Vaseline for Wrinkles – Is It Effective?

When we think about cosmetic products, we almost always have in mind creams that are quite elaborate, substances and ointments with dozens of ingredients and components, each with their own actives and properties, that act independently or in sync to maintain skin health. On other occasions, those who know about, for example, naturopathic medicine, imagine the use of plants and equally complex homemade recipes.

However, we often come across products that, despite being originally formulated for a specific type of utility, whether for wound treatment or dietary supplementation, play a fundamental role in the care of the dermis. In many cases, these products are even made with components we never imagined could bring benefits to the superficial tissue after application.

This may be the case with Vaseline, a compound with a thick oily texture (although it has some almost liquid presentations), which is among those mythical products with a great capacity against imperfections, specifically, in the fight against wrinkles. Although many claim that its effectiveness cannot be denied, the fact that it is a refined product, designed for very different tasks, sometimes makes us doubt its efficiency as an anti-wrinkle agent.

If you’re concerned that these and other imperfections make you look several years older in the mirror, we recommend you read How to look younger

Composition of Vaseline

Although this name has become so popular, known in dozens of countries around the world, as a compound in itself, the truth is that Vaseline is originally the brand name that made the substance official. It had such success from its launch, more than one hundred and forty years ago, and it was unique in its type that, as happens with many other recipes, it was made known to customers in such a way.

However, Vaseline is actually a paraffin compound, derived from the synthesis of hydrocarbons of different levels of saturation, or what is popularly known as petroleum. Nevertheless, to result in that mixture we all know, the substance is prepared by combining refined hydrocarbon with a series of mineral oils and waxes, resulting in the texture and ease of spreading characteristic of this product.

The most curious thing about this item is that it’s often compared to plastic, gasoline, various polymers, tar or kerosene, among many other compounds, simply because it is synthesized from petroleum. The interesting thing about this is that it is known that this hydrocarbon, as well as the aforementioned derivatives, cannot be applied to the skin nor should they come into contact with the organism.

Even so, this changes completely when we talk about Vaseline, as the synthesis processes of this are carried out, specifically, to eliminate all the components that could be toxic or harmful to this superficial organ. Therefore, we should not fear using this paraffin presentation on the topical surface, not even in the case of the skin, which has some areas where it is covered with the most delicate and thin skin of the body.

Properties and Benefits against wrinkles

When it comes to imperfections, such as wrinkles, everything we do for our skin counts, so every benefit provided by this product gives us a small positive point in the fight against them. Even so, it’s important to highlight those that have a more direct role in this task, as well as those specific cases where their properties play a more vital or prominent role in this fight.

As such, we can say that the main reason for using Vaseline against wrinkles occurs in three stages, which act in combination and in harmony to improve the health of the tissue. The first and perhaps the main reason for its use would be hydration, known by all aesthetic specialists as the most important in general skin care, since it needs certain levels of moisture to not lose its main characteristics.

After hydration, we find the wide nutrition that this substance offers, thanks to its powerful formula rich in natural oils, fatty acids, vitamins E and A, which nourish the skin cells and enhance the production of proteins such as collagen and elastin, created from the connective cells of the tissue, which are responsible for giving it resistance, firmness, tonicity and elasticity characteristic of its structure.

Finally, according to the method of application and use given to Vaseline, we find that it is capable of protecting the dermis from any external intrusion, be it impurities or environmental elements. Achieved thanks to the protective film that remains on the skin when applying the waxes of the paraffin, it presents itself as a preventive element against those factors that alter and worsen the quality and health of the topical surface.

All its benefits for the skin

Originally, this article was intended as a healing balm or ointment, effective in relieving minor wounds, irritations, and burns, up to first degree, but again, like many other substances with a specific formulation, it demonstrated, over time and experience, to possess a series of actives and properties that give it capabilities different from the original ones.

Among them, it can be said that this element is capable of soothing dermal reactions, such as rashes, redness, and allergies; facilitate and accelerate the healing process of wounds, moisturize the skin and lips, as well as other superficial tissues; lubricate different surfaces; exfoliate and greatly soften hyperkeratosis, or the syndrome of thickening or widening of the outermost layer of the skin.

In terms of its esthetic benefits, in addition to those that come into play to reduce and control wrinkles, we can count on this product to help in topical nutrition, thanks to its high contents of vitamins A and E; prevent the loss of natural skin oils, soften and add elasticity to the tissue; stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin, which adds firmness to the surface and, finally, protect the tissue from various external agents and pollutants.

Properties that act among its actives

Obviously, nothing influences any organism miraculously and magically, since any action by a substance, in this case on the skin, is due to its components, the actives and their properties. When we talk about Vaseline, we have a compound with a high degree of actives, although this time we will focus only on those that, directly, interact with our skin positively and benefit its image and health.

• Emollients: as the main cosmetic source of hydration, this property is responsible for providing the necessary moisture to the skin, while stimulating the tissue to increase the natural retention of this liquid.
• Occlusives: this function creates a kind of film that protects the dermis and pores from the intrusion of pollutants and impurities, as well as from environmental elements such as sun rays and dust. It also prevents the stored water in the form of moisture from evaporating.
• Adhesiveness: allows Vaseline to stay on the skin after application, thus improving the action of the rest of the properties and their actives in the long term.
• Protection and Impermeability: as subproperties of the occlusive capacity of this substance, they are responsible for covering and defending the skin from the most direct external agents, at least after the application of Vaseline on the dermis.

Uses and applications of this product

Although many would recommend using Vaseline as an ingredient, in various recipes with different combinations of components that, thanks to having their own actives and properties, will complement this and support it in the fight against wrinkles, the truth is that it can also be used independently, applying only the paraffin derivative to the areas of the body we want to treat.

