What happens if you sleep with Vaseline on your face?

Applying petroleum jelly, commonly known as Vaseline, on your face before bedtime is a popular home remedy for dry and flaky skin. Some people also use it in the hopes that it will make their skin feel softer and more hydrated. But is sleeping with Vaseline on your face a good idea? Let’s take a closer look at both the potential benefits and risks.

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The potential benefits of sleeping with Vaseline on your face

Here are some of the reasons why people use Vaseline as an overnight face treatment:

Moisturizes dry skin: Vaseline creates a protective barrier on the skin that prevents moisture loss while you sleep. This can help heal dry patches and flaky skin.
Softens rough skin: The thick jelly-like consistency of petroleum jelly allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin. This can leave your face feeling soft and smooth in the morning.
Soothes irritation: Vaseline may help moisturize and protect skin that is prone to irritation, itching and inflammation. The barrier it provides can calm sensitive skin overnight.

Non-comedogenic: Unlike some creams and moisturizers, petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic. This means it won’t clog pores for most people and is unlikely to cause breakouts.

Overall, applying a thin layer of Vaseline before bed can help hydrate parched skin, heal dryness and improve skin texture overnight. The moisturizing and protective qualities of petroleum jelly lend themselves nicely to being used while you sleep.

Potential risks and downsides of using Vaseline overnight

Despite the benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of if you are considering using Vaseline as an overnight face treatment:

Can cause breakouts: While petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic for most, some people may experience clogged pores and acne breakouts from using it on their face. This is especially true if you apply too thick of a layer.
Transfers to pillowcase: Since Vaseline doesn’t fully absorb into the skin, it can get smeared onto your pillowcase while you sleep. This can create an oily stain that is difficult to remove.
Attracts dirt and debris: The greasy film left by petroleum jelly may inadvertently catch dirt and debris from your pillow, leading to clogged pores and skin irritation.

Requires washing off: You’ll need to wash your face thoroughly in the morning to remove any residual Vaseline. Otherwise it can feel heavy on the skin during the day.
May cause milia: Using thick creams around the eyes could potentially lead to small, hardened cysts called milia. This risk is lowered by using a very thin layer.

While uncommon, sleeping with Vaseline could cause issues if you are acne-prone, have sensitive skin or difficulty thoroughly washing it off. Make sure to do a patch test first.

How to use Vaseline safely and effectively as an overnight treatment

If you want to try using Vaseline to moisturize your face overnight, here are some tips to get the most benefits while minimizing risks:

Cleanse and tone face before applying – This removes dirt, oil and makeup so the Vaseline can work directly on clean skin.
Use a thin layer – Only use a pea-sized amount smoothed lightly over face. Avoid using too much, which can clog pores.

Focus on dry areas – Apply mostly to flaky dry patches and areas that need moisturizing the most.
Avoid the eye area – Only apply to skin around the eyes very sparingly and carefully to prevent milia.
Let it fully absorb – Give the Vaseline 5-10 minutes to absorb before laying down to prevent transfer to pillowcase.

Use a soft towel on your pillow – Place a clean towel on your pillowcase to protect it from any residual greasiness.
Wash face in the morning – Rinse off thoroughly with your regular cleanser to remove all traces.

Following these tips will maximize the moisturizing power of Vaseline while reducing any messiness and potential irritation. Just be attentive to how your skin responds.

What the research says on Vaseline for skin

Vaseline is often used anecdotally as a moisturizing solution for dry skin, but what does the scientific research say about its effects on skin health? Here’s a look at some key findings:

Helps heal dry skin – Clinical research found that applying Vaseline twice a day for 4 weeks significantly improved skin dryness, scaling, roughness and thickness in people with dry leg skin compared to untreated skin.¹
Locks in moisture – A review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology explained that Vaseline provides an effective occlusive barrier that prevents trans-epidermal water loss from skin’s surface.²

Soothes skin inflammation – Studies demonstrate Vaseline’s anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, patients with radiation dermatitis had decreased redness, pain and skin damage when treated with topical Vaseline.³
Non-comedogenic – Large-scale research reviewing comeogenicity (pore-clogging) ratings for various moisturizers found that petroleum jelly and mineral oil have very low risks for acne-prone skin.⁴

Overall, studies confirm that petroleum jelly is highly effective at hydrating and protecting skin while showing low potential for adverse reactions. Always patch test first, but science supports the benefits of Vaseline for overnight skincare use.

