Aquaphor is a popular over-the-counter skin protectant that is commonly used to help treat dry, cracked, irritated skin. It has a variety of benefits when applied topically to the skin. Here is an in-depth look at what putting Aquaphor on your skin does.
Moisturizes Skin
One of the main benefits of Aquaphor is that it moisturizes dry skin. Aquaphor contains petroleum jelly as a main ingredient which helps trap moisture in the skin and acts as an occlusive moisturizer. This prevents water loss from the skin and helps keep it hydrated. Aquaphor creates a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture.
In a clinical study, regular application of Aquaphor was found to increase skin hydration by up to 96% over six weeks. The moisturizing and hydrating properties of Aquaphor can provide relief for dry, flaky, cracked skin and improve the overall texture and appearance of skin.
Soothes Irritated Skin
In addition to moisturizing capabilities, Aquaphor also has soothing properties that can help calm irritated skin conditions. The occlusive barrier formed by Aquaphor protects sensitive skin from irritation caused by external factors like wind, cold temperatures, and chafing. It provides a soothing layer of protection.
Aquaphor is often used to help soothe and protect minor cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, chapped lips, chafed skin, eczema, and dermatitis. It can reduce itching and discomfort caused by these conditions. The moisturizing effects of Aquaphor also aid in the healing process.
Protects Skin
The petroleum base in Aquaphor forms a protective barrier on the skin that shields it from external irritants and prevents moisture loss. This protective layer helps guard skin from harsh elements like cold, wind, and dry air which can dehydrate and damage skin over time.
Applying a thin layer of Aquaphor before going outside in cold weather can provide a layer of protection and prevent wind burn. It also protects already dry, cracked skin from further damage. Using Aquaphor can help maintain healthy skin even when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Promotes Healing
In addition to protecting and soothing damaged skin, Aquaphor also helps promote healing. The moisturizing effects help hydrate the skin while the protective barrier allows the skin to heal without interference from external irritants.
Aquaphor is often used on minor cuts, burns, scrapes, and cracked skin to help speed up the natural healing process. The hydrating and protective properties create an ideal environment for the skin to regenerate and heal itself. Dermatologists often recommend Aquaphor to aid healing after cosmetic procedures like laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels.
Multi-Purpose Product
One of the benefits of Aquaphor is that it can be used on many different parts of the body and skin conditions. In addition to using it on your face as a daily moisturizer, it can also be used for:
- Chapped lips
- Cracked hands and heels
- Minor cuts and burns
- Chafed skin or rashes
- Dry elbows and knees
Aquaphor is a versatile product that can provide moisturizing, soothing, protecting, and healing benefits to skin all over the body. It can be used daily to maintain healthy skin as well as to treat a variety of irritated, dry skin conditions.
Non-Comedogenic
Aquaphor is non-comedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores. This makes it a good option for use on the face, including around the sensitive eye area. Many moisturizers are comedogenic and can lead to breakouts, but Aquaphor provides hydration without the risk of clogging pores and causing acne.
Improves Skin Texture
The intense moisturizing properties of Aquaphor can help smooth and improve overall skin texture. For those with very dry, cracked skin, regularly applying Aquaphor can help soften rough patches and create a more even, smooth skin surface.
It also exfoliates by gently removing dead, dry skin cells. With consistent use, many users report improvements in skin tone and texture when using Aquaphor.
Occlusive vs. Humectant Moisturizers
There are two main types of moisturizers:
- Occlusive – These work by forming a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss from the skin’s surface. Petroleum jelly is an occlusive moisturizer.
- Humectants – These attract and draw moisture into the skin’s surface from the deeper layers of skin and the air. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are examples of humectants.
Since Aquaphor relies on petroleum jelly as its main moisturizing mechanism, it is considered an occlusive moisturizer. It works by trapping existing moisture in the skin rather than pulling in external moisture like a humectant.
Using an occlusive moisturizer like Aquaphor to seal in moisture after applying a humectant moisturizer can provide optimal hydration.
Contains Emollients
In addition to petroleum jelly, Aquaphor contains the emollients mineral oil, ceresin, and lanolin alcohol. Emollients fill in cracks and gaps between skin cells and help smooth and soften rough, dry skin.
These emollients work together with the occlusive petroleum jelly to moisturize, protect, and condition skin. The combined effect helps prevent transepidermal water loss.
