Does Vaseline clog pores?

Why can Vaseline make breakouts worse?

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with material such as skin oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads and whiteheads are blocked pores; inflammation can also produce swollen, painful pimples. Heavy, greasy skin care products can worsen acne. Petrolatum, another name for petroleum jelly, is among the ingredients to be careful with if cosmetics aggravate your acne.34

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive, meaning it forms a protective surface layer that reduces water loss. Keeping water in the skin is useful for dryness, but occlusive moisturizers can cause or aggravate acne and folliculitis, inflammation of hair follicles. A product can be useful for dry skin and still be a poor choice for an acne prone face. A glossy finish is not the same thing as an acne treatment, even if it photographs better.5

Who should use it, and who should skip it?

Petroleum jelly is useful for dry, flaky skin, including dry lips and eyelids. Ointments offer longer lasting protection than lighter creams and lotions, although their greasy texture can be less comfortable on visible areas. If your face is oily or you regularly develop blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, skip a full face coating. Dryness does not cancel out the caution about acne.15

Slugging means coating the face with petroleum jelly, not inventing a new product category that needs a launch campaign. It is best suited to dry skin and is more useful in dry winter weather than humid conditions. Avoid slugging over infected skin or an open wound.2

How to use Vaseline for dryness

1. 1Start with clean skin. For overnight use, cleanse and apply your moisturizer first.
2. 2Apply petroleum jelly while the skin is damp. This helps retain the water already in the skin.
3. 3Use a small amount on the dry areas. You do not need to coat your whole face; dry lips or eyelids can be treated locally.
4. 4If you leave it on overnight, allow about 30 minutes before bed, then wash your face in the morning.

Use overnight slugging when your skin needs help with dryness rather than automatically every night. A couple of nights in a row can be useful, but nightly slugging is rarely necessary. The expected benefit is reduced moisture loss and support for the skin barrier, not fewer blackheads or faster clearing of pimples.2

What should you avoid putting underneath?

Do not layer petroleum jelly over retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids for slugging. These ingredients can irritate skin when trapped beneath the coating. If a retinoid is part of your prescribed routine, do not add an overnight petroleum jelly layer over it.2

When should you stop or see a dermatologist?

Stop facial use if breakouts develop or worsen. Stop using a moisturizer if an allergic skin rash develops, and see a dermatologist if slugging leaves your skin red or irritated. Painful, deep lumps or acne that is leaving scars deserve medical attention early. A dermatologist can also help with stubborn acne that is not improving with treatment.235