If the first thing that comes to mind when you want to treat dry skin is Vaseline, then you probably have noticed the immediate effects it has on your skin, it restores the skin smoothness and it seems like it does its job pretty well. However, the most recent research proved that Vaseline can have bad consequences on your skin including a high level of toxicity, hormonal changes and speeding up the process of skin aging.
What should be kept in mind about this moisturizer is that, when applied, it creates an extra layer on your skin which does not allow the skin to breathe properly and that leads to the accumulation of dirt which is responsible for future skin irritations and other defects, like acne. Vaseline acts as a barrier that does not let any other substances to make their way out the skin, so it’s recommended that it should not be applied on sun-exposed skin, since it can worsen the condition of the sunburn, by preserving the heat within the skin.
Once the Vaseline is applied on the skin, it has the property to be absorbed and assimilated in the body. This absorption can be extremely harmful to your health since it represents a toxic contaminant. Another issue that should be taken into consideration is the fact that this toxic substance can be transferred from the mother to her newborn when she is breastfeeding.
The list of Vaseline’s harmful effects does not stop there, it can also speed the aging process of the skin by creating a layer that interferes with the skin’s natural mechanisms of healing and wrinkle prevention. Vaseline can also be responsible for changing hormonal levels. For instance, if the estrogen hormone levels are increased, that can cause infertility or menstrual complications.
Last, but not least, one of the most dangerous effects of using Vaseline is caused by a carcinogen which is included in the substance. This ingredient can speed up the process of tumor growth that can lead to different kinds of cancer.