The internet is full of remedies and quick fixes for bumps and pimples—including slugging. Slugging refers to applying a layer of Vaseline to your face. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is a gel-like mixture of natural mineral oils and waxes. Petrolatum is the refined version of petroleum that appears in skincare products.
Vaseline doesn't help acne, however, using petroleum jelly on your face may cause breakouts. In other situations, Vaseline is good for your skin if it's dry or needs protection against blisters and rashes. Here's what you should know.
You can use Vaseline on your face—but know everyone won't be able to use this product. Petroleum jelly does not work well as a treatment regimen for people with acne, as it may contribute to clogged pores, and may trap oil and dirt in the skin.
Benefits for Your Face
As long as your skin isn't acne-prone, it's fine to use Vaseline on your face. Petroleum jelly can be beneficial for skin dryness and healing wounds.
Dry Skin Relief
People can sometimes have dry skin on their faces, which may lead to flaky, itchy skin that cracks or bleeds. Petroleum jelly may be less irritating to use, so you can apply it to dry skin on your lips or eyelids.
Wound Healing
Vaseline application helps keep minor wounds moist and prevents scabs. A wound that scabs may have a longer healing time. Any scars that appear also won't be very itchy, deep, or large if you apply petroleum jelly to wounds like cuts or scratches.
Vaseline can be good for your skin in other ways. You can use petroleum jelly for:
- Lip balm
- Moisturizing cuticles to prevent hangnails
- Nail rehydration
- Prevention of chafing—when two areas of skin rub against one another and cause irritation
- Treatment of diaper rash, eczema, and skin scales or crusts
Risks
Petroleum jelly can result in breakouts for some individuals. This is primarily the case for people who are more prone to having acne.
You'll also want to be careful if you get petroleum jelly in your eyes. The outcome can be irritation of the surrounding eye tissues.
Does Vaseline clog pores?
Vaseline claims that it does not clog pores. Noting that acne breakouts can occur in people who have acne and use the product on their face, more research is needed to provide adequate evidence for the claim.
Using Vaseline as part of your skincare routine varies depending on why you're using it. Consider the following conditions and tips as examples to guide your use:
- Chafing: Apply it to the affected areas.
- Dry nails: Use it when your nails are damp to moisturize nails and cuticles to prevent chipping.
- Dry skin: Apply it to damp skin in small amounts.
- Skin injuries: Use it for minor wounds to keep them moist.
A Quick Review
Slugging, or slathering your face with Vaseline, isn't a great way to treat acne. In fact, it can make acne worse for some individuals.
You can use Vaseline as a remedy for other skin problems like skin injuries, chafing, or dry skin. It's best to use it when your skin is damp so you get the most benefits.
FAQs
As long as a person is not sensitive or allergic to Vaseline, this product is typically safe to apply to the face. In fact, Vaseline has many uses, from improving skin hydration to promoting wound healing. Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer, meaning that it seals moisture into the skin.
Is Vaseline good for your face at night? ›
', the answer is yes, thanks to the protective layer the petroleum jelly forms over your skin, to protect and hydrate it as you sleep. So slugging helps to make the skin of your dreams a reality, as a beauty treatment that literally promotes beauty sleep!
Is it OK to use Vaseline as a daily moisturizer? ›
It works at the surface of the skin and forms a protective barrier and prevents water from leaving your skin. Vaseline can be used as a daily moisturizer for very dry skin. For those with normal skin, Vaseline is more effective at adding moisture to areas that dry out faster than other areas, like elbows and knees.
Is Vaseline safe for everyday use? ›
There's no real limit to how often you can apply petroleum jelly; it can be used as needed or daily, with some notable exceptions. For example, Kim suggests skipping Vaseline if you're super oily or acne-prone, as it can be pore-clogging.
Is Vaseline good for wrinkles? ›
While, unfortunately, Vaseline won't do much to help erase deep-set wrinkles or brighten dark circles, Sakar says the product can provide some of the same hydrating effects as your go-to eye cream — especially when it's paired with a moisturizing cream. "Vaseline is something that's called an occlusive," she says.
Is it good to use Vaseline on your face? ›
As long as a person is not sensitive or allergic to Vaseline, this product is typically safe to apply to the face. In fact, Vaseline has many uses, from improving skin hydration to promoting wound healing. Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer, meaning that it seals moisture into the skin.
Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline? ›
In fact, a common, inexpensive product found in most people's medicine cabinets, petroleum jelly, can have multiple skin care uses for the entire family. To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.
What are the disadvantages of Vaseline? ›
Drawbacks
- odor, though you can try one of Vaseline's more diluted products, which often contain other scents.
- a greasy and heavy feel.
- potential to stain clothes.
- drying out skin when there's not a regular exchange of air and outside moisture with your skin.
- increased acne if you have oily skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, Vaseline can trigger outbreaks if you have acne-prone skin. Don't put petroleum jelly on your face if you're having an active breakout. There are plenty of other moisturizing options if you have acne-prone skin.
What are the warnings of Vaseline? ›
Warnings - For External Use Only - When using this product do not get into eyes - See a doctor if condition lasts more than 7 days - Do not use on ▪deep or puncture wounds ▪animal bites ... Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Instead make putting Vaseline® Jelly under your eyes and other sensitive areas of the face part of your bedtime ritual. A good night-time beauty regime, incorporating Vaseline® Jelly, can make a big difference to the look and feel of dry skin.
Which Vaseline is best for the face? ›
Try Vaseline® Cocoa Radiant Lotion for both the richness inspired by cocoa butter and made with Vaseline® Jelly. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, be extra-diligent when researching whether your DIY moisturizer base is comedogenic, as it may worsen blackheads and acne.
Does Vaseline reduce dark spots? ›
Vaseline is an occlusive that helps to seal in moisture but it doesn't contain any ingredients that help in lightening dark spots on face.
What should I apply on my face at night? ›
Aloe vera gel, green tea extract, turmeric, yogurt have properties to simulate skin healing; these can be applied overnight for maximum effect. Washing your face before going to bed is especially important. It opens the pores, cleans bacteria, and removes makeup residues over the skin (which may cause clogged pores).
Can I apply Vaseline on my face overnight for dry skin? ›
Apply a thin layer of Vaseline® Jelly after all of your other skincare products, leave it on overnight, and wash it off with a gentle cleanser in the morning. It is especially effective in the winter and can also benefit aging and sensitive skin.
