Can I use Aquaphor on my whole face?

What does Aquaphor do for a dry face?

Aquaphor Healing Ointment protects dry, cracked skin and supports its natural healing process. General petroleum jelly guidance explains the benefit of slugging: a protective layer reduces water loss and helps dehydrated skin repair its barrier. The aim is to retain moisture, not treat acne.14

If only a few areas feel dry, apply the ointment there instead of covering everything. You can cover only the dry areas rather than your whole face, because a dry patch does not need a full face production. General petroleum jelly guidance also supports applying a small amount to dry lips and eyelids, preferably while the skin is damp.15

How do I apply it?

1. 1Wash your face gently in the evening. Avoid hot water and scrubbing, and pat rather than rub your skin dry.
2. 2Apply your moisturizer promptly after washing, while some moisture remains on your skin.
3. 3Smooth a tiny amount of Aquaphor into a thin layer over the dry areas, or across your face if the dryness is widespread. Use a gentle touch rather than rubbing it in.
4. 4Leave about 30 minutes before bed so the products can settle. A towel over your pillowcase can protect the fabric.
5. 5Wash your face in the morning to remove the ointment and anything that has collected on it overnight.

Expect a greasy finish rather than a disappearing cream, because an ointment has not signed up to be invisible. Ointments suit very dry skin and nighttime use; creams are generally less greasy and easier to use during the day.7

What should I avoid underneath it?

Do not slug over retinoids or exfoliating acids such as alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. Trapping these products beneath the protective layer can increase irritation. If you use a prescribed skin treatment or steroid cream, ask your doctor which product goes first and leave 20 to 30 minutes between the treatment and an emollient, a moisturizing treatment that traps moisture.17

Dryness from acne medication is a reason to moisturize, not a reason to coat your whole face in ointment. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and prescription retinoids can dry and irritate skin. Choose a daily moisturizer labeled oil free or noncomedogenic, meaning unlikely to clog pores. Petroleum jelly on the face can cause breakouts in some people who are prone to acne.56

Can I do it every night?

Use whole face slugging when your skin needs extra moisture rather than making it an automatic nightly step. A couple of nights in a row can help with dehydration, but daily slugging is rarely necessary. It is more useful during dry winter weather than warm, humid weather.1

When should I stop or get help?

Stop or limit use if new pimples appear. Seek medical advice for redness, irritation, persistent burning or inflamed hair follicles. Do not use ointments on weeping eczema. Have persistent dryness, wet and red patches, lasting pink patches or itching that disrupts daily life checked by a healthcare professional.127

For a tub, use a clean spoon or spatula to reduce contamination. Keep bedding and clothing that have touched emollients away from flames and cigarettes: residue makes fabric catch fire more easily, and washing does not remove it completely.7