Yes, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is good for scars because it creates a protective barrier, locks in moisture, and keeps wounds moist, preventing scabs and promoting smoother healing, which minimizes scar appearance and itchiness, especially during the early stages and for dryness. While it helps the healing process, for mature scars or more significant management, other treatments like silicone gels might be recommended, but consistent moisturization with Vaseline helps improve texture and color over time, alongside sun protection and massage.
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Continue applying Vaseline or Aquaphor for 2-3 weeks after suture removal. AVOID antibiotics ointment as they may cause a rash or itching. 2. To ensure the best results, disturbing the wound(s) should be kept at a minimum.
Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars
Using petroleum jelly for scars may be beneficial during and after the healing process. Vaseline® Jelly is known for protecting minor cuts and burns. It creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface to lock in moisture to help protect skin while it heals.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, which can be harmful to healing wounds. The presence of debris, bacteria or other impurities in open skin can trigger infection and extend the inflammation period. Fisher says prolonged inflammation enhances scar formation.
Silicone Gel or Sheets: Often used for surgical or hypertrophic scars. Silicone hydrates the scar tissue and helps flatten and soften it over time. Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin): Vitamin A derivatives that encourage skin turnover and collagen production, effective for acne scars and stretch marks.
Applying a thin layer of Vaseline after carefully cleaning the wound helps maintain a moist environment, which protects the delicate tissue and encourages faster skin regeneration.
Discover Bio Oil (60ml), both clinically proven to help treat the appearance of stretch marks and scars; and also, thanks to a PurCellin with Vitamin A & Vitamin E blend, is effective at providing greater texture and elasticity to skin.
Lavender and tea tree oil
Essential oils like lavender and tea tree may help reduce inflammation and support your skin as it heals, reducing the risk of scarring.
Very few products for scar reduction sold over the counter have actually been clinically proven to make a difference to scars (such as Bio-Oil, Vitamin E, cocoa butter etc.) Silicone is considered the gold standard ingredient in scar healing.
At that stage, six weeks after your surgery, I would expect the scar to be beautifully healed. I would be happy for you to start to gently massage the scar, in the line of the incision, with Bio Oil, E45 cream or Nivea cream. This will smooth the scar and can help to desensitise the area.
While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.
Helps Wounds Heal
That's because it seals water into your skin. That's good for your wounds because they need a moist place to heal. It may take up to twice as long for dry injured skin to get better. This oily moisturizer may also ease the redness of a new scar and lower your chances of infection.
Minor Cuts and Abrasions
So, if you've had a cut or a burn, Vaseline jelly applied to the area will form a protective barrier, thus reducing the appearance of scars. What's more, for existing scars, Vaseline jelly provides the moisturisation that promotes the reduction of redness around the scar site and helps improve the appearance of scars.
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It helps skin to heal
Vaseline jelly works to trap moisture into the skin, which helps to keep skin moist, helping it to heal faster. So, slugging helps skin to heal by creating a moist environment that allows your skin barrier to slowly repair itself overnight, while you rest.
Dr. Davis says because petroleum jelly is chemically similar to proteins in our skin, it's also a good choice for treating everything from chapped lips to dry cuticles, hands and feet. Dr.
Don't use abrasive or rough washcloths for skin care and wound healing. Don't scratch dry, itching areas. Scratching can cause further skin damage and increase the risk of infection, which can impede the healing process. Don't apply tape of any kind to dry, sensitive, fragile skin.
Koreans (and others) use Vaseline on their face at night for "slugging," a K-beauty trend where a layer of petroleum jelly seals in moisture, prevents water loss (transepidermal water loss), and locks in other skincare products, leading to softer, smoother, and more hydrated skin by morning, acting as a protective barrier. It's especially great for dry skin but not recommended for oily or acne-prone skin as it can clog pores.
Experts say it can help lock in moisture, boost hydration and help fight signs of aging, which is why we've been known to smother it on everything from chapped lips to dry elbows — especially in the winter months.
Topical Treatments with Retinoids: Retinoid-based creams are known to increase cell turnover and fade dark scars faster. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels can remove dead skin cells and lighten scars. They are particularly effective for dark scars on the face or body.
Vitamin E is also generally considered the best oil for scars after surgery, although larger scars will take longer to heal. Apply almond carrier oil for healthier looking skin: Because almond oil contains Vitamin E, this could make it helpful for reducing the appearance of scars.