Are You Still Using Vaseline on Your Skin?
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Are You Still Using Vaseline on Your Skin?
Vaseline is widely used for dry skin, lips, cracked heels, to protect skin in cold weather conditions and for many other reasons. But here is the thing… not many people know that this is a byproduct of refining petroleum!
Let us begin with some history. In 1859, a man named Robert August Chesebrough, traveled to Pennsylvania for research purposes. Once there, he found the workers used a residue called rod wax, which they used to protect their skin and treat cuts and burns. Since this was a leftover wax, Robert got the idea to make it into a product and so his business was born and named the product Vaseline.
The name vaseline is said to be derived from German Wasser "water" and Greek έλαιον (elaion) “oil".
His company became very successful and was later sold to Unilever in 1987.
So what is the issue with Vaseline?
When you look up “what is vaseline” you will get to see this definition ‘a type of petroleum jelly used as an ointment and lubricant.’
Isn’t it weird that a petroleum derivative is being used in modern skincare products? Not only skincare but also our medications are now made from petrochemicals.
Petrolatum is a byproduct of petroleum refining, it is odorless and colorless and has an extremely long shelf-life (this alone should already be a warning sign). The number one concern with petrolatum is that it contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of aromatic compounds that are highly reactive and carcinogenic.
They are formed through the process of incomplete combustion of organic matter containing carbon and hydrogen. This formation happens under conditions when there is insufficient oxygen, high temperatures, and the breakdown of complex organic molecules.
This is why PAHs are found in cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes and everything that burns from forest fires to burning of oil or coal.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are something you don’t want to be putting on your skin. They can interact with DNA, causing mutations that could lead to cancer. This is why they are considered to be known carcinogens, leading to several types of cancer (mainly skin or lungs), birth complications and endocrine disruption in young adolescents and children.
The problem is that these chemicals stay for a very long time in your system. So even if you were using chemicals a while ago, it will take some time to completely detox.
In rare cases, especially if used in large amounts near the nose may cause a condition called lipid pneumonia.
Vaseline does not moisturize the skin and since the skin’s function highly depends on being hydrated to be healthy we should ask ourselves the question if Vaseline is worth being applied on the skin…
It is known that the skin is one of the largest organs. Our skin has multiple functions but to keep things simple we will reduce it to two main ones:
- Receiving
- Expelling
Our skin is made to receive sunlight and be in contact with the elements. It is also made to expel sweat, toxins, and other stuff from our bodies that seek to be eliminated. Our skin is literally an organ that inhales and exhales, it breathes.
Vaseline blocks this breathing. To use an analogy, it would be like covering your skin with plastic, preventing the natural functions of your skin.
Since Vaseline inhibits the natural function of the skin, it can make acne worse and accelerate skin aging, by damaging the collagen and elastin structure in the skin.
A way better cream/balm for your skin would be Lard.
Lard Versus Vaseline: A Breakdown
Lard is in essence rendered pig fat, with a very long history of use to treat all kinds of skin conditions ranging from cuts, burns, dry skin, rashes, eczema, and so on. Packed with healthy fatty acids like oleic acid and stearic acid, lard is highly moisturizing and mimics the composition of human skin’s natural oils!
Moisturizing effects:
- Lard is deeply nourishing and mimics our natural skin oils. It penetrates deeply into the skin, replenishing essential lipids and aiding in skin repair. Its similarity to the natural oils in our skin makes it highly effective for treating dry, flaky, or irritated areas.
- Vaseline is water-repellent and does not moisturize the skin. Vaseline doesn’t add moisture to the skin but creates a barrier to trap existing hydration, causing the skin to “suffocate”.
Absorption:
- Lard: Thanks to its high proportion of unsaturated fats, lard absorbs very well into the skin, leaving a smooth feeling without being greasy. It’s particularly suitable for people with dry or sensitive skin.
- Vaseline does not absorb into the skin. It can clog pores and cause acne to break out. Since it doesn’t add anything to the skin, there is no nourishment of the layers of the skin.
Healing Properties
- Lard is rich in vitamins A, D, and E. Lard supports cell regeneration and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Vaseline doesn’t contain nutrients to actively repair the skin.
Lard is 100% natural, free from any synthetic additives and highly compatible with human skin making it an ideal product for skin care.
Looking for a high-quality skincare product?
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