Applying only Vaseline: Why is that not enough for your skin?

When visiting a dermatologist and asking for skincare advice, you often get the answer “just apply Vaseline”. Vaseline, also known as petrolatum, has long been valued for its ability to soothe dry and sensitive skin. It creates an occlusive barrier on the skin, effectively retaining moisture and preventing dehydration. Known for its hypoallergenic and safe nature, when pure and clean, Vaseline plays a crucial role in many skincare routines. In this blog, we dive deeper into skincare that goes beyond the simple use of Vaseline.

Vaseline, where does it come from?

Vaseline is a byproduct of the petroleum industry. It is produced from the distillation of crude oil, a process in which petroleum is heated to separate different fractions or mixtures of hydrocarbons based on their boiling points. During this refining process, a specific fraction, rich in saturated hydrocarbons, is isolated and further processed. This fraction undergoes a thorough purification process, where it is filtered and sometimes treated with clay to remove all impurities and potentially harmful substances. The result of this careful purification process is a soft, translucent substance that we know as vaseline.

Why applying only vaseline is not enough

Vaseline is known as an occlusive ingredient, which means it forms a protective layer on the skin that prevents moisture loss. Instead of being absorbed into the skin, vaseline literally sits on the surface. Vaseline is extremely effective in reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the measure of the amount of water that evaporates unnoticed from the skin. Studies have shown that vaseline can reduce TEWL by more than 98%. This makes it one of the most effective occlusive ingredients for maintaining skin moisture and protecting the skin barrier against dryness and harmful external factors. This is especially beneficial for dry and damaged skin.

Due to its stability, it’s often used in both medical and cosmetic applications, ranging from skincare products to ointment bases.

Vaseline does indeed offer moisturizing benefits, but it also has its limitations; it can feel heavy on the skin and leave a shiny finish. Not everyone appreciates these properties, especially in the summer months when it is warm and humid, where the product can feel uncomfortable. Moreover, not every skin reacts the same to vaseline; people with darker skin often notice that it is quickly absorbed, similar to how water is soaked up by a sponge. On the other hand, for people with a Caucasian or Asian skin, it tends to stay more on the surface, which is sometimes experienced as unpleasant.

Do you want to know more about: Cultural diversity in skincare, Asian, European and dark skins

Vaseline does not provide a solution for specific skin problems such as signs of aging – think of age spots, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. As you get older, you need a skincare routine that addresses these points specifically, with more than just moisturizing products. This way, you’ll maintain a healthy and glowing skin in the long term.

A Comprehensive Skincare Routine

Maintaining a healthy skin requires following a basic skincare routine. You don’t need to be a skin expert to know what a good skin routine is. This routine actually consists of three core elements: cleansing, protecting, and correcting, each playing a specific role in supporting skin health.

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Een basis huidverzorging bestaat uit 3 routines: Reinigen, Beschermen en Correctie

Cleaning

A daily cleanse is the first and most essential step. It ensures that dirt, excess oils (sebum), and impurities are removed from the skin. This process should be carried out carefully to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance, without drying it out. Choosing a mild cleanser that is suitable for your skin type contributes to maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier, which is essential for healthy skin.

Protection

The application of sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine. It provides protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation, including UVA and UVB rays. This radiation is responsible not only for sunburn but also for premature signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Regular use of sunscreen can significantly reduce these effects and contributes to the prevention of skin cancer. Want to know more about SPF, UVA, and UVB rays

Correction

Anti-Aging: In addition to cleansing and protection, addressing specific skin problems using targeted products is an important part of a skincare routine. This can range from the use of anti-aging creams to serums rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, ferulic acid, Astaxanthin. These products work to combat the visible signs of skin aging, reduce skin damage from free radicals, and improve overall skin texture and tone. Antioxidants help in neutralizing free radicals, while ingredients like peptides and retinoids can boost collagen production, resulting in firmer and smoother skin.

Pigmentation Spots: When correcting pigmentation spots, it is essential to use a combination of ingredients that can reduce pigmentation at various levels. Ingredients such as arbutin, niacinamide, resveratrol, aloe vera, licorice root extracts, and emblica are effective in tackling these skin issues. These substances work together to inhibit the production of melanin, resulting in a more even skin tone and reducing the visibility of pigmentation spots. By combining these ingredients in your skincare routine, you can offer a more targeted approach to effectively correct pigmentation.

Dry, sensitive skin: When correcting a dry non-sticky skin, alternatives to Vaseline are an essential addition to the skincare routine. Besides occlusive agents, which seal the skin to retain moisture, humectants and emollients play a crucial role.

Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea, attract water and help retain it in the skin, keeping the skin hydrated and smooth without leaving a sticky feeling. Emollients, including oils, ceramides, and squalane, work by softening and smoothing the skin, and help strengthen the skin barrier. This combination of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients provides deeper hydration and improves the skin’s texture, which is an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid the occlusive action of petroleum jelly but still seek an effective solution for dry skin.

While vaseline has its value in the world of skincare, it serves only as one element of a versatile routine. By combining cleansing, protection, and correction with the use of vaseline, we create a holistic approach that is essential for promoting and maintaining a healthy, radiant skin.

Now that You’re Here

Iconic Elements, the skincare line conceived and developed by dermatologist Dr. Francis Wu, is the result of his dedication to promoting skin health and wellness. Driven by his desire to support individuals with skin problems, he drew from his profound dermatological expertise to create this unique line.

With a wealth of experience, Dr. Wu knows exactly which ingredients and compositions are most effective for various skin types and needs. Each product within the Iconic Elements collection is therefore composed based on dermatological insights, enriched with carefully selected natural ingredients. In collaboration with skin specialists, Dr. Wu has compiled a top-quality range, products that we would proudly choose ourselves.