Wonder Jelly

Refined by New York chemist Robert Chesebrough almost 150 years ago, petroleum jelly is still widely used today in topical applications. Even with the myths that abound online about it being carcinogenic, it has withstood the test of time.

So, let’s start by busting the myth. The product that is used in the medical community and in reputable beauty care products is properly and highly refined. That being said, as with any product that you put on your skin, you should diligently research credible sources for safety and risk factors, prior to use. Look for a petroleum jelly that has been triple-refined, also sometimes referred to as triple-distilled or triple-purified.

Here is a short video from the Mayo Clinic about petroleum jelly.

All my life, I have struggled with dermatological issues. I have hypersensitive skin. So much so that post-partum, I was experiencing skin flare-ups and found minimal relief from treatments that typically resolved flare-ups for others. My two boys inherited my sensitive skin. Determined to do whatever I could to allay their symptoms, I sought treatment for them. The pediatric dermatologist examined them and advised me of how to care for them, then asked me what was going on with my own skin. I told her of my struggles, and she put me on a different path of treatment than any of the others I had been prescribed over the previous four years. Within weeks, I was getting relief. It turns out that the other dermatologists had been treating my skin as you would an adult. Though I was an adult, my children’s dermatologist treated my skin as you would a baby’s.

One product that I would turn to when others would cause my skin to sting, was petroleum jelly. It wouldn’t heal my skin, but it would keep it from drying out and causing further irritation. I use petroleum jelly daily to prevent chapped lips. Other products have caused irritation to the skin around my lips, so years ago, I decided I did not need fancy flavored glosses or sticks that felt waxy to me. I just needed something that did the job. I haven’t experienced chapped lips for decades. I won’t say how many, let’s just say a long time.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association offers an online list of Five Ways to Use Petroleum Jelly for Skin Care :

1. Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids . “Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin, including your lips and eyelids. … Always apply petroleum jelly when your skin is damp.”
2. Help injured skin heal . “For minor wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and scratches, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. This helps prevent the wound from drying out and forming a scab, as scabs take longer to heal.”
3. Prevent chafing . “To prevent chafing that can lead to blisters, apply petroleum jelly to problem areas, such as the feet or thighs.”
4. Treat diaper rash . “The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby’s skin as dry and clean as possible. However, if your baby does get a rash, apply petroleum jelly during each diaper change.”
5. Rehydrate nails . “Apply petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles in between polishes. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping. For the best results, apply it when your nails are damp.”

As mentioned repeatedly in the above tips, it is best to apply petroleum jelly to slightly damp skin. This is because it acts as a barrier, helping to keep the moisture in your skin. That same barrier helps protect your skin from cold weather and wind, which can dry out your skin. Be sure to clean your hands thoroughly before applying petroleum jelly, to avoid trapping bacteria on your skin.

This brings me to advice that was shared with me by my allergist. During an especially rough allergy season, the skin under my nose was worse for wear due to constant rubbing and… let’s just call it what it is… snot. My doctor advised me that after applying my topical skin care medication to the area, I should apply petroleum jelly to form a barrier for the medication to be more effective and keep the bacteria out. She told me that her father was experiencing an extended stay in the hospital and the skin on his entire body had been dry and flaring. She said that after he was bathed, and medication was applied, she would apply a layer of petroleum jelly to his entire body and his skin was clearing up. I followed her advice and soon the irritation under my nose eased. Important note : Before applying petroleum jelly over your topical medication, be sure to check with your doctor.

Robert Chesebrough probably should have kept the name “Wonder Jelly” for his product. I suppose that over a century ago, he could not have known that those intending to profit from his ingenuity would distribute a lesser product that would call into question the safety of petroleum jelly. It also does not help that he patented his product with a name that sounds like another petroleum product which is toxic—gasoline.

Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via CoachDenise@alamedapost.com or FitnessByDsign.com . Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum .

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