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8 uses for petroleum jelly – and 5 to avoid

<p>Most people have tub of petroleum jelly somewhere in their bathroom cabinet. But why is this slippery, oily substance – often called Vaseline, after the popular brand name – considered such a staple? “Petroleum jelly is an incredibly versatile product,” says plastic surgeon Dr Alexis Parcells. Its genius lies in its simplicity. It’s only made up of one ingredient, and because it lacks fragrances, essential oils, colouring and other additives, it can be used for a wide variety of purposes.</p><p><strong>What is petroleum jelly?</strong></p><p>There’s only one ingredient in Vaseline: petroleum jelly. Also called petrolatum, it is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons created as a byproduct of oil. It isn’t flammable, and it doesn’t have any taste or smell. Some ancient cultures used it as a healing ointment but it was officially patented and marketed as a product in 1859. Chemist Robert Chesebrough noticed that oil plant workers used “rod wax” – a sticky substance that built up on the oil machinery – to prevent and heal wounds. He refined the substance into the whitish gel we all recognise today and named it Vaseline. He advertised his “new” product by burning himself and then using the jelly to heal the burn. Since then, people have used it as everything from a wound treatment to a diet aid, but some uses work better (and are safer) than others. Petroleum jelly is also present in many commercial paw paw ointments.</p><p><strong>Risks or side effects</strong></p><p>Petroleum jelly can be a trusty first-aid essential for blisters, wounds and cuts, but it’s not recommended for everyone. There are people who may have a sensitivity or may even have an allergy to products that contain petroleum. This can manifest in skin irritation. If you’re not sure whether you have a sensitivity or allergy, do a patch test on your skin before applying the product completely.</p><p>Here’s everything you need to know about petroleum jelly, including how and when to use it, and when to avoid it.</p><p><strong>Skin moisture</strong></p><p>Petroleum jelly isn’t absorbed into the skin so it’s not a moisturiser like lotion. Instead, it forms an ‘occlusive’ barrier on top of the skin. Putting a thin layer over moisturised skin will help keep your skin soft by preventing moisture loss, says Dr Parcells. It’s particularly good for people with sensitive skin or those who are trying to avoid extra chemicals, she adds.</p><p>Keep in mind, this probably isn’t something you’ll be wearing during the day, as it can look greasy and oily. If you’re worried about the look, use it as an overnight skin treatment. Just be sure to use bedding you don’t care about staining, as it can leave oily marks.</p><p><strong>Mask-wearing</strong></p><p>Thanks to the pandemic, many people are spending hours every day wearing a mask, and that can lead to chafing, rashes and irritation. Petroleum jelly can protect your face by forming a protective barrier between your skin and the mask. Medical professionals who used a mixture of petroleum jelly and lanolin on skin that came into contact with tight facial masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) experienced 30 per cent less friction, according to a 2020 study published in PLOS One. They reported greater comfort and fewer injuries like skin tears, blistering, ulcers and hives. Regular lotions made the chafing worse, but because petroleum jelly is not absorbed, it formed a protective layer over the workers’ skin.</p><p><strong>Makeup removal</strong></p><p>Is your eye makeup difficult to get off at the end of the day? Try using petroleum jelly on a cotton swab. Oil naturally dissolves makeup, including waterproof formulations, and it’s very gentle so you don’t need to tug or pull at your skin and eyelashes. It’s also unlikely to cause a reaction and is safe to use in the eye area, Dr Parcells says. Try not to get it in your eyes. It won’t hurt you, but it is hard to get out and can cause blurry vision in the meantime.</p><p><strong>Eczema</strong></p><p>Eczema is a skin condition characterised by itchy, red and sometimes painful rashes. The rashes can be made worse by a variety of irritants in the environment, including weather, clothing, water and skin products. The No. 1 way to help eczema is to protect the skin while it heals. And one simple, effective and affordable way to do that is by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the affected area, according to a 2017 study published in JAMA Paediatrics.</p><p><strong>Nappy rash</strong></p><p>Nappy rash happens when skin is kept in a moist environment with little air circulation, like in a nappy, for a period of time. Protect sensitive baby skin against nappy rash by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly. You can also use it to treat existing nappy rash by cleaning and drying the affected area, then applying the jelly.</p><p><strong>Wounds</strong></p><p>Applying petroleum to small cuts, scrapes and burns can prevent scabs and scars from forming, says Dr Parcells. If your wound is open or appears infected, use a petroleum jelly product that also contains antibacterial ingredients, she says. Make sure your skin is dry and clean before you apply petroleum jelly. Fungal or bacterial infections can occur if you don’t follow proper wound care.</p><p><strong>Chafing during exercise</strong></p><p>You never notice exactly how tight the elastic on your underwear is, where your shoe rubs your heel, or just where the hem on your shorts hits your thigh until you’re five kilometres into a 10k run – and by then, the damage is done. Prevent painful chafing, rashes, and blisters during exercise by rubbing a thin layer of petroleum jelly on pressure points before putting on your workout clothing. It’s especially helpful for minimising friction from skin-on-skin chafing, like between your inner thighs.</p><p><strong>Lip balm</strong></p><p>One of the most popular uses for petroleum jelly is to protect the sensitive skin on your lips from harsh environmental conditions. Whether there’s aggressive air conditioning in your office or it’s a dry or cold windy day outside, your lips are more exposed to the environment than other parts of your body and lose moisture faster, says Dr Parcells. You can protect them with a layer of petroleum jelly.</p><p><strong>When NOT to use petroleum jelly</strong></p><p>Think twice before using petroleum jelly for the following reasons. In some cases, it may not be effective. In worst-case scenarios, it can be dangerous.</p><p><strong>As a lubricant for sex</strong></p><p>Don’t use petroleum jelly as a lubricant during sex, says reconstructive surgeon Dr Eric Weiss. The biggest reason to avoid using Vaseline as a lube is that petroleum jelly weakens and damages polyurethane and latex condoms, making them more likely to fail – and could increase your risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, petroleum jelly is greasy and can stain sheets and clothing. Experts generally recommend water-based lubricants that are designed specifically for sex because they won’t damage condoms or silicone-based sex toys.</p><p><strong>As a way to treat lice</strong></p><p>Slathering the hair and scalp with petroleum jelly is a popular home remedy for treating head lice in some parts of the world. It’s said to work by smothering the lice and killing them. Unfortunately, according to a 2016 analysis of 579 studies on lice treatment published in Paediatric Dermatology, this doesn’t work. While the lice may appear to die, in reality, they’re just not moving and may “resurrect” once the jelly is washed out, the study authors noted.</p><p><strong>As a way to lose weight</strong></p><p>Some boxers and other athletes who need to lose weight quickly swear by smearing petroleum jelly on their skin, wrapping themselves in plastic wrap, and doing intense cardio exercise or sitting in a sauna. The idea is that it will intensify the heat and increase sweating. Even if it does do that, which is debatable, it’s only making you lose water weight. The small benefit is outweighed by the extreme risks of becoming dehydrated and overheated, says Dr Weiss.</p><p><strong>On acne-prone skin</strong></p><p>“Petroleum [jelly] should be avoided in people with oily, acne-prone skin, as it can worsen or cause the formation of clogged pores,” says Dr Parcells. Adding more oil to the oil on your skin can compound acne. Instead, talk to your dermatologist about moisturisers designed for your skin type.</p><p><strong>In your nostrils</strong></p><p>Never use petroleum jelly in or around nostrils, especially on children, says Dr Parcells. You may end up with a condition called lipid pneumonia, an infection caused by the inhalation of fats. Though rare, it can lead to serious and long-term health problems.</p><p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-e3925162-7fff-c8ea-7336-477fe695251b">Written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/8-uses-for-petroleum-jelly-and-5-to-avoid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p><p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Jelly Tip cheesecake

