Petroleum Jelly: Brief History and Health Benefits

For many decades, petroleum jelly has remained a household name at the intersection between healthcare and beauty, spanning civilizations and maintaining relevance among different cultures. Known to most people by the brand name, Vaseline, petroleum jelly was first discovered by oil workers in the 1850s. They initially noticed it as a waxy byproduct of oil drilling, which when applied to the skin, helped to heal minor injuries. Thereafter, a chemist named Robert Cheesebrough began to study and refine the hydrocarbon mixture. And in 1872, he eventually started producing and marketing the purified form of the substance for public consumption. Over 150 years down the line, petroleum jelly, now available in different generic forms, remains a top choice for dermatologists and other skincare experts. Let’s quickly explore why.

Health Benefits of Petroleum Jelly

Helps to heal wounds: The product helps in healing minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes and scratches. It seals water from the skin, thereby providing a moist environment for wounds to heal. Without moisture, it could take up to twice more time for an injured skin to get better. The paraffin-derived substance also helps in scar formation and reduces the likelihood of infections.

Relieves dry skin: Dry skins can be worrisome, as they sometimes itch, crack, flake or even bleed. Petroleum jelly is more effective than lotions for dry skin, since they tend to have more moisture and less irritating effects. It is also useful for moisturising the eyelids, as these body parts are particularly thin and easily irritated by other products.

Prevents chafing: Chafing occurs when body parts rub against each other or rub against clothing materials. If not addressed, chafing can lead to skin blisters. One way to prevent this is to apply petroleum jelly to friction areas, such as the feet or between the thighs.

Treats diaper rash: When appropriately applied, the product can help clear diaper rash within a few days. Interestingly, there is no evidence that conventional diaper rash creams work better than petroleum jelly. Some dermatologists, in fact, prefer the latter as it contains no added preservative. This however does not discredit diaper creams; it’s all about you and your baby’s preference.

Moisturises nails: Petroleum jelly helps you keep your nails looking good without spending much. It hydrates the hands, reduces nail brittleness and prevents nails from chipping. For optimal results, it is best applied when the nails are damp so as to seal in enough moisture.

Evidently, the health benefits of petroleum jelly are as rich as its history. So, whether you are a skincare enthusiast, a new mother, likes manicure and pedicure or you just love to look good, a jar of this “magic jelly” would definitely come handy for you, always.

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