For many, winter means very dry and unruly skin, which requires special care using various skin care products, but despite paying attention to continuous skin hydration, you may face negative and annoying results.

You may have watched hundreds of videos that provide tips for moisturizing the skin, the latest of which remains the content published on the “Tik Tok” platform, and has achieved more than 80 million views, under the name “Slugging”, which means covering the face with a light layer of Vaseline to moisturize your skin throughout the night.

Although this recipe has been old and popular for decades, it has re-emerged as the most popular and crowded out of expensive skin care products.

"Dermatologists use Vaseline to treat many skin problems, as it is not only a safe preparation for children, but also provides distinctive moisturizing for dry and inflamed skin," Dr. Jenny Liu, a fellow at the American Academy of Dermatology, told USA TODAY. ".

Experts say that slugging can be used as the last step in your skin care regimen after cleansing and moisturizing.

Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zupretsky, who has over 400,000 followers on TikTok, recommends:

Apply a “very thin layer” all over the face, especially during the winter months.

Unlike most lotions, Vaseline is not absorbed directly into the skin, and instead acts as a surface barrier to prevent water loss from the skin.

Vaseline ingredients

Chemists derive Vaseline from oil, after it was discovered accidentally during oil drilling over 100 years ago.

Its original name is "petroleum jelly", but Vaseline is the common trade name among people.

Refined Vaseline is a mineral oil that many companies market as a general-purpose skin treatment.

The purity of Vaseline depends on the manufacturing process, and unrefined Vaseline may contain harmful ingredients, but refined Vaseline is usually safe.

It is important to read the ingredient label and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions about the refining process.

Companies have marketed Vaseline as a miracle cure for everything from wrinkles to burns.

Although it cannot cure many skin problems, it is a versatile and inexpensive skin care option.

Vaseline uses

barrier to protect the skin

Vaseline is not easily absorbed by the skin, which actually means that it is not a humectant per se, but rather a barrier that prevents moisture loss from the skin.

According to Medical News Today, it can be applied to irritated skin before exposure to cold, dry air and wind.

People with colds can put it under their nose to prevent irritation from a runny nose or to wipe the nose frequently.

Reduces itching and inflammation

Skin irritation may occur when skin rubs against each other or with tight, non-cotton or edged clothing such as a sewing line or embroidery, which is very annoying, especially for people with eczema or dry skin.

Some people develop a rash or a cut on the skin from the friction, and Vaseline may help reduce these infections.

Diaper rash treatment

Many infants develop nappy rash after using wet nappies, or because their extremely sensitive skin is affected by a certain type of diaper.

Vaseline forms a moisture barrier that can reduce the risk of diaper rash, as well as soothe inflammation and treat redness.

Vaseline forms a wet barrier that can reduce the risk of diaper rash (German)

skin healing

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using petroleum jelly to support skin healing.

Because petroleum jelly forms a natural barrier, it may prevent infection and reduce the risk of scarring.

However, a 2018 study disputes this claim, and researchers found that petroleum jelly can actually prevent the skin from forming its natural protective layer, slowing healing and increasing the risk of infection.

Prevent peeling

Skin peeling can be annoying.

And when the skin is very dry it flakes, and here Vaseline can help heal the skin and prevent flaking.

dry lips

Vaseline treats dry, chapped lips or irritated eyelids during cold weather seasons.

Vaseline treats dry, cracked lips (German)

Eczema treatment

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes irritation, itching and scaly patches.

And a study - conducted in 2017 - indicated that petroleum jelly may prevent the spread of eczema.

The study found that moisturizing the skin of newborns at risk of developing eczema frequently can prevent the spread of the condition.

Possible damage

Although Vaseline has the ability to moisturize the skin and make it plump and not dry, it is not suitable for all skin types.

Vaseline by itself is unlikely to clog pores, but it can irritate acne-prone skin and may cause breakouts.

Zupretsky also advises avoiding petroleum jelly with any active ingredients such as retinol, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, which "can cause more irritation and sensitivity to the skin."

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that petroleum jelly may contain carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can cause cancer and harm the reproductive organs.

People interested in trying Vaseline should buy it from a reputable source, and avoid making it at home.

Some types of Vaseline may clog pores, and may cause the skin to crack with frequent use, especially with thick layers for sensitive skin.