothing, moisturising and preventing chapped lips, this magnificent product work wonders for dry hands as well as that unsightly side effects of a cold – also known as chapped nose.</p> <p><strong>4. Conditioner</strong></p> <p>Hop out of the shower while leaving conditioner soaking in your hair for a cheap, moisturising hair treatment. You can also use conditioner as a silky smooth shaving cream.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/02/naturally-reduce-bags/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to naturally reduce bags under your eyes</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/02/how-to-make-your-own-facemask/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to make your own face mask</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/11/how-to-use-avocado-in-beauty-routine/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 ways to use avocado in your beauty routine</span></em></strong></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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Clever uses for Vaseline around the house

<p>Did you know that Vaseline was founded by Robert Chesebrough in 1872? A staple in many bathroom cabinets, over the years Vaseline has been found to have many uses around the home.</p> <p><strong>Household</strong></p> <ul> <li>Protect your wooden furniture with Vaseline, in the same way that you would use a wood polish.</li> <li>Protect your leather couches by applying a small amount to a clean cloth and rubbing it on.</li> <li>Got a squeaky door or gate? Rub some Vaseline on the hinge to lubricate it and the noise will be gone.</li> <li>Pop some Vaseline on your drawer runners or window frames to stop them from sticking.</li> <li>Clean grease off your hands by smearing some Vaseline onto a cloth and rubbing onto the affected area before washing them.</li> <li>Got a door with a keyhole that sticks? Rub some Vaseline onto the key and insert/remove it a few times to lubricate the inside.</li> <li>When cleaning the seals in your refrigerator, wipe a little Vaseline on them, which will keep the grime away.</li> <li>When using hair dye, smear some Vaseline on your hairline to avoid the dye getting on your skin.</li> <li>Buff up and protect your shoes with some Vaseline on a clean cloth.</li> <li>Rub some Vaseline on the metal parts of toy trucks and bike wheels to avoid them rusting when left outside.</li> <li>Remove crayon from the walls by rubbing with Vaseline before washing.</li> <li>Give your artificial plants some shine by rubbing them with a little Vaseline on a cotton cloth.</li> <li>Put some Vaseline on the sides of your crystal candleholders so that the wax will come off more easily.</li> <li>If you have chewing gum on a chair or car seat, rub some Vaseline onto the area, leave for an hour, and then rub off.</li> <li>Clean the scum from your bathroom taps by applying Vaseline, allowing to sit for a few minutes and then scrubbing off.</li> <li>Use Vaseline to shine and protect your silverware.</li> <li>If you have a zipper that sticks, rub with Vaseline to lubricate the seam.</li> <li>Ants and other creepy crawlies don’t like Vaseline, so place it in areas like windowsills to stop them coming in.</li> <li>Like the look of new shiny tyres? After washing, apply a coat of Vaseline.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/give-your-couch-instant-facelift/"><strong>How to give your couch an instant facelift</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/companion-planting-garden-infographic/"><strong>Great infographic explains companion planting</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/how-to-snake-proof-home/"><strong>How to snake-proof your house and garden</strong></a></em></span></p>

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