Can PETROLATUM JELLY act as a SUNSCREEN?

Question

I go for swimming classes in the sun & the water has a lot of chlorine in it.Will Putting on PETROLATUM JELLY will HELP from avoiding SKIN TAN?

Answer 1

Hi,

Petroleum Jelly is useful for preventing water access to your skin, so would help with any possible chlorine problem. BUT-it isn't an effective sunscreen.

Any greasy product on the skin will prevent a small amount of the sun's rays getting through, but Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) is not one of the better ones.

I would suggest your best prevention would be to seek a waterproof suncreen treatment from your pharmacist (who would be pleased to advise you).

You are wise to look after your skin and take all possible care to avoid sun damage...but Vaseline isn't really the answer.

Good luck, anyway, enjoy your swimming,

Cheers,

BobSpain

Answer 2

Petrolatum jelly can't act (and you shouldn't ever use it) as a sunscreen, unless there is an SPF claim of 15 and above on the label. But then, I don't think there is an available Vaseline with SPF yet. However, I am sure that there is a very bright future for that kind of product due to its versatility as a beauty necessity.

But even though if petrolatum jelly with SPF15 exists, then you still can't use it as a sunscreen (unless you're desperate and you don't mind about body acne). Petrolatum jelly can be used as a substitute for lip gloss, make-up remover (just wash your face after), foot and elbow moisturizer, but never as a body lotion. Also, it is somewhat an oily substance, and I'm afraid that you might get a hard time leaving the pool while your hands are greased.

As of now, invest first on sunblock lotions and facial creams (SPF15 or above is recommended, so I'd buy a sunblock lotion with SPF30) and a hair product that protects against chlorine, as the chemical can damage your hair. Also, if possible, ask someone if you can change your class schedule that doesn't call for 10am to 3pm, as UV rays are massive at these times.

And if you are skeptical about my answer (and others' answers) and chlorine, it is best to ask a dermatologist whom you can trust. Thanks for asking and always take care of yourself! :)

Answer 3

PETROLATUM JELLY will protect your skin from the effects of water and the chlorine in it. It won't protect against UV rays, only sunscreen or zinc cream will. Maybe try the jelly first then put the sunscreen over it. I would try using both as both would be beneficial for you as a swimmer. I use Vaseline as a moisturiser and I love it.

Answer 4

There is a range of vaseline available with an SPF of 15, but I have only seen it available in small tins for lipcare. Vaseline is unlikely to give you acne if you are washing it off to allow your skin to breath afterwards. But regular petroleum jelly (vaseline!) doesn't have a sun protection factor and won't block UV rays, even if it is making your burnt skin more comfortable. Much better to research a good quality waterproof sunblock - Piz Buin are great and worth the money. Often store brands have less stable formulas that don't give the protection factor advertised. They are working on improving it but the guidelines only state that they have to be within a reasonable range of the advertised factor.

Answer 5

No hun, in fact you will be as brown as a Cadbury's chocolate. The only real thing that will help is genuine sunblock! Try to get waterproof sunblock, it will help against the sun and the chlorine!! Good luck and remember, get that sunblock because the sun can really mess up your skin and you don't want to look 50 when you are 30 do you?

Answer 6

Petrolatum jelly will not keep you from getting tan or burn ... you need something with a sunscreen in it ...it will say on the label

Answer 7

Vinegar or cold compresses/showers are the place to start. You don't want to put aloe vera or any other gel on the sunburn before the majority of the heat is taken out, otherwise is seals it in (I've had this happen before with aloe) and can make the sunburn worse. Once your skin is reasonably close to normal temperature, lots of aloe or other skin repairing lotion. It also helps if you do the cooling thing regularly until your skin has healed to the point of only slightly pink.

Answer 8

no darling, petroleum jelly will clog yr skin pores and u may suffer from acne. if u r going for swimming classes suntan can't be avoided.
but afterwards you can use a good scrub and a facepack to remove the tan.

Answer 9

NO. Just the opposite----you'll fry like bacon! Much better to use sun blockers made to protect you from the sun, like Zinc Oxide--surfers wear it in the sun all day and don't burn.try that.

Answer 10

NEVER USE PETROLEUM JELLY AS SUNSCREEN!!!
IT RESULTS IN BREAKOUTS OF PIMPLES!!!
I DID THE SAME THING AND AM REGRETTING IT TO THIS DAY!!!
Even i take swimming classes and after using it my clear face was covered with pimples within a week.