It is often thought that the fight against wrinkles occurs only on the face, and at least in this case, the truth is that this is where this product will yield the best results, thanks to the thin, delicate skin free of very pronounced muscle fibers. Nevertheless, specialists emphasize that, not only Vaseline, but any anti-imperfection product, can be used on any part of the body.

If you think that applying only this derivative is not enough, you will surely be interested in knowing about The best natural oils for wrinkles

When we talk about the complexion, the best way to apply this derivative is by spreading it directly on the skin, covering with a generous and thick layer of Vaseline, in the evening hours, after performing the beauty and facial care routine. This is in order to let it act during all the hours of rest, since thanks to its occlusive, protective and impermeable properties, it can provide the greatest number of benefits the longer it stays in contact with the dermis.

This application can be performed on any area of the face, whether where the skin is more resistant, such as the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and cheeks; as well as on those more delicate points, such as the lips, the corners of these, the contour of the eyes, the outside of the eye socket, where the bothersome crow’s feet appear and even on the ears, to combat the flaccidity and wrinkles of the lobe of these.

Similarly, it can be spread on parts where wrinkles are also a problem, such as hands, feet, neck, décolleté (in the case of women), even elbows and knees; there are even those who recommend its use on arms, belly, and legs, to eliminate stretch marks, although that is another matter. The problem with this is that it can cause a trail of the product all over the bed and sheets, so it is not a very good idea to apply it and let it act overnight.

In the case of using this multifaceted paraffin combined, as an ingredient in a homemade anti-wrinkle cream, ointment or mask, it should be applied the same way as any commercial cream. This means that, according to the routine schedule and recipe specifications, we can spread it on the face to let it act overnight, as well as during the day, to then remove it by washing with water and soap or a facial cleanser.

Other cosmetic uses of this substance

If we have already mentioned that, within the unique composition of Vaseline, we can find a multitude of properties, with some actives that we do not take advantage of so much for the reduction and elimination of wrinkles, it is most sensible to imagine that we can give it other different uses, just as effective, to eliminate different discomforts and imperfections of the skin, improve its health and give it a nicer and youthful appearance.

For example, we can count on this article to:

• Nourish and repair dry and damaged hair.
• Increase the length and thickness of eyelashes.
• Remove blackheads.
• Promote eyebrow growth.
• Moisturize the lips.
• Strengthen nails and soften cuticles.
• Prolong the duration of perfume.

Nevertheless, we must bear in mind that many of these utilities, although they sound incredible and stand out for the logic of their effectiveness, in terms of the properties and beneficial actives of paraffin and its application, are not consciously proven by specialists nor do they have a guaranteed efficiency, so it is up to each one of us to experiment with its function. However, what can be assured is that trying it does not entail any risk or adverse side effect, as the application is the same as in the case of the fight against wrinkles.

Practical recipes with Vaseline to reduce wrinkles

As mentioned earlier, if there is the possibility of enhancing, improving, and supporting all the functions of this topical hydrocarbon derivative, with different components that contribute their properties and actives to our skin, to thus obtain much more visible and immediate results, we must seize the opportunity to use the right ingredients and specific formulas for it.

To this end, the following are a series of homemade recipes and preparations, which do not require the acquisition of complex products such as Q10 enzymes, collagen supplements, botox or hyaluronic acid, among many other synthetic compounds. Each one of them has the acceptance of specialists and users alike, so we can test their effectiveness ourselves, to be in agreement that the results obtained will always be positive.

Vaseline and essential oils for wrinkles

• 2 tablespoons of Vaseline.
• 1 teaspoon of wheat germ oil.
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or butter.
• 1 teaspoon of rosehip oil.

The first thing we need to do for this preparation is to place a small pot to heat in a bain-marie, to melt the coconut oil, Vaseline and raise the temperature of the rosehip oil, which will activate and enhance some of its properties, while allowing the mixture to gain body and texture by incorporating the ingredients uniformly.

Once these components are melted and incorporated, remove from heat and cool to room temperature, to add at this point the wheat germ oil. To preserve, since Vaseline contains a good amount of vitamin E, which will increase the shelf life of the preparation, it is enough to pack in a small glass container, with an airtight lid, and use whenever desired.

Protein mask to nourish

• 1 tablespoon of Vaseline.
• 1 egg yolk.
• ½ teaspoon of unprocessed honey.
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
• ½ tablespoon of aloe vera gel.

In this case, it is an immediate use mask, since it contains egg, so it is recommended not to keep more than a couple of days; therefore, the mixture made from these ingredients and the mentioned quantity is designed for only 3 applications. It is prepared in a similar way to the previous one, starting by melting the paraffin in a bain-marie.

Before incorporating the rest of the components, it must cool very well to avoid cooking the egg a bit or watering down the honey, which would alter the texture of the mask that should be a little thicker than a common cream, so that it does not run or spill from the surface of the face once applied. It should be left to act on the skin for about 20 minutes before removing it and washing with plenty of water and soap.

If you are looking for many other recipes to combat, reduce and resolve the depth of wrinkles on your face, you could learn here How to make a homemade anti-wrinkle cream

Deep facial moisturizer

• 1 tablespoon of Vaseline.
• 1 tablespoon of mashed cucumber.
• 1 tablespoon of avocado pulp.
• 3 drops of grapefruit essence.
• 2 drops of sweet almond essential oil.

Since the main task of our hydrocarbon derivative is hydration, we can focus on this property and greatly enhance it, using ingredients whose most concentrated active is the same, in this case, the emollient or moisturizer. This recipe is designed to be used as a mask, like the previous one, although the avocado pulp can be replaced with its oil, as well as the cucumber with the essence of the same, to form a cream with a longer shelf life.