By Luna Vale
Let me paint a picture: I’m standing in front of my bathroom mirror, shelf packed with serums, essences, exfoliants, and moisturizers that promised me glass skin and gave me… emotional damage. My skin’s dry, angry, and flaking off like it’s trying to quit me. I’ve spent rent money trying to fix it. And yet, the thing that finally calms the storm?
A $2 tub of Vaseline.
Yes. Vaseline. The petroleum jelly your grandma probably used for everything from chapped lips to diaper rash. I used to think it was too old-school to actually work. Like, “bless her heart” kinda advice. But now? I owe her an apology and a handwritten thank-you note.
The Humble Power of Petroleum Jelly
So here’s the deal. Vaseline is an occlusive. That means it doesn’t add moisture to your skin — it traps in the hydration and nutrients you’ve already applied. Think of it like shrink-wrapping your routine so it can actually do its job while you sleep.
And if you’ve got sensitive, inflamed, over-exfoliated, or generally dramatic skin (hi, same), that kind of barrier support is chef’s kiss.
I discovered this during one of my post-retinol meltdowns — and I don’t mean emotionally, though that too. I’d gone too hard with actives, trying to clear a stress breakout, and ended up with skin that felt like sandpaper and betrayal. Out of desperation (and because I refused to go to bed looking like a flaky croissant), I reached for the Vaseline buried in the back of my drawer.
And y’all. My skin was noticeably calmer the next morning.
“But Won’t It Break Me Out?”
This was my biggest fear. I’ve had cystic acne. I still get hormonal breakouts. So the idea of slathering on something thick and greasy made me cringe.
But here’s what I learned (after, of course, spiraling into skincare Reddit for two hours): Vaseline is non-comedogenic.
Meaning: it shouldn’t clog pores. It literally can’t sink into your skin — it just sits on top like a protective blanket.
The key? Keep it clean underneath.
This is what I do when I “slug” (yes, that’s what the skincare girlies call it):
- Double cleanse — seriously, get everything off your face
- Apply your normal routine: toner, serum, moisturizer
- Add a very thin layer of Vaseline as your final step
Emphasis on thin. You want to glow like a dewy goddess, not a deep-fried mozzarella stick.
When I Reach for It
I don’t use Vaseline every night. I’m still a skincare nerd and love playing with products. But I keep it in rotation for:
- Barrier repair days (after acids, retinol, or when my skin’s throwing a tantrum)
- Winter nights when my face gets drier than my love life in high school
- Allergy season — it helps around the nose when I’m blowing it 47 times a day
- Post-shaving days when my skin’s feeling raw or overexposed
- Honestly? Anytime I want to wake up with calm, plump skin
Other Weird (but Great) Uses
Because I’m now a full-blown Vaseline evangelist, here are some bonus ways I use it:
- On cuticles to avoid that crusty, neglected look
- On eyelids and cheekbones as a natural dewy highlight (you’re welcome)
- As a lip mask at night
- To tame frizzy brows when I’ve run out of brow gel
- On elbows, knees, heels… basically anywhere that screams for help
It’s not fancy, it’s not cute, but it works. And when you’ve spent way too much on products that didn’t deliver, that kind of reliability is honestly comforting.
Let’s Get Real for a Second
There’s something kind of sweet about realizing your grandma knew what she was doing. I used to roll my eyes when she said, “You don’t need all that.” But now? After a decade of skin issues, countless breakdowns, and enough wasted money to fund a small vacation? I finally get it.
Simple. Gentle. Effective. That’s what Vaseline is.
Is it going to solve every skin issue? No. It won’t treat acne, pigmentation, or fine lines. But if your skin needs love, moisture, and protection — especially during the healing process — it can be a game changer.
Final Thoughts (And a Little Love Note)
So yeah. I’m officially that girl who puts Vaseline on her face before bed and preaches about it on the internet. I still love my serums, don’t get me wrong. But when it comes to keeping my skin happy and sane?
Grandma wins. Again.
If your skin’s going through it, maybe give it a try. And if you do? DM me. Let’s trade skincare confessions and grandma wisdom.
Stay soft, Luna 💫