<p>Christchurch's decadent sweet treat bakery Glamour Cake has a loyal following of customers, including local June Campbell.</p> <p>Campbell's favourite dessert on the menu is its Jelly Tip cheesecake, which she says tastes exactly like the ice-cream. Unfortunately the popular cheesecake is often sold out, so she's asked for the recipe.</p> <p>We contacted Glamour Cake baker Bree Scott, who happily shared her method.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients </span></strong></p> <ul> <li>​1 packet Arnotts Farmbake Chocolate Chip Fudge Biscuits</li> <li>200g butter</li> <li>60g condensed milk</li> <li>500g cream cheese</li> <li>500g cream</li> <li>100g sugar</li> <li>2 teaspoons of gelatine</li> <li>1 block Whittakers' Jelly Tip chocolate </li> <li>200g milk chocolate</li> <li>40g raspberry jelly crystals</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>In a food processor place the biscuits and process until fully crumbled. Melt butter and condensed milk together then add to the crumb. Continue to blitz the mixture until it holds together. Line a 24cm springform tin with greaseproof paper and spray well.</li> <li>Place crumb in tin and pat down to form cheesecake base. In a large bowl beat cream until it forms firm peaks and has a strong body. In a separate bowl add cream cheese and sugar then beat until smooth, this can take up to eight minutes. Combine cream cheese mixture into the cream and mix slowly until blended.</li> <li>In a cup combine gelatine and five teaspoons of cold water, stirring quickly to remove lumps, allow to set. Once all the water has been absorbed heat in microwave for one minute. Pour hot gelatine over cheesecake mixture and beat on slow to combine. </li> <li>Chop half the Jelly Tip block into fine pieces along with 100g of the milk chocolate and fold into the cheesecake mix. Pour mixture over the base leaving an inch of space at the top of the tin. Set in freezer overnight.</li> <li>Once set make raspberry jelly and allow it to cool before pouring over cheesecake. Return to fridge for 30 minutes to set. Melt the remaining milk chocolate and drizzle over the to, Decorate with Jelly Tip chocolate. </li> </ol> <p><em>Glamour Cake, 8 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, Christchurch. Open Monday 8am to 11.30am, Tuesday to Saturday 7.30am-2.30pm. </em></p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a> Image credit: Glamour Cake via Stuff.co.nz. </em></p>

