Vaseline On your Face for Wrinkles, Does it Work?

Many women are looking to help ease face wrinkles as they age. Unfortunately, these wrinkles are a sign of aging.  And everyone ages differently with different effects. Some seem to develop more wrinkles than others.

So, we were asked if Vaseline can be effective in getting rid of face wrinkles.  And our answer is, it can have some benefits, but it can also have some side effects. But as far as totally erasing wrinkles, our answer is no.

There is no scientific evidence that shows Vaseline will reduce or even get rid of wrinkles. Vaseline can be an effective moisturizer and it’s a very versatile product. And it may also help with dry skin.

Our Aging Skin

It’s unfortunate but the older we get the more issues we can have with our skin.  And much of this depends on the climate you live in, if you have gone through menopause, and how your hormones are currently. Our skin just gets thinner as we age and eventually starts to wrinkle and sagging also occurs.

Vaseline seems to help because it is petroleum jelly and does a decent job of keeping the top epidermis of our skin moisturized.  This is why when you use it, you seem to have fewer wrinkles.  But this does not mean they are gone.

But Vaseline is not talked about without debate.  While some swear by its anti-aging properties.  Others argue it can cause acne, clogged pores, and blackheads on your face, especially when overused.

Some dermatologists are even using it in their practice in moderate amounts for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  Vaseline can provide temporary relief with its calming properties. But it does not fully get rid of wrinkles.  

Benefits of vaseline on wrinkled or crepey skin

Helping To Smooth Wrinkles

If you want to help wrinkles, then you will need more of a 2-step program with proper hydration and a product that is designed to reduce them.

You want to use a product that boots collagen production and one that will help to plump the skin.  A product with other vitamins such as vitamin C is what helps the trans-epidermal skin. And peptides also help the skin elasticity.

You also need proper hydration with water daily.  This is helping the skin from the inside out.  

Prevents loss of moisture

One of the major causes of crepey skin is loss of moisture on the skin. As we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture-retaining abilities. This is the precursor for rough flaky skin, which eventually triggers crepey skin. Vaseline helps lock moisture into the skin leaving your skin moisturized for longer. Keeping your skin hydrated is one step towards combating crepey skin.

Vaseline soothes flaky and inflamed skin

Skin conditions like psoriasis or rosacea cause symptoms like dryness and flaky skin, symptoms that can escalate the appearance of crepey skin. Applying a thin layer of vaseline can prevent psoriasis outbreaks which tend to make the skin dry. In addition, a layer of vaseline protects skin that is inflamed from a rosacea infection.

Helps the skin to heal

Scrapes, cuts, or scratches can leave ugly marks on the skin if they do not heal properly, and pre-existing scars can make crepey skin look worse (should crepey skin form). Applying vaseline on cuts and scratches helps keep the wound moist as it heals. It prevents the formation of a dry scab that can leave a scar later.

Potential Side Effects of Vaseline 

If you have sensitive skin, petroleum jelly may not be the solution for you. Using Vaseline on your skin creates a barrier to the skin which can lead to several different unwanted side effects. There can be a risk of infection as well if you do not properly sanitize anything you are using for your skin.

Not suitable for acne

Vaseline may not be ideal for you if you get acne breakouts. The vaseline layer may clog your skin pores and trigger more outbreaks. Instead, you can use other skin hydration solutions like moisturizing solutions like an organic moisturizing serum designed for all skin types (sensitive skin as well).

May aggravate sunburn

Vaseline may not be suitable if you have sunburn on your skin. The oily layer of vaseline can seal in heat and make your sunburn symptoms worse. Do not apply vaseline on fresh sunburn, but you can use it on sunburn wounds that are already healing. However, if you are wary about aggravating your sunburns further, you can try an aloe-based remedy instead.

May not suit oily skin

Although vaseline is safe for oily skin, it can leave your skin oilier. Remember, vaseline locks in natural skin oils and any other oils on the skin, so apply it cautiously. Alternatively, find an alternative moisturizing solution for oily skin.

Allergic reactions

If you are allergic to petroleum jelly products, do not use vaseline on your skin. Vaseline allergies are rare, but if you notice a reaction when you use it, see a dermatologist right away.

Does not nourish your skin

Vaseline is a quick way to keep your skin looking moisturized, but it does nothing as far as nourishing your skin goes. Also, vaseline takes time to absorb into the skin and a layer of it always remains on the surface.

If you are keen on both moisturizing and nourishing your skin, consider skin moisturizers that have organic healthy ingredients. Popular ingredients to look for in skin moisturizers for crepey skin are peptides, aloe vera, barley seed, Kakadu plum, or white mulberry leaf. Such ingredients moisturize the skin, plump it up, and guard it against oxidative damage. Organic moisturizers can also brighten and even the skin tone, and improve skin elasticity.