Can you use Vaseline on acne prone skin?

Why can Vaseline be a problem for acne?

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive: it forms a protective layer that reduces water loss from the skin's surface. Its job is to hold water in, not to give every spot a glossy finish. Ointments provide a lasting protective effect, but their higher oil content also makes them feel greasy. Occlusive moisturizers can cause or worsen acne and folliculitis, inflammation around hair follicles.3

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can then grow in the blocked follicles and cause inflammation and pus. Holding moisture in is a different job from treating those processes. Petroleum jelly is useful for dryness, but that benefit is not a reason to spread it over active acne or use it as a spot treatment.14

What should you use for dryness instead?

Oily skin can still need moisturizer, which makes 'oily' a less useful shopping instruction than it sounds. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin and prescription isotretinoin tend to dry and irritate skin. A daily moisturizer can help your skin tolerate these treatments. Dryness during treatment calls for an acne friendly moisturizer, not automatically a thicker ointment.2

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Keep cleansing to twice a day, and avoid scrubbing.
2. 2After washing, leave a little water on your skin rather than drying it completely.
3. 3Apply a moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic, oil free or 'won't clog pores'. These descriptions help identify products unlikely to cause acne.
4. 4Use moisturizer every day when your skin feels dry. Remove makeup at the end of the day.

In studies of routines combining acne medication, cleanser and an acne friendly moisturizer, most patients saw less acne within 4 to 8 weeks. That is a timeframe for the combined routine, not for Vaseline to clear spots. Moisturizer supports treatment by helping prevent dryness and irritation; a pharmacist can advise on acne treatments such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.24

Vaseline for dry skin around the eyes

Petroleum jelly has a separate use for dry, flaky eyelids: apply a small amount to damp eyelid skin for moisture and protection. Keep that targeted use separate from coating an acne prone face. Eyelid skin is particularly thin and easily irritated. Lightweight, fragrance free, hypoallergenic gels or creams are another option for gentle eyelid moisturizing.15

Wash eyelids gently with plain water or a cleanser designed for sensitive skin, using clean, rinsed hands. Avoid rubbing and scratching. A break from eye makeup keeps the routine simpler, even if the bathroom shelf disagrees. If eyelid dryness persists, or your eyes are also irritated, see a healthcare professional. Itching, burning, swelling and scaling can occur with contact dermatitis, a skin reaction to an irritant or allergen.56

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using a moisturizer if contact dermatitis develops. See a doctor if acne is not improving with treatment, involves lots of spots or deep painful lumps, causes scars, or affects your mental health. Hot, swollen, red skin can signal infection and also needs medical assessment; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.34