For those who use this stuff all the time, you should really look at alternatives. I once knew of one woman 10+ years ago who body stopped producing the natural moisturizers because she used Vasline all the time. The article also includes a video on alternatives. QUOTE- 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 doesnt always know the extent that theyre removed. Denno also points out that, since petroleum jelly can be found in different grades of purity, you dont 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. Its 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, youre actually drying out your pores by keeping out air and moisture. Whats more, the thick texture makes it difficult to cleanse from the skin, so never slather Vaseline 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 wont 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? Its 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 doesnt 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 its 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? Dont think you have to forfeit the soothing feeling of Vaseline if you decide to eschew petroleum jelly, though. If youre 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 dont come with some of the risks of petroleum jelly. Remember that some of these products are absorbed into the skin, so its nice to use something that you wouldnt mind putting into your body, Dr. Dattner says. -END-QUOTE huffingtonpost/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 07:41:48 +0000
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