In the list of common peculiarities found in most Indian households, a neglected jar of petroleum jelly, or good ol' Vaseline, ranks pretty high. While being immensely beneficial in versatile ways and usually readily available, petroleum jelly also continues to be one of the most neglected and under-appreciated beauty ingredients in our houses, only whipped out once in a blue moon to coat chapped lips.
But if you were to ask professional beauty experts, petroleum jelly is one of the most useful beauty ingredients to have lying around the house. From reviving and bringing moisture back to dehydrated skin to acting as a protective barrier to your split ends, there is an assortment of skincare, haircare and general beauty wellness need that petroleum jelly is more than equipped to meet. But before we get into the numerous benefits you can derive from your trusted jar of Vaseline, here's a quick recap of what petroleum jelly actually is, from a chemical standpoint.
Okay, What Exactly Is Petroleum Jelly Again?
Petroleum jelly, as the name suggests, is a waxy, jelly-like substance, which is actually a colourless, semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, natural waxes and mineral oils. Originally touted as a topical ointment to treat skin reactions and mild ailments, the classic blue jar of Vaseline is now a beauty staple in most households across the globe.
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And How Is It Useful To Me?
Petroleum jelly can be used as a solution for a host of skincare, haircare and beauty needs. You can also create your own beauty products by throwing a few ingredients in with a dollop of petroleum jelly, for instance, mixing an old lipstick with some Vaseline to make your own tinted lip balm. Petroleum jelly also contains enough medicinal benefits for you to use it as a topical treatment for mild skin problems like rashes and eczema. Simply put, the uses of petroleum jelly are far and wide, usually stretching beyond the traditional purposes you've used it for thus far.
On that note, here are 5 genius uses of Petroleum Jelly, all of which more than justify its undeniable title of the most useful household beauty ingredient.
1. Treat Chafing Of The Thighs During Hot Summer Days
Chafing is one of the most annoyingly painful problems widely encountered by women across the world. It's uncomfortable skin irritation, usually arising from repeated rubbing and friction, like with our thighs during summer days. Luckily, you can use your trusted Vaseline to both treat and prevent chafing. Cover the irritated skin or blisters with a layer of petroleum jelly that will help them heal, while also serving as a protective barrier.
2. Use It To Make Your Perfume Last Longer
We've all been at crossroads with a perfume that came with promises of lasting for hours but delivered little on said promises. You can solve this problem by applying some petroleum jelly at your pulse points before you spritz them with your perfume. The odourless, sticky substance holds on to the fragrance for far longer than dry skin can.
3. Protect Your Damaged Split Ends
Petroleum jelly forms a thick protective layer on whatever it's applied to, thereby minimising the exposure of the area to surrounding conditions. The same logic applies to your hair, so you can effectively use Petroleum Jelly to lock the moisture in, and prevent the further worsening of your split ends. Just apply a generous dollop to your split ends, and keep on for an hour before you wash your hair.
4. Use It As An Eye-Makeup Remover
Beginning to run out of your beloved Micellar water? Petroleum jelly can be just as effective in removing makeup. The oil in the petroleum jelly helps take off resistant makeup without being harsh, or without you needing to rub your skin vigorously. Use a cotton pad and some Vaseline to wipe off eye makeup. Be sure to close your eyes when you apply petroleum jelly to the surrounding skin.
5. Treat Minor Burns, Scratches And Scrapes
This was the original purpose behind promoting petroleum jelly as a dermatological ingredient. Because it helps with sealing in moisture and keeping irritants at bay, petroleum jelly can be applied to less dramatic skin injuries as a topical treatment. Make sure the injured area is properly cleaned and disinfected before you cover it with a layer of Petroleum Jelly.
The only jar you should swear by.
