Although summer gives you the perfect opportunity to show off your tanned skin, it’s also a time when your skin can suffer if not properly protected. Sunburn, razor burn, dryness … there are plenty of things you might need to face as the temperature rises. That means it’s vital that you have your summer skincare kit ready, and petroleum jelly should be in it.
If you’re asking yourself ‘is petroleum jelly bad for you?’, then the simple answer is no. It’s perfectly safe to use and actually offers plenty of benefits. Let’s take a look at what they are, and how they can help you tackle some of the most common summer skin complaints.
Sunburn
This is the number one risk to your skin when the weather is hot, but you can also get sunburned during colder periods too. Prevention is better than cure here, so make sure you always apply sunscreen, avoid lying in the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and get plenty of shade. If you are unfortunate enough to still catch the sun, then act fast. Natural ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber can be really soothing, and there are plenty of quality after sun lotions out there too. Pop them in the fridge before use to really help cool and soothe sunburned skin.
Razor Burn
Your legs will probably be out a lot over summer, and that means shaving them more often. Any type of hair removal can dry out your skin, but shaving comes with the added risk of nicks, cuts, and shaving rash. Petroleum jelly is really handy for treating these: it provides a protective seal to skin and can help little cuts heal. Questions like is petroleum jelly bad for you have often been asked, but you needn’t worry. Quality products are filtered for purity and backed by dermatologists so you know they’re safe.
Dry and Irritated Skin
Heat rash and dry skin are common complaints in summer but they have a simple solution: moisturize! Apply a quality body cream and face cream every day after you shower, and top up as needed during the day. Petroleum jelly can also be used here as it’s great on irritated skin and dry, cracked areas. Staying hydrated by drinking more water can also help you achieve a healthy glow. Take a bottle with you when out and about and top it up regularly.
Dry Lips
Winter isn’t the only time your lips can take a pounding; they can crack and become sore in hot weather too. With this in mind, go easy on the heavy lipstick and lip gloss as they can dry lips out more. Instead, opt for something hydrating like simple petroleum jelly. As well as hydrating skin and lips, it also gives a natural sheen. A neat trick is to sprinkle a little glitter on top for a sparkly evening look.
So, there you have it: a few tips on how to combat common summer skin complaints. When the sun is shining, we all want to head outside to enjoy ourselves but it’s important that we take the necessary precautions to prevent harm. Use these tips to keep your skin smiling all summer long.
Photo. Riccardo Bresciani