What does petrolatum do for skin?

How petrolatum works

Petrolatum is an occlusive, meaning it forms a layer on the skin's surface that reduces water escaping from the outer layer. It does not need to change the skin to help: keeping water from evaporating helps dry skin stay more hydrated and pliable. The layer can also help keep irritants from reaching the skin. The greasy texture is not a clerical error; ointments contain more oil and leave a longer lasting protective layer.34

What petrolatum can help with

• Dry, flaky skin, including lips and eyelids. Ointments can be more effective and less irritating than lotions for dry skin.
• Minor cuts, scrapes and scratches. Keeping a clean wound moist helps prevent it from drying out and forming a scab.
• Chafing. Applying petrolatum to areas that rub, such as the feet or thighs, can help prevent irritation and blisters.
• Diaper rash. Applying it at each diaper change can help protect the skin; with appropriate care, the rash should clear in about 3 to 4 days.
• Dry nails and cuticles. Applying it between manicures or pedicures can help reduce brittleness and chipping.

How to apply petrolatum

1. 1For dry skin, wash or bathe, then leave the skin damp rather than drying it completely.
2. 2Spread a small amount over the dry area. For dry eyelids, use only a small amount.
3. 3For a minor cut or scrape, clean it daily and cover it with petrolatum to keep it moist. Antibacterial ointment is not necessary for a clean minor wound.
4. 4For chafing, apply it to the area that rubs before the friction starts.

How often to use it

There is no single schedule for every dry area. The right frequency depends on how dry the skin is: very dry skin can benefit from a greasy occlusive moisturizer every few hours, while slightly dry skin may need only a light moisturizer at night. Moisturizers have their greatest effect in the first six hours after application, so applying them two to three times a day may help maintain the benefit. Petrolatum's job is to reduce water loss while the protective layer is on the skin.3

Who should be careful

Plain petrolatum jelly contains very few irritants or allergens, and ointments are often less irritating than lotions. That makes it a useful option for many dry or sensitive areas, but it is not a promise that every product or use will suit every person. Stop using a moisturizer if a rash consistent with contact dermatitis develops. Occlusive moisturizers can cause or worsen acne, inflammation around the mouth, folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) and boils. Avoid using petrolatum as an all over facial layer if your skin is oily or acne prone. Do not use slugging on infected skin or an open wound. If skin becomes red or irritated after slugging, see a dermatologist.234

Does petroleum jelly clog pores?

Petroleum jelly can contribute to breakouts in some people, especially those with acne prone skin; that does not mean everyone who uses it will break out. Dermatologists advise avoiding it on the face if you are acne prone, and occlusive moisturizers can aggravate acne. If you want a facial moisturizer, look for one labeled oil free, noncomedogenic or won't clog pores; those labels mean the product is unlikely to cause acne. Petrolatum is most useful on dry patches, lips or eyelids when acne is not the concern.56

What is slugging?

Slugging means applying a layer of petroleum jelly to the face overnight to help hold in hydration. It is most useful for dry, parched skin, and less necessary in warm, humid weather. Slugging is one of the rare skincare trends whose name tells the truth about the texture. Keep it simple: use plain petroleum jelly or a product with only minimal extra ingredients; a thick layer is unnecessary.4

1. 1Start with clean skin and apply your usual moisturizer.
2. 2Do not put alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids or retinoids under the petroleum jelly layer; the occlusion can trap them against the skin and increase irritation.
3. 3Apply a small amount to the whole face or just the driest, thinnest areas, such as the eyelids and lips.
4. 4Wait about 30 minutes before bed so products can settle. A towel over the pillowcase can help protect it.
5. 5Wash your face in the morning to remove residue, oil and dead skin cells.

There is no fixed slugging schedule. Use it when skin feels dry or dehydrated; a couple of nights in a row can help when skin needs to catch up, but it rarely needs to be an every night routine. Skip it if your skin is oily or acne prone, or if the area is infected or an open wound. If your face becomes red or irritated after slugging, stop and see a dermatologist.4

Can petrolatum help with eczema?

Petrolatum can reduce water loss as part of moisturizing care for eczema, but it is not the only treatment eczema may need. Keep the skin moisturized two to three times a day and apply ointment while skin is still damp after bathing. Eczema care can also include medicines applied to the skin, so use prescribed treatments as directed. Contact a health care provider if symptoms do not improve with home care, get worse, or show signs of infection such as fever, redness or pain.17