For over a hundred years, humanity has been using petroleum jelly for a wide variety of purposes. It is easy to use, odorless and colorless. Protect from adverse environmental effects, prevent peeling, soften the skin - all this can be achieved if you use petroleum jelly. What else can this effective and time-tested tool come in handy for? This will be discussed in this article.
A bit of history
In the second half of the 19th century, Robert Cesbro discovered petroleum jelly. Almost immediately, it was launched into large-scale production. Since the 1870s, it has been sold as an effective treatment for burns, cuts, scratches, and cracked skin. Women used it in skin care. By the end of the XIX century, he was in almost every house. And today such an effective product as petroleum jelly does not lose its relevance. The price of the product, which is important, is quite acceptable. The cost of petroleum jelly is in the range of 20-30 rubles per 25 grams.
Vaseline: composition and properties
The product consists of a mixture of liquid and solid carbohydrates. Get it in the process of processing oil fractions with a low boiling point. The melting point of this substance is 60 ° C. Vaseline is soluble in chloroform and ether, can be mixed with all types of oils, with the exception of castor oil. At the same time, this substance is insoluble neither in alcohol nor in water, therefore, after application to the skin, the product is washed off with difficulty. Natural paraffin is made from paraffin resins of natural origin. The composition of the artificial agent includes a mixture of paraffin and ceresin with the addition of perfume oil and substances that increase the viscosity. Artificial petrolatum has a cloudy white or yellowish color. A natural remedy is more transparent and has a viscous consistency, and also has an antimicrobial effect.
Varieties of Vaseline
This tool is divided into three types:
- Technical . This species is the least cleaned. The color of technical petroleum jelly can vary from yellow to dark brown. This tool has a pronounced smell of kerosene. Technical petroleum jelly is widely used in industry. It protects metal parts from moisture, performs the function of impregnating electrical insulators and is used as a lubricant for various contacts. Acid is present in the composition of technical petroleum jelly, so if it gets on the skin, irritation may occur.
- Medical . This type of product is thoroughly processed and has a white color. Vaseline medical is used externally as a protective and emollient, as well as the basis of medicinal ointments. A thin layer of the product will help to eliminate small cracks in the skin and make it softer after the negative effects of wind, sun or frost. Vaseline also helps protect the mucous membrane from injuries when using an enema or a vent tube , for which hard tips are lubricated with this tool before administration.
- Cosmetic . This type is used in the manufacture of many creams and oils. In its pure form, it is used quite rarely, because it helps to clog pores and blocks the access of oxygen to the skin. However, cosmetic vaseline is an effective emollient before massage. It also has a restorative effect. Vaseline is recommended to be used after dermabrasion or peeling procedures.
Vaseline for the face
Vaseline is an effective tool in the fight against premature skin aging and age wrinkles. This effect is achieved due to its ability to create a protective film on the skin surface that prevents tissue dehydration. Also, petroleum jelly and products based on it are hypoallergenic and safe for the human body. This is true, naturally, if the product is of high quality. In addition, petroleum jelly does not penetrate the skin, is resistant to destruction, does not interact with other substances in the composition of a cosmetic product.
Environmental protection
Due to the dense layer formed by petroleum jelly, the skin is protected from cold air, strong wind and the sun. A protective film on the face protects skin cells from frost, lips - from cracking and chapping.
Protection at home
With the help of this drug, you can protect the nasal mucosa from drying out when cleaning dusty rooms or with allergic reactions. Detergents and cleaners can cause skin irritation or peeling. Vaseline, applied in a thin layer immediately before contact with these substances, will eliminate such phenomena.
Application in decorative cosmetics
Vaseline can be mixed with makeup, such as shadows. This will give them uniformity, shine and will facilitate easy application. If you have run out of blush or lipstick, you can make your own cosmetic product using petroleum jelly, for which it is simply mixed with food coloring of the desired shade.
Vaseline in cosmetology
This tool is able to dissolve and remove even persistent cosmetics. However, use Vaseline to remove makeup should be careful not to allow particles of funds on the mucous membrane of the eyes. After the procedure, petroleum jelly must be removed from the surface of the skin, as its residues can cause morning edema. Also, this tool effectively fights wrinkles. For this purpose, petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1: 2 is mixed with aloe juice. The resulting mixture is applied to the skin for 20 minutes. Then the remnants of the mask are washed off, the face is rinsed with cool water. If you combine petroleum jelly with honey or interior fat, you can get a nourishing lip mask.
As can be seen from the above, many problems can be eliminated by using such an effective and affordable tool as petrolatum.
Why else can I use this product?
In the summer, diaper rash can appear on the skin. To prevent this, it is necessary to lubricate the problem areas with petroleum jelly before going outside.
With this tool, you can extend the durability of the aroma of your favorite perfume. To do this, apply a little Vaseline on the skin, and then spray perfume on the same place.
If you regularly lubricate the skin of the hands and feet with petroleum jelly, it will remain soft and young for a long time. Before going to bed, you can apply a thin layer of the product to the skin, put on cotton socks and the same gloves. During the night, the petroleum jelly will be absorbed, and in the morning the skin of your hands and feet will be soft and smooth.
Vaseline is able to enhance eyelash growth. Therefore, you can periodically apply the product to them. This should be done carefully, because petroleum jelly that has fallen on the mucous membrane of the eye can cause inflammation.
This tool can replace the modeling eyebrow gel . For this, petroleum jelly is distributed over the hairs with a clean brush. This will not only help maintain the shape of the eyebrow throughout the day, but also give it a natural shine.
With this product, you can avoid getting varnish on the skin during manicure. To do this, before applying a decorative product, you should lubricate the cuticle with petroleum jelly. And if the varnish gets on the skin, then it will be very easy to remove.
If shampoo gets into the eyes of a child while bathing, lubricate his eyebrows with petroleum jelly. This will protect the baby from discomfort.
Vaseline is a universal, affordable, harmless remedy that should be in every woman's cosmetic bag.