Vaseline is a petroleum-based gel (petroleum jelly) commonly used in home remedies, beauty routines, and in various household needs. While there are many misconceptions about what Vaseline is and what it's not used for, learning when and when to use Vaseline will ensure that you get all the benefits and none of the drawbacks of using this product. Learn how to incorporate Vaseline into your beauty routine, in your homework, and when it's time to avoid Vaseline and find a different product instead.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Vaseline as a Beauty Product
Step 1. Use Vaseline to soften rough skin
Although Vaseline is not a moisturizer, it can be used to soften the skin and lock in moisture on dry skin. You can use Vaseline as an on-the-spot treatment for dry skin, especially during winter, which helps protect the skin from the effects of adverse weather conditions.
- Apply Vaseline to your elbows or knees to help moisturize the skin and remove any textured or gray-looking areas.
- If you have rough or crusty areas on your feet, apply a light coat of Vaseline at night, then put on clean socks. Your feet will feel a little softer the next day.
- Apply a small amount of Vaseline on a dry spot on your body before applying a tanning lotion. This will help prevent uneven darkening of the color.
- Use petroleum jelly after shaving. This product can be used to smooth and soothe clean, freshly shaved skin.
Step 2. Use Vaseline to highlight the area around the eyes
Used alone or in combination with makeup, Vaseline is a commonly used and inexpensive product to accentuate the natural beauty of the eyes. As long as you are very careful to avoid getting petroleum jelly into your eyes, Vaseline is perfectly safe to use.
- Use a touch of Vaseline mixed with powdered eyeshadow to create a new color. Or, use it for a denser eyeshadow that won't spread all over your face when you put it on. Some people apply Vaseline under the eye shadow to create a glossy effect.
- Vaseline can also be used to tame unruly eyebrows. Just brush a little Vaseline between the eyebrow hairs. In the same way, you can also use Vaseline to define your lashes and give them a glossy, waterproof look.
- Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your eyelashes before you go to bed. Although it has not been proven, many people think that Vaseline can help eyelashes grow longer and thicker over time.
Step 3. Apply petroleum jelly on the nails
Rub Vaseline into your nail cuticles several times a day to get softer and nicer cuticles. Vaseline is often used as part of a manicure treatment, to help make the cuticles supple for re-treatment. This is a great way to treat your fingertips.
Make your week old nail polish look new again by rubbing a little Vaseline over the polish, this will help restore shine and shine
Step 4. Apply to lips
In cold or dry weather, a thin layer of Vaseline applied to chapped lips can help retain moisture and prevent your lips from drying out. Some people apply Vaseline before brushing their lips with a toothbrush to exfoliate and make them feel smooth.
Step 5. Apply Vaseline to the teeth
While it may seem odd, applying Vaseline to your teeth is an old trick used to make dancers and other performers smile more enthusiastically. Vaseline will prevent your lips from sticking to your teeth, and is a common precaution to use when applying lipstick. If done correctly, Vaseline can help prevent lipstick from sticking to your teeth.
Use caution and only apply a small amount of Vaseline to the teeth. Of course no one wants their mouth filled with petroleum jelly
Step 6. Apply Vaseline to the hair
A little Vaseline can be effective for styling your hair, locking in moisture, and treating any dry scalp problems you may have. You will need to use a small amount of Vaseline, as Vaseline is very difficult to wash off, but can be an effective treatment in some cases.
- Use Vaseline to reduce dry and itchy scalp caused by dandruff. Moisturize your scalp with Vaseline before shampooing, by gently massaging it into your scalp before showering.
- Use Vaseline as a mask around the hairline when coloring your hair. This can protect it from harmful hair coloring, curling, and straightening chemicals.
- In an emergency, very small amounts of Vaseline can also be used instead of foam or hair gel. Take a small amount of Vaseline in your hands and apply it to your hair to make it look wavy.
Step 7. Apply Vaseline to skin that is red due to irritation due to friction
One of the most common and effective uses of Vaseline is to help prevent skin redness due to friction or irritation caused by clothing. Runners and cyclists often apply a small amount of Vaseline to the inside of their thighs to avoid friction during long races, while some people experience irritation from friction in the nipples from certain types of clothing or fabrics. If you have trouble with friction irritation, apply a preventative coat of Vaseline to the areas so you can move freely.
Method 2 of 4: Using Vaseline for Cough
Step 1. Undress and apply a small amount of Vaseline directly to the chest
Be sure to apply enough Vaseline to the entire surface of the chest.
Step 2. Wait for the Vaseline to dry before putting your clothes back on
Step 3. The tightness in your chest should lessen and you can breathe easier
Method 3 of 4: Using Vaseline Around the House
Step 1. Use Vaseline to loosen the ring stuck on the finger
Petroleum jelly works well as a lubricant, making it ideal for removing wedding rings or other rings that are stuck or difficult to remove. Rub a small dab of Vaseline around the rim of the ring and twist the ring as you try to remove it. The ring will come off instantly.
Some people regularly lubricate their earlobes with Vaseline. The use of Vaseline will help the earrings fit easily and painlessly
Step 2. Use a small dab of Vaseline to give shoes and bags an instant shine
Using very small amounts of Vaseline on shoes, purses, and other shiny surfaces can help restore their shine and surface texture quickly. This is an easy and inexpensive way of glossing.
