A few months later, harsh winters will be at our doorsteps, ready to impact our lives as well as our health. Besides flu to other winter ailments, the cold, windy air and low humidity levels during the season are likely to suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry, dull, and flaky. That’s when we usually resort to petroleum jelly, which is a blend of mineral oils and waxes used as an ointment or a lubricant. But while it has many benefits for skin health, Dr Monica Chahar, Chief Dermatologist & Director- Skin Decor, New Delhi, warns us against its side effects and shares who should avoid using it.
Also Read: Korean Skincare Routine: Why It May Not Suit Indian Skin Type?
Benefits Of Using Petroleum Jelly
The skin as we know is the largest organ in the body and therefore, requires our utmost attention. Since winter is almost here, petroleum jelly can be an effective way to treat dry and flaky skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), petroleum jelly is an effective yet pocket-friendly product that helps relieve dry skin, including the lips and eyelids. It says, "Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin."
In addition, the ointment can help heal injured skin from minor wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and scratches. Dr Chahar says it helps the wound from drying out, preventing the occurrence of scabs.
Petroleum jelly can also be useful in preventing painful skin irritation called chafing, which occurs when two body parts rub against each other, leading to blisters.
Lastly, for people who want to keep dirt off of the skin or want to stop evaporation of moisture from the skin, petroleum jelly can act as a skin barrier, since it is not quickly absorbed by the skin, says Dr Chahar, suggesting that petroleum jelly can be used before spending time outside in the chilly, dry, windy air. "Apply it to sore skin. It can be used under the nose by those who have a cold to lessen irritation brought on by a runny nose or frequent nose wiping," she shares.
Also Read: Niacinamide To Hyaluronic Acid, Common Skin Care Ingredients And Their Benefits
When And Who Should Avoid Using Petroleum
Whole petroleum jelly has a host of benefits, note that it is not for everyone to be used, warns Dr Chahar.
"One should avoid using it if their skin is more sensitive and prone to allergies with petroleum derived products. Moreover, watch out for irritations and adverse reactions when using a new product. Besides, some people may break out when using petroleum jelly, therefore, ensure you clean the skin properly before applying it to reduce the risk of breakouts and acne," she says.
People can also be exposed to bacterial or fungal infections in case petroleum jelly is applied to skin that has not had the time to dry or is unclean.
In addition, Dr Chahar advises to check with a dermatologist before using petroleum jelly around the nose area, particularly in children as inhaling mineral oils may result in aspiration pneumonia.