You've seen those ageless Beauties—smooth, glowing skin and not a wrinkle in sight! Want to know the most common thread that runs through their skin care regimen? It’s Vaseline—otherwise known as petroleum jelly or petrolatum. The popular multipurpose balm is considered by many as their number one skin saver (Marilyn Monroe used to coat it on her skin in layers!), but what exactly is the stuff and what does it do to our skin?
The word petroleum might seem scary for some, but it’s truly one of the most multitasking items you can own. From face to feet, the jelly has many uses, especially in a chilly climate. "It's a great product for chapped lips, dry elbows, hands, heels, and other tougher body parts," notes New York City-based dermatologist Jessica Krant, M.D. Some women swear by the substance on their face. But does the heavy wax clog your skin? "It's too heavy and high in viscosity to penetrate and clog pores," says cosmetic chemist Nick Morante. "Petroleum has a high molecular weight which creates an impenetrable film on the skin—keeping environmental junk out and moisture in," he adds. While it doesn’t moisturize the skin, it keeps it hydrated. "The jelly traps the moisture in the upper layers of the skin surface and prevents it from evaporating," explains Dr. Krant. "It also makes dry wrinkles plump up and appear smoother." Because of Vaseline’s ability to retain moisture, it's widely used in skin care across the market. It's important to note that the jelly isn't synonymous with mineral oil, which is a transparent liquid byproduct of the petroleum as it's converted into gasoline.
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