Step 3. Use Vaseline for organic craft projects
Food carvings, such as potatoes, pumpkins, and other organic art projects can have an extended shelf life by applying a small amount of Vaseline to the edges. Once you've carved a Halloween pumpkin, rub Vaseline against the exposed edges of the pumpkin to prevent the carved pumpkin from rotting or drying out. The pumpkin will still dry out in the end, but you can slow down the process significantly with a little bit of petroleum jelly applied well.
Avoid using Vaseline on wood, which will dry it out over time
Step 4. Use Vaseline to lubricate the moving parts
Lubricate door hinges, jammed zippers, and moving parts on mechanical toys to keep them working properly. While oil-based lubricants such as vaseline can attract dirt and grime, they are excellent household lubricants for many purposes. Keep some Vaseline in your workspace or tool drawer for quick on-site fixes for squeaky gates and other wheels needing lubrication.
Rub Vaseline on the neck of your nail polish bottle and the cap won't get stuck. Vaseline helps create a barrier between the bottle and the nail polish, preventing it from forming a dry scale or dirt
Step 5. Use Vaseline for pet grooming
Vaseline is a common home remedy used for a variety of problems in cats and dogs. Always consult your veterinarian about the right product and approach to dealing with serious problems, and ask if a small amount of petroleum jelly is appropriate.
- Use Vaseline to help make it easier for your cat to vomit. Feeding your cat a very small dab of Vaseline can help relieve the symptoms of dandruff, making it pass quickly and easily. This is a commonly used treatment.
- Apply Vaseline to your dog's cracked paw pads to help soften the skin. In the dry season, dog paw pads tend to dry out, especially if they walk a lot on concrete. If this happens, the dog can feel uncomfortable and in pain. To fix this, gently massage a small amount of Vaseline into the dog's paw pads and prevent the dog from licking it.
Step 6. Use Vaseline to avoid battery or battery corrosion
Many different household batteries, in cars and appliances, are prone to leakage and corrosion over time, which can be very dangerous and shorten the life of the battery itself. Avoid getting your battery terminals dirty and crusted from corrosion by applying a small amount of vaseline every time you change the battery. If you have recently cleaned battery corrosion from terminals in a car, grease the terminals with Vaseline before you reinstall the battery.
Method 4 of 4: Avoiding Common Abuses
Step 1. Do not use petroleum jelly on burns
It is a common misconception that Vaseline can and should be used as an analgesic or antiseptic, but in reality it does not have the properties that make it an effective remedy for burns. In fact, the moisture barrier component of petroleum jelly makes it unsuitable for applying to fresh burns, cuts, and abrasions.
However, the Vaseline brand also makes various intensive care lotions suitable for use on burns. Lubriderm and other types of lotion will be more appropriate
Step 2. Be careful when using Vaseline as a lubricant in sexual intercourse
Vaseline is not suitable for use with latex condoms because petroleum jelly will dissolve the latex, increasing the chance of the condom tearing. Always use a water-soluble lubricant with latex condoms.
Petroleum jelly is commonly used as a sexual lubricant, and is arguably less "harmful." Some people enjoy the difference in texture and taste of Vaseline. However, Vaseline is very difficult to clean, making it less desirable in many ways than water-based lubricants or other natural oils, such as coconut oil
Step 3. Do not use Vaseline on a new tattoo
Another very common misconception is that tattoo artists use and recommend Vaseline to treat new tattoos. This is wrong. Vaseline will draw the ink from the new tattoo, clog pores, increase the chance of acne breakouts that can damage the new ink, and won't work to speed up healing of the tattoo. Instead, use A&D, Bacitracin, or a specialty product like TattooGoo that helps moisturize the tattoo area and promote healing. Always ask your tattoo artist for care instructions after tattooing.
Step 4. Don't use Vaseline to treat acne or red spots on your face
Vaseline is not water soluble, so it is not recommended for use as a treatment for acne, or other skin conditions that result from oily skin. Vaseline actually seals off the skin and makes it dry, locking in dirt and squeezing pores, but it looks moisturizing because it softens and reduces redness.
Step 5. Don't use Vaseline as a moisturizer
If your dermatologist has advised you to use a moisturizer, use a moisturizing lotion instead of Vaseline. If your skin is cleaned thoroughly before applying a small amount of Vaseline, this product will lock in moisture, but won't hydrate it. In fact, Vaseline creates a moisture barrier that prevents your skin from breathing, which can make your skin problems worse.
Step 6. Do not use Vaseline as an antifungal
Vaseline will lock in moisture making it very ineffective against mold. Instead, use something that has true antifungal properties, like coconut oil.
Tips
- Do not use too much Vaseline at a time, just use a little.
- A new can of Vaseline should last a long time. So, if it runs out in a short time, you are using too much.
- For best results on nail tips, reapply Vaseline periodically throughout the day.
- Use Vaseline as a makeup remover.
- Remove the false eyelash glue from your lash line using Vaseline.
- You can apply Vaseline to the soles of your feet at night and then put on socks before going to bed. The soles of your feet will become very smooth, especially in dry seasons such as drought.
