The dermatologist says the inexpensive common beauty product could save you a fortune and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles
A doctor says a common bathroom cupboard essential is ‘just as good as’ most other high-end products. Dr Muneeb Shah, who goes by the nickname DermDoctor online, says a tub of Vaseline is all you need to look after the skin around your eyes.
In a video with almost 20m views, the board-certified dermatologist says: “100% pure petrolatum is the most effective occlusive moisturiser”. Explaining the main reason why, the skin expert added: “It prevents 99% of water loss while you sleep.”
He says pure petrolatum jelly is free from lipids and emollient, helping your skin to stay hydrated and decreasing your risk of wrinkles. Rubbing a small amount under his eyes, the doctor went on: “This is actually an amazing hack, and I do it all the time.
“I apply a gentle moisturiser first, like a Cerave cream, and then follow with Vaseline original petroleum jelly… This is best for dry skin and to protect your eyelid skin from irritating ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids. I personally love this in the winter.”
You can usually pick up a tub of Vaseline at most chemists, supermarkets and pharmacies; Poundland, for example, is selling a 50ml pot for £1.
Vaseline is a brand of petroleum jelly, made with a blend of mineral oils and waxes. It is designed to protect and lock in moisture to help dry skin restore.
It also reduces the appearance of fine, dry lines and helps protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns. For cosmetic purposes, it can protect your skin from windburn and chapping.
However, if you are prone to getting milia around your eyes, this hack might be one to avoid. “As far as milia, many of my patients say that heavy moisturisers make their milia worse,” Dr Shah cautioned.
“There’s no data on this but it seems to be a common theme. If you notice milia getting worse, avoid thick moisturisers around the eye.”
Milia are tiny, white or yellow bumps that commonly show up on a baby’s face just a few days after birth. These spots occur due to clogged sweat glands and are generally not a cause for concern.
