A petroleum jelly is the semi solid mixture of hydrocarbons that can be used as an ointment for healing properties. This jelly is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration department as an approved to use over the skin protection as well as in cosmetic skin care. It has a melting point that usually melts within a few degrees of human body temperature approximately about 99 degree F. What is petroleum jelly, actually it is colorless, translucent and absence of smell and taste. Even it does not evaporate in the air and also not readily acted by any chemical reagents. The petroleum jelly can be widely used by people for various cosmetic purposes such as,
- Genital rashes
- Chest colds
- Nosebleeds
- Toenail fungus
- Diaper rash
The petroleum jelly is a translucent jelly that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons. It is insoluble in water, but highly soluble in benzene, chloroform, turpentine, dichloromethane, diethyl ether and carbon disulfide. This jelly is the best suitable for various medicinal and personal care application so it is highly recommended by the people. It is a non-polar hydrocarbon i.e. water repelling so it is insoluble in water. When you apply this jelly on your skin, you may feel like greasiness produced by it. The major uses of petroleum jelly are coating, lubricating and moisturizing potentials. In the medical field, it plays a vital role that provides effective results to the users. Some of the medical uses of petroleum jelly are,
- Best ointment for cuts, scrapes and burns
- Additional antibacterial effect to the skin
- Acting as a sunscreen lotion
- Gives protection against the ultraviolet rays’
- Effectiveness to heal wounds, cuts and burns
- Preventing skin moisture from evaporating
- Protect and prevent moisture loss from the skin
- Extensively used by neck and head surgeons for nasal moisture
Today, most of the petroleum jelly is used as an ingredient in the cosmetics and skin lotions. It provides different types of skin care such as reducing moisture loss, minimizing friction, more protection to skin and functioning as a grooming aid. This jelly is also helping to prevent lips and chapped hands by reducing moisture loss and also soften as well as soothing the nail cuticles. It also exploited to offer better heat insulation and it can be used to keep the swimmers warm in the water. During the long ocean swims, it helps to prevent chilling of the face because of its evaporation of skin moisture.
In the earlier days, it can be used either pure or as an ingredient and more popular as a hair pomade. What is petroleum jelly, the petroleum jelly is the most effective skin lubrication that can be used to reduce the friction between clothing and skin during the sports activities. It is also commonly used as a personal lubricant, but should not be recommended to use during the sexual activity because it dissolves latex and raise the chances of rupture. In some areas, this jelly can be used for product care and protection for coating, finishing and lubrication.
