It’s Derived from Fossil Fuels
The crude version of petroleum was first discovered in 1859 on an oil rig. A paraffin-like substance, this thick and dark gunk would collect on pump joints during the oil extraction process. It needed to be scraped away from time to time to prevent the rig from malfunctioning. Some workers – who dubbed it “rod wax” – found it helped heal cuts and burns.
Though still a byproduct of oil, the petroleum jelly of today is distilled and rendered into a colorless, odorless gel. Use of petroleum jelly not only means you are slathering a petroleum byproduct on your skin, it also inadvertently supports the ecological and environmental devastation caused by oil drilling and the burning of fossil fuels.
It Creates a Near Impenetrable Barrier on the Skin
Petroleum jelly can help counteract dryness because it is an occlusive agent. The thick gel creates a barrier that traps moisture within while providing protection against external factors like air, water, and bacteria.
This hydrophobic shield reduces transepidermal water loss by more than 98%. Its occlusive properties are too effective, however, since it doesn’t allow the skin to breathe. A case study published in 2000 found that babies treated with petroleum jelly to control systemic candidiasis – a type of fungal infection – experienced an increase in infection. Petroleum jelly created a breeding ground for yeast. Only when treatment was discontinued did the infants’ symptoms return to baseline.
Petroleum Jelly Doesn’t Nourish the Skin
Although petroleum jelly has been used in households for over a century to treat dry skin, but it doesn’t contain any medicinal or healing properties.
If the skin isn’t cleaned and moisturized first, slathering on some petroleum jelly won’t cure dry skin. In fact, regular use of petroleum jelly will stop the skin from producing its own moisture – creating an endless loop of reapplication.
While occlusives absolutely should have a place in skin care, they ought to be paired with a humectant (to draw water from the air to the skin) and an emollient (to rehydrate and soften skin).
