A cheapo product that everyone should have (Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly)

Member Name: bluerose81

Product:	Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly
Date:	05/09/09 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Soothing with no stinging, really works at keeping moisture in

Disadvantages: Grease is greasy, so only for smaller areas, unless for medical reasons

Vasline Petroleum Jelly was launched onto the market way back in 1870 by an american chemist called Robert A. Chesebrough. For years, workers on the oil rigs had complained of a waxy substance that clogged up the machinery, nicknamed 'rod wax'. Chesebrough made a living out of extracting commercial minerals from oil substances and so he visited the oil rigs to see if he could make anything out of this stuff.

Despite the effect on the machinering, the workers described the marvellous effect it had when they accidentally got it on their skin, soothing and apparently speeding up the healing process of the cuts and burns they received. Cheseborough set to work on distilling the wax to create the product he called Vaseline. It has remained popular ever since.

Vaseline melts on your skin at just above body temperature, so it will melt as you are applying it from the friction and the heat from your fingers. It then returns to body temperature and solidifies somewhat which creates a seal. This will keep germs out and will lock any moisture in.

It is commonly used to soothe nappy rash, and it is good for any sore areas caused by chafing. What I like about it is that it doesn't sting at all. It is fantastic for burns if you put cold water on them and then put Vaseline on to seal the moisture in. It is very soothing on sunburnt areas for example.

Any dry areas can be treated with Vaseline; like elbows or knees and of course your feet. Apply onto damp skin just on the required areas. A good tip for your feet is to give yourself a pedicure and whilst your feet are still damp, put loads of Vaseline on and go to bed with a pair of socks on.

It is also a good cleanser for smaller areas. For instance if you get a blob of mascara on your cheek, you can dab it with a bit of Vaseline which will melt the mascara so it comes away easily with tissue. As Vaseline is quite stiff, a bit of water on the tissue helps make it easy.

I also use it as a lip balm. I keep filling up a little pot I have with Vaseline from a jumbo bargain tub because I am too tight to pay £1 or more for a little lipsalve. It does the job just as good.

You can still use all your luxury products, but I would recommend that you get a tub of Vaseline in as it has so many uses in skincare. At £1.59 for a 100gm tub from Boots, it lasts for ages too.

Summary: I wouldn't be without mine!