Food & Wine

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Is petroleum jelly bad for you?

<p>It’s been around for more than 150 years, but the jury’s still out on whether petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is a miracle product or a health hazard. Some believe it’s a carcinogen due to being a by-product of oil refinery, but as Dr Marina Peredo explains to <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/tips/a26530/vaseline-for-skincare/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Good Housekeeping</span></strong></a>, “there are no clinical studies that demonstrate that the use of petrolatum promotes cancer.”</p> <p>To help you decide for yourself, let’s weigh up the good and the bad.</p> <p><strong>Pros</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Prevents loss of moisture</strong> – If your skin is prone to drying out, petroleum jelly will help retain hydration.</p> <p><strong>2. Incredibly useful</strong> – If you don’t want to use petroleum jelly on your skin, it has many other uses. <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/household-uses-for-vaseline/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Click here</span></strong></span></a> to see our favourites.</p> <p><strong>3. Good relief</strong> – Petroleum jelly works wonders on chapped lips, irritated spots and even sunburns.</p> <p><strong>4. Safe</strong> – The <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/515875/Vaseline_Petroleum_Jelly/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Environmental Working Group</strong></span></a> </span>has given Vaseline the highest safety score, classifying its overall health hazard as “low”.</p> <p><strong>5. Cheap</strong> – For what it offers and how long it lasts, petroleum jelly offers fantastic bang for your buck.</p> <p><strong>Cons</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Clogs pores</strong> – Because petroleum jelly forms a seal over the skin, it blocks pores, trapping toxins and dirt build-up.</p> <p><strong>2. No hydrating properties</strong> – While it certainly can retain existing hydration, petroleum jelly itself cannot hydrate or heal the skin</p> <p><strong>3. Ages skin</strong> – Unfortunately, using petroleum jelly on the skin slows down cellular regeneration and can damage collagen and elastin, making you look older.</p> <p><strong>4. Greasy</strong> – Some find the formula of petroleum jelly too greasy and difficult to remove from the skin, even with water.</p> <p><strong>5. Not environmentally friendly</strong> – As a by-product of crude oil, it’s not exactly the most eco-friendly product on the market.</p> <p>If you’re still not convinced, there is another option. If you love the feel of petroleum jelly but not the potential risks, there are natural, plant-based alternatives available at most health stores.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, are you a fan of petroleum jelly?</p>

Beauty & Style

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Pimm’s creates jelly Buckingham Palace for Queen’s birthday

