Can petrolatum clog pores?

What does petrolatum actually do?

Petrolatum is an occlusive, meaning it forms a coating that reduces water loss. It does not add water itself. That explains why applying petroleum jelly to damp skin works better than applying it to skin that is completely dry. A moisturizer's basic job is to reduce water loss and support the skin barrier, which is less glamorous than the packaging usually suggests.134

Should you use it if you get acne?

If you have oily skin or regularly get acne, skip slugging, the practice of covering your face with petroleum jelly overnight. Choose a moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, meaning unlikely to clog pores, or one labeled oil free or "won't clog pores." The useful distinction is between keeping your skin moisturized and choosing a heavy ointment for the job. Avoiding petroleum jelly does not mean avoiding moisturizer.25

Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, prescription retinoids and isotretinoin can dry or irritate skin. A daily moisturizer can help your skin tolerate acne treatment. Moisturizers can combine ingredients that hold water in, attract water and soften rough skin, so a thick petrolatum layer is not the only way to address dryness. Apply an acne friendly moisturizer after washing while some water remains on your skin.56

When is petroleum jelly useful?

Petroleum jelly can relieve dry skin, including dry lips and eyelids. Ointments are generally more effective and less irritating than lotions for dry skin. You can use petroleum jelly just on dry areas rather than your whole face, because a dry patch does not need a company wide rollout. For sensitive skin, choose a formula with few ingredients and introduce only one new product at a time so a reaction is easier to trace.123

How should you apply it?

1. 1Start with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser and warm rather than hot water, then gently pat dry, leaving the skin damp.
2. 2For overnight use, apply moisturizer first, then a small amount of pure petroleum jelly or a formula with minimal additional ingredients to the dry areas.
3. 3Do not layer petroleum jelly over alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids or retinoids during slugging; trapping these products beneath the barrier can increase irritation.
4. 4Allow about 30 minutes before bed for the products to settle. Wash your face in the morning to remove the coating and anything stuck to it.

Plain emollients can be applied during the day whenever skin feels dry. Overnight slugging is different: use it in response to dryness rather than making it an automatic nightly routine. A couple of consecutive nights can be enough, and it is more useful in dry winter weather than in humid months. If you use prescription creams, follow your prescriber's layering instructions rather than adding an ointment over them on your own.23

What should make you stop?

Stop facial petroleum jelly use if breakouts worsen. If slugging leaves your skin red or irritated, see a dermatologist. Seek medical advice for persistent itching, rash or wounds that will not heal. Do not slug over infected skin or open wounds. Applying petroleum jelly to a cleaned minor cut to keep it moist is a separate use, not a reason to coat an infected area overnight.123