Figure 1: An abstract bottle of Vaseline. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/prateekbahl/8398856396
(accessed Feb 22, 2018).
Dry skin seems to be an increasing concern especially in the city of Calgary. Calgary's fluctuating weather has a direct impact on the amount of moisture that is present in an individual's skin. In the summer, dry skin can be easily managed with creams such as Lubriderm and Aveeno. However, during the winter, it becomes extremely difficult to treat cracked hands and chapped lips. Therefore, numerous doctors recommend using Vaseline in the winter in order to attain soft and rich skin. But what makes Vaseline the ideal moisturizer? Vaseline actually contains an ingredient known as petrolatum which helps to lock in moisture in the skins tissues (1).
What is it?
Petrolatum or most commonly known as petroleum jelly is a byproduct of the oil industry and is a mixture of hydrocarbons (1). Initially, petroleum jelly was used to treat cuts and burns, however in today’s time, this chemical is used to soften skin (2). Petrolatum is the primary ingredient used in several cosmetics, creams, lotions, and baby-care products (2). This jelly like substance helps to enclose the skin from air and water which allows the skin to both heal and moisturize (6).
How does it work?
Creams and lotions such as Vaseline act as a occlusive which simply means that a thin layer/film is created over the skin, which helps to establish a physical barrier in preventing water loss (3). Therefore, applying Vaseline helps to lock in the skin’s natural moisture as a majority of water is lost during the process of evaporation through the cells of the epidermis(outer layer of tissue) (5).
Opposing Views
Despite the fact that petroleum jelly acts as a great occlusive, there are a few potential downfalls. For instance, a study that was conducted and published in the year 2000, stated that underweight infants that were being treated with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) had a greater chance of developing systemic candidiasis (different forms of yeast infections) (3). It was believed that the petroleum jelly created a soft and moist place for fungi to develop. Furthermore, as petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil, it is not a renewable resource. As a result, allowing for a larger environmental footprint (3). Lastly, the biggest and probably more serious concern is the connection of petrolatum to cancer. According to the Environmental Working Group, Vaseline has a rating of 1 on the toxicity scale which is fairly low (3)(4). However, the problem is that oftentimes petrolatum is mixed with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) which significantly increases the toxicity level to a shocking 9 on the toxicity scale (4).
Does It Really Work?
Many individuals believe, myself included, that substances containing petrolatum such as Vaseline provide a temporary fix. Petroleum jelly doesn’t get absorbed into the skin but rather stops moisture from evaporating (6). Ultimately, each individual's experience varies using substances that contain petrolatum.
Alternatives to petrolatum
Products such as shea, cocoa butter, coconut oil are gentle on the skin and help restore moisture back into the skin just as efficiently as petrolatum based products such as Vaseline (6). Additionally, the upside to using these alternatives is that most of them are plant based and as a result, are environmentally friendly and safer to use.
Would You Use Petrolatum Based Products? Is It Worth it ? YOU DECIDE?
References:
(1)Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (2018). Petroleum jelly. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_jelly#Uses
(2) Helmenstine, A. (2017). What Is Petroleum Jelly? Chemical Composition. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://www.thoughtco.com/petroleum-jelly-chemical-composition-604000
(3) Reader's Digest Magazine Canada Limited. (2018). The Truth About Petrolatum. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/skin/the-truth-about-petrolatum/
(4) Thompson, L. (2017). 4 Vaseline Alternative Products to Break Your Toxic Petroleum Jelly Addiction. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from
http://www.organicauthority.com/4-vaseline-alternative-products-to-break-your-toxic-petroleum-jelly-addiction/
(5) Miller, S. (2013). Occlusive, ingredients found in dry skin moisturizers. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from http://thenakedchemist.com/occlusive-ingredients-found-in-dry-skin-moisturizers/
(6) Vinskofski, S. (2014). 7 Alternatives to Petroleum Jelly for Taking Care of Your Skin. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://learningandyearning.com/7-alternatives-to-petroleum-jelly-for-taking-care-of-your-skin
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