<p>In the lead in to the Queen’s official 90th birthday, liqueur manufacturer Pimm’s has created a jelly replica of Buckingham Palace to be displayed at the annual Patron’s Lunch.</p> <p>The huge gelatinous tribute to Her Majesty, complete with the obligatory jelly corgis, is an exercise in precision, taking more than 200 man hours to make.</p> <p>The piece’s sculptor Tim Simpson said, “Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, so there was considerable pressure to produce a replica that honoured it appropriately. We’re delighted with how it turned out.”</p> <p><img width="500" height="304" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21927/jelly-in-text-_500x304.jpg" alt="Jelly In Text -" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The Patron’s Lunch is one of the events of the seasons, where representatives from the 600 charities the Queen is a patron of, enjoy the festivities.</p> <p>To see the construction process, watch the video above.</p> <p>Isn’t it remarkable to see what people can do with food? What’s your favourite memory of Her Majesty, and how will you be celebrating her birthday?</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/queen-elizabeth-ii-and-her-corgis-pose-for-vanity-fair-cover/"><strong>Queen Elizabeth II and her corgis pose for Vanity Fair cover</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/06/rare-photos-63rd-anniversary-queen-coronation/"><strong>Rare photos of Queen’s coronation released on 63rd anniversary</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/06/the-moment-marilyn-munroe-met-queen-elizabeth/"><strong>The moment Marilyn Monroe met the Queen</strong></a></em></span></p>

Art

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Elderflower and gooseberry jelly

<p>Serve this light, retro dessert at your next gathering to delight guests and bring back memories.</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p><ul><li>2 330g tins of gooseberries and syrup</li><li>200ml of elderflower cordial</li><li>200ml of water</li><li>12g of sheet gelatine</li><li>Fine kitchen muslin cloth</li><li>Jelly mould</li></ul><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p><p>1. In a saucepan, add gooseberries and syrup, cordial, and water.</p><p>2. Using a masher, crush berries gently to burst into the saucepan. Stir and bring to a very light simmer.</p><p>3. In a bowl, break gelatine sheets into pieces and cover with a bit of water to let soak until limp, for about 5 minutes.</p><p>4. Place two layers of muslin cloth in a sieve over a bowl. Pour saucepan mix through cloth into bowl. If the liquid has trouble going throw, mix gently.</p><p>5. Add gelatine to jelly syrup in small pieces.</p><p>6. Whisk together until gelatine is dissolved. Pour into jelly mould and cover with plastic wrap.</p><p>7. Let set in fridge for four hours.</p><p>8. To remove from mould, loosen sides, dip mould in hot water, and tip onto a serving plate.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/08/two-layer-chocolate-strawberry-cake/">Two layer chocolate strawberry cake</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/09/strawberry-panna-cotta/">Panna cotta with strawberry sauce</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/07/strawberry-jelly/">Fresh strawberry jelly</a></strong></em></span></p>

Food & Wine

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Fresh strawberry jelly

<p>A simple, fruity dessert that’s great for adults and kids alike!</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Serves:</strong></span> 6         </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>2 x 250g punnets strawberries</li> <li>½ cup water</li> <li>1 ½ tablespoons powdered gelatine</li> <li>2 cups clear apple or orange juice</li> <li>¼ cup caster sugar</li> <li>Whipped cream, to garnish</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Method:</strong></span></p> <p>1. Wash, hull and chop one punnet of strawberries. Blend in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove seeds. Discard pulp.</p> <p>2. Combine water and caster sugar in saucepan. Add gelatine and turn heat to medium. Stir until sugar and gelatine are dissolved.</p> <p>3.  Add juice and strawberry puree. Mixing thoroughly for five minutes or until liquid just comes to simmer. Set aside to cool.</p> <p>4. Meanwhile, wash, hull and chop remaining strawberries. Place in base of glasses. Pour jelly mixture over the strawberries. Refrigerate for at least four hours or until set. Serve with whipped cream and garnish with strawberry leaves. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/red-velvet-roll/">Red velvet cake roll</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/mini-lemon-tarts/">Mini lemon tarts</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/chocolate-viennese-fingers/">Chocolate Viennese fingers</a></span></em></strong></p>

Food & Wine

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