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Colder temperatures bring both the good and the bad. For instance, chilly weather means you can bust out your adorable sweaters and boots, but it also means dry skin is on its way. Since you can't walk around with a dull-looking epidermis, you'll need to hydrate it, like, pronto. Some gals reach for the Vaseline to quell their skin's thirst, but others wonder if it will clog their pores.
The Skinny on Vaseline
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is an all-natural substance that provides moisture like nobody's business. It keeps skin super moist, which in turn can prevent wrinkles and leave it looking absolutely glowing. It's often used on parched puckers and works wonders to soothe seriously dry hands and feet. During the dry, winter months, this is the go-to for many gals who want to nix any type of dry skin on their bods.
Petroleum Jelly and Your Pores
Although Vaseline is a bit sticky and is often messy to use, it shouldn't clog your pores. Instead, it typically sits on top of your skin and transfers its super hydrating ingredients to your face, leaving it soft and moisturized. Some women with acne find that it exacerbates their skin issues, but overall, Vaseline is safe to use on your skin and won't cause the clogs.
Keeping Your Pores Clean
Gals with dry skin are already at risk for clogged pores, because those flakes can get down inside them, causing the clogs on their own. So before you even reach for the Vaseline, you may already have filled pores. Exfoliating once or twice a week gives that dead skin the old send off and prevents it from taking up residence in your pores. It also keeps your skin looking fresh.
Vaseline Alternatives
If you still aren't convinced that Vaseline does only good things for your skin, other methods of keeping it moisturized are available. Look for moisturizers and lotions marked as noncomedogenic to keep your skin hydrated. They stay out of your pores and let your skin get its hydration on. Using lotions that contain salicylic acid are also beneficial in kicking dead skin to the curb, as it sloughs the flakes off. Apply the moisturizer after you wash your face, or whenever your skin starts to feel thirsty.
