Petroleum jelly can live up to 10 years or even longer after being opened, despite frequently having a best-by date of 3 years. Never put your fingers into the petroleum jelly jar to preserve its shelf life. It will prevent the introduction of dangerous bacteria or fungi.
Unopened Vaseline can last a lifetime, as can an unopened pot of petroleum jelly. Neither one contains any active ingredients, so there's nothing in there to expire.
If the area is not cleaned properly prior to applying petroleum jelly, existing bacteria and fungal spores can easily proliferate and cause secondary infections.
Since Vaseline — or petroleum jelly — is an oil-based product, it is not soluble in water. Therefore, you can't expect it to wash out by rinsing it.
Sealed and unopened bottles should be good for three years. If, however, you notice changes in your moisturizer's smell or texture before the two- or three-year mark, toss it.
We recommend storing Vaseline® Jelly in a dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators to keep its ideal form. This way, when you apply it to dry areas like the hands or elbows you can simply rub it in and get on with your day.
Additionally, as detailed below, petrolatum or mineral oil jelly and mineral oils can cause skin damage. Petrolatum may interfere with the body's moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping despite its cosmetic use as lip and skin protection.
The amount of Vaseline to apply varies depending on an individual's dryness level, skin sensitivity, and intended results. It's best to wash off any remaining Vaseline in the morning then use your normal moisture, as the thickness of Vaseline can cause greasy skin throughout the day.
Petroleum jelly is made from a blend of natural waxes and mineral oils. People often refer in general to petroleum jelly as “Vaseline®”, but the real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is different. The real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is triple purified to remove impurities.
Summary – Vaseline vs Petroleum Jelly
The difference between Vaseline and petroleum jelly is that Vaseline is a form of petroleum jelly, which has pure petroleum jelly combined with minerals and microcrystalline wax whereas petroleum jelly is a semi-solid hydrocarbon compound, which is not pure.
To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
Petroleum jelly can live up to 10 years or even longer after being opened, despite frequently having a best-by date of 3 years. Never put your fingers into the petroleum jelly jar to preserve its shelf life. It will prevent the introduction of dangerous bacteria or fungi.
The skin does not easily absorb petroleum jelly. This means that it is not really a moisturizer, but a barrier that can keep dirt out and prevent moisture loss. People can try applying it to irritated skin before spending time outside in cold, dry, windy air.
And what it does is it keeps water from being able to evaporate out [of the skin] as quickly," she says. By applying a hydrating cream to your under-eye area and then following it with Vaseline, you're adding moisture to the area and then locking it in, she said — essentially, it's a targeted slugging treatment.
Pure petroleum products like Vaseline are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and non-irritating with no colours or fragrances to ensure that it will soothe and calm the skin. For the best results, apply Vaseline petroleum jelly daily after showering when skin is still damp, in order to enhance moisture absorption.
To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids. Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.
A large amount of petroleum jelly which gets in the eyes or nose, or is used on the skin, the eyes, nose, or skin may cause irritation of these tissues. If petroleum jelly is aspirated (enters the breathing tube and lungs), symptoms may be more serious and may include: Cough. Difficulty breathing during activity.
Reckles recommends using the hot water setting with your normal laundry detergent and a tablespoon of white vinegar. Check the garment after you wash it to make sure the Vaseline stain isn't visible.
A non-greasy Vaseline® body lotion, it absorbs into your skin in 15 seconds for immediate moisturization and provides long-lasting moisture, making it an ideal daily lotion for men. Clinically tested to provide 90% more skin moisture vs. untreated skin.