Composition.
The composition of petroleum jelly is a mixture of solid and liquid carbohydrates. Vaseline is obtained when processing petroleum fractions with a low boiling point, and its invention dates back to the middle of the 19th century.
Petroleum jelly melts at 60 ° C, dissolves in ether and chloroform, and mixes with all but castor oil. It does not dissolve in water or in alcohol, so when applied to the skin it is difficult to wash off.
Natural petrolatum is produced from paraffinic resins of natural origin. Artificial - from a mixture of ceresin and paraffin with the addition of purified vaseline or perfume oil and substances that increase the viscosity. Artificial petroleum jelly has a murky yellowish or white color. In comparison with it, the natural preparation is more viscous and transparent, and also has an antimicrobial effect.
Application of petroleum jelly.
Types of Vaseline:
- technical,
- medical,
- cosmetic.
Technical petroleum jelly is subjected to the least cleaning. Its color can range from yellow to dark brown. Unlike other varieties, technical petroleum jelly has the smell of kerosene. It uses such petrolatum in the industry to protect metal parts from the destructive effect of moisture, to impregnate electrical insulators and to lubricate various contacts. The composition of technical petroleum jelly includes acids, so if it gets on the skin, irritation may occur.
Medical Vaseline , as well as cosmetic, is thoroughly cleaned and has a white color. In medicine, it is used mainly externally, as an emollient and protective agent, and also as a basis for medicinal ointments. Vaseline helps protect the skin from burns when setting jars. Before the introduction of an enema or gas tube, their hard tips are smeared with vaseline to protect the mucous membrane from injury. Applying a thin layer of Vaseline helps to heal small cracks on the skin and soften it after exposure to the sun, wind or frost.
Cosmetic Vaseline is used in the manufacture of many ointments and creams. In its pure form it is rarely used, since Vaseline is able to completely clog the pores of the skin and block the access of oxygen to it. However, Vaseline is great for softening the skin before a massage and to protect the skin after peeling or dermabrasion. Vaseline preserves skin moisture, not allowing it to evaporate. This property has both positive and negative sides. Protective vaseline film helps the skin to relax and recover from cosmetic procedures. However, with skin problems, fluid retention adversely affects the recovery processes.
In extremely rare cases, the occurrence of an allergic rash at the site of application of petroleum jelly is possible. When applied to the skin, Vaseline is not practically absorbed into the blood, therefore it has no contraindications, except for individual intolerance.