Other overnight skincare tips for hydrated, healthy skin

While Vaseline can be helpful for retaining moisture overnight, there are some other tips that can enhance your evening skincare routine:

Use a humidifier – Running a humidifier in your bedroom introduces moisture into the air to prevent your skin from drying out as you sleep.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase – The smooth texture of silk minimizes friction and irritation that can occur overnight.

Avoid fragrances – Steer clear of scented creams or perfumes which may contain irritating ingredients.
Apply hydrating serums – Serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides draw moisture into the skin.
Try a night cream – Look for a richer night cream formula tailored for dry, flaky skin.

Exfoliate regularly – Remove dead skin cells so your products absorb better.
Drink lots of water – Staying hydrated promotes healthy, supple skin.

Your evening skincare routine presents an opportunity to provide your skin with extra moisture and nourishment. Combine Vaseline with other hydrating and soothing ingredients to wake up with your best skin.

Potential side effects and risks of using too much Vaseline on face

When used properly, Vaseline is generally safe for most people. However, there are some potential side effects and risks associated with overusing petroleum jelly on the face:

Acne and clogged pores – Using too much Vaseline or leaving it on too long can lead to breakouts in acne-prone individuals. Greasiness and clogged pores inevitably cause increased blackheads and pimples.
Allergic reactions – Petrolatum may cause contact dermatitis, redness, swelling and itching in people with sensitivities to the ingredients.

Skin discoloration – A very thick layer of Vaseline could potentially cause mild skin discoloration that resembles melasma or skin darkening.
Excess oiliness – Too much Vaseline overwhelms the skin with grease, causing a constant shine and sheen.
Milia – Using Vaseline around the sensitive eye area could lead to small bumps called milia if pores get overloaded.

Pimple-like bumps – Follicular occlusion from petroleum jelly plugging up pores can create bumps that resemble whiteheads.

To avoid these risks, use only a small amount of Vaseline as directed and discontinue use if any irritation develops. Moderation is key to safely harnessing the benefits of Vaseline for overnight skincare.

Who should avoid using Vaseline as an overnight facial treatment?

While Vaseline can work wonderfully to hydrate skin for many people, there are some who may want to avoid using it overnight on the face:

People with highly acne-prone skin or active breakouts – The occlusive and comedogenic potential of Vaseline could worsen clogged pores and inflammation.
Those with skin sensitivities – People who know they are sensitive to petrolatum, lanolin or mineral oil may experience redness, itching or irritation.
Contact lens wearers – Greasy residue around eyes could transfer to contact lenses, making them slippery and uncomfortable.

People using retinoids – The increased irritation and dryness from retinoids may be exacerbated by Vaseline’s occlusive effects.
Those prone to milia – The milia-prone should avoid using any heavy creams around the eye area that could get trapped in pores.
People with oily skin types – Those with highly oily skin may find Vaseline too greasy, leading to more oil and shine.

Do a patch test first if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Discontinue use of any product that causes negative effects. Seek lighter, gel-based moisturizers as an alternative if Vaseline seems problematic.

Conclusion

Using a thin layer of Vaseline as an overnight facial treatment can provide excellent hydration for dry, flaky skin. Petroleum jelly offers an effective occlusive barrier to seal in moisture while you sleep. However, it also has some inherent risks like clogged pores, breakouts, irritation and greasiness. To harness the benefits of Vaseline while minimizing adverse effects, use only a pea-sized amount and avoid the eye area, rinse thoroughly in the morning and discontinue use if any irritation develops. Overall, Vaseline can be a safe, cost-effective solution for combating dryness and dehydration overnight when used carefully and sparingly.