Vaseline, often referred to as petroleum jelly, is a mixture made by refining the residues that remain from crude oil after distilling gasoline, kerosene, etc. It is excellent for moisturizing and treating wounds, and people of all ages and genders use it. Especially as the weather gets colder and the body becomes dry, many people experience skin cracking due to moisture loss.
The Birth Story of Vaseline
Vaseline was created as a medication called “Vaseline Jelly” by an American chemist named “Robert Chesebrough” after seeing workers using something like pipe residues as an ointment at an oil drilling facility. He later set up a manufacturing process for mass-producing Vaseline and started selling Vaseline around the country. As a result of his efforts, Vaseline distribution began to expand, and it is still being sold as a functional cosmetic today.
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly
Vaseline is the brand name of a petroleum jelly product, but it has been registered as a common noun from a foreign language in the Standard Korean Dictionary. It is not a single substance but a mixture, mainly composed of various types of paraffin. It is called Vaseline or petroleum jelly in many countries, and it is also called “Vaselina” in Portugal and “Vasenol” in Brazil and some Spanish-speaking countries.
Relief for Skin Diseases
It is effective in areas where psoriasis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis have occurred and for skin diseases that crack and worsen dryness. Vaseline alleviates itching and inflammation and keeps the affected area moist when applied. It has less irritation and can also be used for babies with atopic dermatitis.
Wound Protection
A coating effect occurs if it is applied to a minor cut or a not-so-severe burn. This can prevent secondary infections and alleviate the red swelling in the wound. If applied to the wound, Vaseline can shorten the healing period to less than half compared to when it is not treated at all. It is more effective if the wound is disinfected and dried before applying Vaseline.
Moisturizing Effect
Some people apply Vaseline to moisturize the thin skin around the eyes. Also, it can prevent easy-to-break nails from drying out. For this purpose, washing hands with water and applying it lightly when moisture is left on the nails is recommended. The ingredients of Vaseline are similar to those of lip balm. When you melt lipstick in a bottle using a hair blower, it can become lip balm with a pretty color.
Also Helpful in Burn Treatment
Although only for first-degree burns that may be treated at home, Vaseline can also be helpful. Apply Vaseline as a treatment after calming the burn area with cool running water to remove any remaining heat. The skin regenerates over time, preventing white, dead skin from peeling. If you have second-degree or more severe burns, do not apply it carelessly. Instead, go to the hospital right away.
A Role as a Makeup Remover
If your makeup remover irritates you when removing makeup, please try to wipe it off with a small amount of Vaseline on a cotton pad. Gently rub a cotton pad soaked in Vaseline on your eye or lip makeup, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Most makeup removers’ ingredients are oil, and as Vaseline also contains oil, it can be used to remove makeup.
Effective in Removing Stains or Hand Dirt
Over time, leather goods like sofas or wallets can get soiled or stained. In this case, dab some Vaseline onto a dry towel or cloth, apply it to the damaged leather item, and then use a different cloth to wipe it off. Not only does it give a shine to the leather, but it also removes the dirt stuck between the leather grains, so you can keep it clean.
Increasing Makeup Durability
With its excellent moisturizing properties and long-lasting power, Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, may be used as a cosmetics booster. For example, when you use a short-lasting perfume, applying Vaseline to the area before spraying the perfume will slow the evaporation of the alcohol in the perfume to make the scent last longer. Also, if the lipstick is too matte, you may still have a slightly more moisturizing lip look by combining Vaseline with the moisturizing effect.
Precautions When Using Vaseline
Since Vaseline lacks disinfectant or antibiotic capabilities, it should not be used on deep wounds or severe burns. It’s okay to use it for temporary emergency treatment, but use caution since its oil component might trap heat in the skin and worsen symptoms.
By. Shin Young Jeon
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