Can you use Vaseline as lotion?

When is Vaseline a better choice than lotion?

Petroleum jelly is useful for dry patches, including dry lips and eyelids. Ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions for dry skin. Vaseline can be useful on dry body patches; replacing every bottle in the bathroom is not a requirement. For dry eyelids, use only a small amount.1

The tradeoff is texture. Ointments give dry, thick or scaly areas longer lasting protection, but feel greasy. Creams are lighter and suit broad application. Lotions spread easily and are useful for mild dryness or hairy areas. A lotion spreads more easily over hairy areas, where a thick ointment has a less glamorous job description.3

How to use Vaseline instead of lotion

1. 1Take a short shower or bath in warm water, not hot water. Keep it to five to ten minutes and use a gentle cleanser.
2. 2Pat your skin gently with a towel rather than rubbing it. Leave the skin slightly damp.
3. 3Apply petroleum jelly to the dry areas promptly after washing. Smooth it gently in the direction your hair grows rather than rubbing vigorously.
4. 4Use a clean spoon or spatula to take petroleum jelly from a tub, reducing the risk of contaminating the contents.

You can moisturize two to three times a day, or whenever your skin feels dry. Reapply after washing your hands. A greasy ointment is often more convenient at night, while a less greasy cream can work better during the day. You do not have to use the same texture for every application.456

What should you expect?

Regular moisturizing helps reduce dryness and supports the skin's protective barrier. The benefit is not limited to the moment of application: ointments have a longer lasting protective effect because of their higher oil content. For very dry skin, more frequent application can be useful. Applying moisturizer immediately after bathing helps retain water already in the skin.3

Who should be careful?

Avoid petroleum jelly on your face if you are prone to acne, because it can cause breakouts in some people. Sensitive skin can also react to moisturizing products. Introduce only one new product at a time so you can identify the cause if irritation develops.12

Do not use ointments on weeping eczema, where fluid seeps from the skin. If you use a prescribed steroid cream or another skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between that treatment and an emollient. Ask your doctor which to apply first, rather than mixing the products together.5

Keep away from flames and cigarettes when using emollients. Clothing, bedding and dressings that have absorbed the product can catch fire easily. Washing those fabrics reduces buildup but does not remove it completely.5

When should you get medical help?

Stop using a moisturizer that causes a new rash, and get advice about persistent burning, stinging or inflamed hair follicles. Contact a doctor if dryness and itching keep you awake, scratching causes open sores, or regular moisturizing does not relieve the problem. Persistent dry skin can need treatment beyond a moisturizer.3456