Does Vaseline Help Wrinkles? What Exactly Does It Do for the Skin?

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Originally discovered in 1858 in America’s first oil well, Vaseline began to grow in popularity once people discovered how soothing it felt when applied to their burns and cuts. Today, Vaseline remains a skincare go-to for many – dermatologists and beauty bloggers alike rave about the many ways in which it can benefit the skin.

But how exactly does Vaseline work when it comes to the skin aging process? Can it actually help with fine lines and wrinkles, or is this just a common misconception? Read on to find out!

Vaseline for Anti-Aging: Does Vaseline Prevent Wrinkles?

Vaseline, which is a brand name for petroleum jelly, is an occlusive ingredient. This means that it forms a physical barrier over the top of the skin’s surface, which prevents moisture from evaporating away from the skin.

Due to the way in which it can lock moisture into skin cells, Vaseline gives the skin a plumper and fuller finish. However, although this softens lines and wrinkles temporarily, it doesn’t actually prevent or reduce them.

Does Vaseline have other anti-aging properties? Unfortunately, no. It makes for a great skin moisturizer, but if you want to tackle wrinkles and other signs of aging skin, then you’ll need dedicated anti-aging ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C.

The Before and After Effects of Using Vaseline on Face for Wrinkles & Lines

So, what actually happens if you apply Vaseline to your wrinkles?

Well, whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin, or oily skin, the Vaseline will soak into your skin’s pores, adding moisture and radiance. Your skin will feel smoother and softer to the touch, and it will look deeply hydrated.

Using Petroleum Jelly Vaseline for Various Skin Conditions

While it may not have a significant anti-aging effect, Vaseline is still fantastic for so many things…

A Moisturizer Cream at Night for Signs of Dryness

Many people who suffer from severe dryness swear by Vaseline, claiming that it’s much more effective than other moisturizers. Allergic reactions to petroleum jelly are rare, making it a great heavy-duty choice for both the face and the body – give it a try the next time you have cracked feet!

As a Makeup Primer for the Face & Lips After Applying Your Skincare Products

Thanks to how Vaseline gives the skin a smoother surface, it works well as a makeup primer. You can use it on your face before applying foundation, on your eyelids for eye makeup, and even on your lips – your makeup will glide on beautifully after that!

For Cuts & Wound Healing

When it comes to non-infected small wounds, studies show that Vaseline is just as effective at healing cuts as antibiotic ointments [1]. It keeps the wounded area moist, which speeds up skin barrier repair, soothes itching, and prevents scarring. It also works well as a healing balm for areas of sun damage.

To Tame Unruly Eyebrows

Instead of investing in expensive brow serums, give Vaseline a try. Simply smooth it over your brows to give them a groomed and glossy look.

FAQ

Q: How do you use Vaseline for wrinkles?

Vaseline doesn’t help to prevent wrinkles, but you can use it as a moisturizer to temporarily mask the appearance of creases.

Q: Does Vaseline help tighten skin?

No, Vaseline doesn’t have skin tightening effects.

Q: Is it good putting Vaseline on your face?

Vaseline works well as a face moisturizer, but it isn’t quite the same quality as a dedicated anti-aging cream.

Q: Is Vaseline good for wrinkles around the eyes?

Vaseline doesn’t help to prevent aging, so if you’re trying to get rid of eye wrinkles, you’d be better off using anti-aging skin care products designed for the eye area.

Q: Is it good to put Vaseline under your eyes at night?

Applying Vaseline under your eyes before bed will help to keep your eye area softer and better hydrated.

Q: Can I use Vaseline on my neck?

Yes, Vaseline can help to keep the neck moisturized.

Q: Can you put Vaseline under your eyes for dark circles?

Although it’s safe to apply Vaseline under the eyes, it won’t help much with dark circles.

Q: Can you use Vaseline on skin every day?

Yes, it’s safe to apply Vaseline to your skin every day.

Q: How do you use Vaseline for wrinkles?

Although Vaseline does many desirable things for the skin, it doesn’t help with fine lines and wrinkles. However, you can still apply it to your face as a moisturizer to help keep your skin soft and supple.

Q: Can Vaseline damage your skin?

Vaseline is not known to cause skin damage and isn’t linked to any health conditions.

Q: What happens when you put Vaseline on your face overnight?

When you put Vaseline on your face overnight, your skin won’t lose as much water while you sleep, which will have you waking up to a more radiant complexion.

Q: Is it good to Vaseline on your face?

Vaseline offers up a number of benefits when applied to the face, especially for those suffering from dryness and sun exposure damage.

Q: Is it good to use Vaseline for wrinkles around your mouth?

Unfortunately, Vaseline won’t do much to help with wrinkles around the mouth.

Q: Can Vaseline result in an acne breakout?

Although it prevents moisture from evaporating, one thing Vaseline’s occlusive barrier doesn’t block is the pores, making it a non-comedogenic ingredient. However, the way in which it can obstruct hair follicles can sometimes cause breakouts.

Q: I use Vaseline and I have no wrinkles – how long will these benefits last for?

While Vaseline may be keeping your skin moisturized, it won’t be helping to prevent wrinkles. You’ll likely start to notice wrinkles appearing once you’re in your 30s or 40s, unless you’re also using other anti-aging products.

Q: I’ve heard about using Vaseline for eye wrinkles – does Vaseline help wrinkles under eyes and crows feet?

Vaseline can help to temporarily reduce the visibility of eye wrinkles, but an anti-aging eye serum or cream would be much more beneficial in the long run.

Conclusion: Does Vaseline Reduce Wrinkles?

So, can Vaseline help wrinkles? Sadly, no. However, it’s a popular brand for a reason – not only can Vaseline be used to deeply moisturize the skin, but it also doubles up as a makeup primer, as well as a wound healing ointment. So, while a wrinkle cream would be the best way to go for directly targeting your creases, it’s still worth having a jar of Vaseline around for when your skin could do with some extra TLC.

References
[1] https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/10/wound-care

Avatar for Megan Foley

Megan has been a freelance writer and editor since 2016. In that time, she’s penned a diverse collection of articles for online publication, with a focus on skincare and beauty. From in-depth product reviews to concise marketing content, Megan is passionate about developing content that informs, entertains, and inspires.