Contains Humectants
Although it is primarily an occlusive moisturizer, Aquaphor also contains small amounts of the humectants glycerin and panthenol. These ingredients supplement the occlusive base by attracting and binding moisture into the skin’s surface.
Glycerin is a common humectant found in many moisturizers. Panthenol is a pro-vitamin of B5 that provides additional softening and hydrating effects.
Hypoallergenic Formula
Aquaphor is formulated to be hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Because it is fragrance-free and dye-free, it is suitable for sensitive skin.
However, petroleum jelly is derived from petroleum, so those with sensitivities or allergies to petroleum products should still exercise caution when using Aquaphor.
Enhances Moisture Absorption
Research shows that applying an occlusive moisturizer like Aquaphor after bathing can enhance moisture absorption and retention in the skin. After a bath or shower, the skin’s moisture barrier is disrupted, so it is more permeable to external treatments.
Applying Aquaphor to damp skin traps the moisture from the bath into the skin and allows the skin to absorb it better. This results in increased hydration and less transepidermal water loss after bathing.
Difference Between Aquaphor and Vaseline
Aquaphor and Vaseline are both petroleum-based occlusive moisturizers, but Aquaphor contains additional emollients and humectants while Vaseline is 100% petroleum jelly. Some key differences include:
| Aquaphor | Vaseline |
|---|---|
| Contains petroleum jelly + mineral oil, lanolin alcohol, ceresin | 100% petroleum jelly |
| Adds moisture to skin | Locks in moisture but does not add moisture |
| Contains humectants glycerin and panthenol | No humectant ingredients |
| Softer, more emollient texture | Thicker, stickier texture |
| Promotes healing | Protects but does not aid healing |
While both products create an occlusive layer to prevent moisture loss, Aquaphor provides more complete moisturizing with added emollients and humectants. It has a lighter, less sticky feel than pure petroleum jelly.
Possible Side Effects
When used as directed, Aquaphor is generally very safe and well tolerated. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Allergic reaction – As with any topical product, allergic reactions are possible. Discontinue use if any irritation or rash occurs.
- Acne – The occlusive effect can potentially clog pores and lead to breakouts in acne-prone individuals.
- Skin discoloration – Petroleum jelly may stain or discolor the skin, especially in people with darker skin tones.
Always do a patch test before applying any new product to a large area of skin. If any irritation develops, stop using it.
How to Use
Aquaphor is easy to use:
- Cleanse and dry skin thoroughly before applying.
- Use a thin layer only, using too much can lead to breakouts.
- Apply to affected areas 1-3 times per day or as needed.
- Reapply after hand washing.
- For extremely dry skin, can apply a thicker layer at bedtime and cover with gloves or socks to enhance absorption.
- Do not apply to open wounds or mucous membranes.
Compare to Petrolatum
| Aquaphor | Petrolatum |
|---|---|
| Contains other emollients | 100% petrolatum |
| Softer, more spreadable | Thick, waxy consistency |
| Absorbs into skin | Sits on top of skin |
| Occlusive + humectant | Purely occlusive |
| Healing | Protective |
| Can be used on face | Comedogenic, avoid on face |
While petrolatum and Aquaphor are both petroleum-based occlusives, Aquaphor contains additional moisturizing ingredients and has a lighter texture and feel.
Aquaphor vs. Creams/Lotions
| Aquaphor | Creams/Lotions |
|---|---|
| Occlusive moisturizer | Often contain humectants |
| Thick, greasy texture | Lighter, easy to spread |
| Sits on top of skin | Absorbs into skin |
| Primarily seals moisture in | Adds and binds moisture |
| Ideal for severely dry areas | Better for normal to dry skin |
Creams and lotions contain more humectant ingredients while Aquaphor relies on occlusives. Aquaphor provides an intense moisture barrier for extremely dry skin.
Conclusion
Applying Aquaphor to the skin provides numerous benefits by trapping moisture into the skin and protecting it from external irritants and dehydration. Regular use can hydrate, soothe, heal, and restore very dry, cracked skin. It moisturizes without clogging pores.
Aquaphor is ideal for people struggling with severely dry skin conditions like eczema as well as dry hands, lips, and cuticles. It can aid healing and adds a protective barrier when skin is vulnerable. While greasy, it is a top choice for extremely dehydrated skin.