While it’s no substitute for a great skincare regimen, adding petroleum jelly to your routine can be an inexpensive way to help your skin shine its brightest. Here’s five ways you can use petroleum jelly in your skincare routine.
- Apply to extremely dry areas: Petroleum jelly is a great ointment that is less irritating than lotions and can be used on dry, cracked skin without the same burning or itching affect other moisturizers may have. Especially in colder months, applying petroleum jelly to areas of your body that usually become dry quickly, like the lips, can help protect skin from cracking.
- Help Heal Injured Skin: For minor cuts and scrapes, adding petroleum jelly over top a wound can help keep it moisturized and prevent a scab from forming which takes longer to heal. This should be done in combination with proper cleansing of the wound.
- Prevent Chafing: To help prevent blisters on places where clothing or sports equipment may rub against skin, petroleum jelly can be used to help lubricate skin and prevent irritation.
- Treat Diaper Rash: The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby’s skin dry and clean. However, in the event of a rash, applying petroleum jelly during each diaper change should help it clear faster and prevent discomfort.
- Rehydrate Nails: Applying petroleum jelly in between manicures or pedicures, or simply whenever you clip nails, can help restore lost moisture and prevent brittle nails.
Petroleum jelly has many benefits! However, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for prescribed treatments or in replace of other skincare products. Acne-prone individuals should avoid putting petroleum jelly on their face, neck, and back. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist. Call us to make an appointment at 706-691-7079. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Road in Augusta, GA.
