What does petroleum jelly do for your eyelashes?
Vaseline is the brand name for the world’s first petroleum jelly product. Also known as petroleum jelly, it is a thick ointment with strong moisturizing and protective properties.
The name Vaseline is Vaseline and the name Kleenex is in tissues. In the US, it is considered a topical remedy that protects minor cuts and scrapes and prevents skin dryness.
You can find petroleum jelly in many products, including moisturizers, lip balms, eye creams, and even eye ointments. The reason petroleum jelly is so popular in cosmetics is because it is a powerful sealant. Sealants are ingredients that repel water. When a layer of them is applied to the surface of the skin, they do not let water escape, which helps to keep the skin hydrated.
Is it safe to use petroleum jelly on eyelashes? Expert opinions
Some controversy has dogged Vaseline over the years, so it makes sense to be concerned about its safety. The good news is that using petroleum jelly on your eyelashes is completely safe if you do it carefully.
It is considered one of the mildest and most inert ingredients, which is why it is used in medical settings to help heal wounds and is even recommended for sensitive skin conditions such as eczema.
Most petroleum jelly in the US is medical grade, so it adheres to strict purity standards. This includes Vaseline brand petroleum jelly that undergoes a triple purification process to ensure it is gentle and safe. Without this purification process, petroleum jelly may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are considered carcinogens.
When it comes to the eye area, petroleum jelly is considered safe for the eyes. The worst that can happen is that it can cause blurred vision if you get some in your eyes. That said, using high amounts can clog the meibomian glands, and you only want to apply this when your eyes are clean to prevent petroleum jelly from trapping mites or bacteria near the eyes.
Benefits of using petroleum jelly on eyelashes
Here are the main reasons you might want to use petroleum jelly on your eyelashes or around the eyes.
- Moisturizing: As an occlusive, petroleum jelly seals moisture inside the skin, so it can help hydrate the lash line and skin around the eyes, especially after showering.
- is polite: Vaseline is one of the mildest and gentlest moisturizers you can find, so it’s a safe choice even for those with sensitive skin.
- Lubricant: Because of its slippery texture, petroleum jelly is an effective lubricant that can help condition your lashes to keep them flexible and prevent breakage.
- Protective: Vaseline not only seals water on skin or hair, but is also protective and can help keep pathogens out.
- Treat dry eye: As a moisturizer and lubricant, petroleum jelly can also help dry eye treatmentalthough it is important to choose an eye-safe product.
- Adds some weight: When you don’t want to use mascara, a coat of petroleum jelly on your lashes can temporarily add some thickness.
- Adds shine: As with many other oily ingredients, petroleum jelly is a bit reflective to give lashes a beautiful shine.
- Helps to keep a curl: Applying petroleum jelly before or after curling your lashes has become a popular “eyelash lift” method, and some users find it can help their lashes hold a curl.
- Makeup Removal: You can also use petroleum jelly to remove your makeup, especially if you use waterproof makeup products.
How to Apply Vaseline to Eyelashes Safely?
Applying petroleum jelly to your lashes isn’t too complicated, but we have a few suggestions to ensure the best results.
clean
Be sure to start with clean eyes and lashes, as you don’t want the petroleum jelly to trap any germs on your skin or lash line. You can wash your face normally or use a special cleanser like ours Lash Bath Kit. If you want, you can also apply an eyelash serum or eye cream to this spot.
Take a small amount
You only need a tiny amount of petroleum jelly for the lashes – about the size of a grain of rice. Add a little more if you want to apply it to your eye area as well. Use a cotton swab or a clean lotion scoop to pick up the petroleum jelly. To avoid introducing bacteria into your tub, don’t use your fingers.
Apply to eyelashes
Next, carefully apply petroleum jelly to your lashes. You can use a finger (make sure your hands are clean!) and then gently sweep it over the lashes in a downward motion. You can also apply a spoolie or cotton brush to the bottom lashes as you would mascara.
Use it as an eye cream
If you have some petroleum jelly left, you can use your finger to gently apply it to your eyes. Keep pressure minimal as you apply or consider pressing it.
Possible risks and side effects
Vaseline is one of the safest products for skin and lashes, but there are still some potential risks to keep in mind.
- Because it’s so occlusive, petroleum jelly can trap bacteria or mites on the skin or in the eyelash follicles. If your lashes and skin aren’t clean when you apply it, you could be putting yourself at risk of infection or smudging.
- Vaseline can blur your vision if it gets into your eyes, although this is easily resolved with an eye wash.
- Although not well documented in the literature, it is possible that using large amounts of petroleum jelly around the eyes can lead to milia.
- Some ophthalmologists warn that petroleum jelly can clog the meibomian glands. In some cases, it is recommended as a treatment for dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
Additional tips for using petroleum jelly for eyelashes
So, we’ve covered all the basics of using petroleum jelly on your lashes, but we have a few recommendations to help you get the most out of this little hack.
- Look for the USP symbol near the top of the drug’s label entry to make sure you’re using a medical-grade, purified petroleum jelly product, such as the original petroleum jelly ointment.
- If you suffer from dry eyes, consider using petroleum jelly eye drops to solve two problems at once.
- To keep your Vaseline clean, never stick your fingers directly into the tub. Always use a clean scoop or disposable swab to dispense it.
- Don’t forget to clean your lashes before applying petroleum jelly.
- Skip the Vasline if you wear eyelash extensions. Vaseline can break down the glue that holds the eyelash extensions in place, so you may experience eyelash drooping. This can be a nice skincare treatment if your eyes are recovering from extensions.
- Don’t have false expectations. Vaseline is great for eyelash conditioning, but it’s not a growth miracle.
Conclusion
Vaseline is a humble but powerful little product. You can use it on your lips, nails, and even your eyelashes. It traps moisture in the skin, conditions the lashes and can add some shine and lift. It is not an eyelash growth treatment. you must apply it to clean skin to avoid sealing in bacteria. You’re probably already sitting at home, so give it a try!