Can I use Vaseline on damp skin?

Why does damp skin help?

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive, meaning it forms a coating that reduces water escaping from the skin. It does not add water itself. Applying it after bathing helps hold onto moisture already in the skin. You are trying to keep moisture in, not towel it away and then ask the tub to perform a rescue operation.34

How to apply it after washing

1. 1Wash gently with warm rather than hot water. Keep a bath or shower to 5 to 10 minutes and use a gentle cleanser.
2. 2Pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing. Leave the skin damp.
3. 3If you are using a tub, remove petroleum jelly with a clean spoon or spatula to reduce contamination.
4. 4Smooth it gently over the dry areas in the direction your hair grows. Apply promptly after patting dry, ideally within three minutes of leaving the bath or shower.

How often should I use it?

For ordinary dry skin, moisturize 2 to 3 times a day, or as often as needed. After bathing or washing your hands is a useful opportunity, but moisturizers can also be applied at other times when skin feels dry or tight. Damp skin gives petroleum jelly moisture to retain; you do not need to take another shower for every application.256

Petroleum jelly leaves a thick, greasy coating. Ointments suit very dry, thickened skin and are useful at night; a lighter cream can be more convenient during the day. A cream is less greasy than an ointment, which is a practical difference rather than a personality test.35

What should I expect?

Regular moisturizing can reduce dryness and scaling and help maintain the skin's protective barrier. Petroleum jelly is useful for dry areas, including lips and eyelids; use a small amount on dry, flaky eyelids. Moisturizing is ongoing care rather than a single application that permanently fixes dryness. There is no fixed number of days to clear dry skin with petroleum jelly.17

When should I choose something else?

Avoid petroleum jelly on your face if you are prone to acne, because it can cause breakouts in some people. Ointments should not be used on weeping eczema. For sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer with few ingredients and avoid fragrance and other known irritants. Damp application does not prevent a reaction to a product.135

If you use a steroid cream or another skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between the treatment and an emollient, a moisturizing treatment that traps moisture. Ask the prescriber which to apply first rather than layering them together immediately.5

What should make me stop or seek help?

Stop using a moisturizer if an allergic skin rash develops. Speak to a pharmacist or clinician about persistent burning, stinging, or inflamed bumps. Contact a clinician if dryness and itching keep you awake, scratching causes open sores, or home care does not relieve the problem.257

Keep away from flames and cigarettes while using emollients. Clothing, bedding, and dressings with product residue can catch fire easily, and washing does not completely remove that residue. Take care on slippery bathroom surfaces after application.57