Could skin remedy be bad for you?

Of all the petroleum jellies on the market, Vaseline is probably the safest as it is 'highly-refined'. Picture: pjohnkeane, flickr.com

Of all the petroleum jellies on the market, Vaseline is probably the safest as it is 'highly-refined'. Picture: pjohnkeane, flickr.com

Published Nov 19, 2013

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London - Petroleum jelly is widely considered a bathroom cabinet essential for its skin-soothing properties, but one New York dermatologist warns that it could be doing more bad than good.

Dr Alan Dattner, founder of HolisticDermatology.com, said that the ointment – a by-product of the oil industry – could suffocate pores, aggravate acne and even cause a rare form of pneumonia if inhaled.

He points out that of all the petroleum jellies on the market, Vaseline is probably the safest as it is “highly-refined”, whereas cheaper alternatives are more likely to contain cancer-causing chemicals.

“Vaseline supposedly has all of these components removed,” Dattner said. “But there are probably plenty of petroleum jelly imitators, and one doesn’t always know the extent that they’re removed.”

Indeed, a spokesperson for the Vaseline, which launched in Brooklyn, New York, in 1870, said that it only uses FDA approved-petroleum jelly.

“The brand prides itself on its rich skin healing heritage. For over 140 years, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly has helped heal and protect millions of people and families around the world.”

Its website states that applying Vaseline on a regular basis will help “heal dry skin” as well as “protect minor cuts” and “reduce the appearance of fine, dry lines”.

However, celebrity make-up artist Katey Denno, whose clients include Christy Turlington and Amanda Seyfried, is not a fan of petroleum jelly, whatever the brand.

“It’s an inexpensive way for a formulator to offer the appearance and immediate feel of hydrated skin,” she said.

Like Dattner, Denno claims if used too often, the gel can irritate the skin because of its thick texture that merely “seals in the dirt”.

She recommended always washing and cleansing the skin before applying any moisturiser to avoid break outs.

Giving his verdict, Dattner said it was best to opt for more natural products. His top skin healing ingredients include beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. – Daily Mail

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