Petroleum jelly side effects

Information on Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a semisolid mixture of different types of substances based on fats. It is extremely flammable and it does not have a color. Only if it gets distilled in an improper manner it has a pale yellow color. Petroleum jelly is used for numerous purposes and it is among the most common ingredients in various sorts of skin care products. It can be used for several other medicinal purposes but it may also come in very handy when it comes to preventing wind burns as shining leather shoes. All the ingredients of petroleum jelly are actually different types of hydrocarbons. Petroleum jelly does not get oxidized due to air exposure and it is not soluble in the water. Some people consider it the best possible solution when it comes to hair care products, lotions, baby oils and moisturizers. Perhaps the biggest advantage of petroleum jelly is that it comes at a very cheap price and its shelf life is virtually infinite. Unfortunately it may also be associated with certain types of side effects.

Petroleum Jelly Side Effects

Numerous studies have shown that even though petroleum jelly serves numerous different purposes and provides certain health benefits, it may also be associated with the occurrence of side effects. Long term side effects occur mainly because people tend to use the petroleum jelly in large amounts, on a regular, almost daily basis. People say that it provides the skin with smoothness and softness but that is actually due to the constantly added layers of petroleum jelly. It is harmful because it does not allow the skin pores to let the toxins and the moisture out. That is why a toxic layer gets formed in the skin, underneath the layer of petroleum jelly. The entire process leads to the occurrence of skin irritation, dryness of the hair, dryness of the skin, skin acne and dandruff. Petroleum jelly may also be held responsible for abdominal pain, irritation of the eyes, diarrhea, irritation of the nose, coughing and shortness of breath. Sometimes people use petroleum jelly as a condom lubricant but unfortunately that may compromise the proper functioning of the condom. Petroleum jelly may also be associated with certain types of cancer in some cases. Petroleum jelly based cosmetics are banned in most countries around the world, which is a fact that speaks for itself. One should always opt for healthier choices than petroleum jelly and the products which contain it.