Who would use petroleum jelly on their skin?
That’s a good question from someone like you who reads holistic health news all the time. However, you would be surprised to know how many people actually do. Many don’t even realize it, as the word ‘petroleum jelly’ is hiding behind fancy product names and smart marketing. Soon you will learn why.
What Makes Petroleum Jelly Bad For Your Skin?
How bad is petroleum jelly on your skin though? You will learn in this article to help out, warn and educate those you may know using it.
Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of the oil refining process. That already sounds scary and convincing enough not to use it on your skin, in my opinion. (1)
Robert Augustus Chesebrough, a British chemist noticed that men on oil rigs were smearing the naturally occurring oil byproducts on their skin during the drilling process. He noticed that the men were healing their cuts and burns as a result. He got inspired and had a great idea. He patented the discovery and called his new product Vaseline.
I bet Vaseline sounds more ‘normal’ to you than petroleum jelly. No matter what you call it though, it is NOT healthy.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Petroleum jelly contains hydrocarbons, which are compounds that can lead to hydrocarbon poisoning when absorbed directly into your skin. It can lead to dermatitis, arrhythmia, encephalopathy, acidosis, and pneumonitis. (2)
Petroleum jelly remains in your skin until it wears off. As a result, hydrocarbons may end up stored in your fat tissues.
Possible Carcinogen
According to many, petroleum jelly is also carcinogenic. Petroleum jelly and petroleum-based products are very high in dangerous chemicals, including 1,4-Dioxide, which is a carcinogen. (3)
Petroleum jelly is not water soluble, therefore it can create a waterproof barrier on your skin. Swimmers swimming during cold condition may use it trying to protect their skin, however, it becomes a problem as it doesn’t allow your skin to breathe.
Estrogen Dominance, PMS
Another problem that makes petroleum jelly problematic for women is estrogen dominance. Chemicals can disrupt the hormonal system, leading to estrogen dominance, which can result in menstrual problems, infertility, accelerated aging, allergies, nutrient deficiencies, sleep problems, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer. (4)
Petroleum jelly also doesn’t allow bacteria and debris to naturally leave from your skin. This can clog up your skin.
Okay, so you are convinced that petroleum jelly is not a good choice. Your dry skin still needs nourishment though. What can you do?
What To Use Instead
There are many natural and healthy options out there to moisturize your skin. They also smell way better. Shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter are excellent and healthy options to nourish, moisturize your skin without any harmful side-effects or damage. Using them, you can even get more creative and make your very own products.
Ban petroleum jelly and other harmful chemicals from your life. Choose natural alternative.
What is your favorite natural product to nourish your skin? Do you make your own skincare products? Share your experiences in the comments, we would love to hear from you.
