Hekmatpou, D., et al. (2019). The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review. If you're using a steroid cream or another treatment for your skin condition, wait 20 to 30 minutes between using an emollient and using the other treatment. Ask a doctor which one to use first.

Brown, J., et al. (2013). Intravaginal practices and risk of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis infection among a cohort of women in the United States [Abstract]. Chow, E. P. F., et al. (2016). Saliva use as a lubricant for anal sex is a risk factor for rectal gonorrhoea among men who have sex with men, a new public health message: A cross-sectional survey. As butter is a dairy product and requires refrigeration, there are risks if people use it for sexual activity. Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition. The triggers and symptoms of rosacea vary widely from case to case, but research by dermatologists suggests that occlusives like petroleum jelly are safe and even beneficial for people who have rosacea. The “occlusive” property of Vaseline protects skin that is red and inflamed and may help it to heal. Psoriasis Vaseline works as an occlusive ingredient. That means that, for the most part, it doesn’t actually add moisture to your face.

If your skin stings after using an emollient wash product and does not settle after rinsing, ask a pharmacist to recommend a different product. Using emollients with other skin treatments Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture.

It's especially important to regularly apply an emollient to your hands and face, as they're exposed to the elements more than any other part of your body. Even though the Vaseline label clearly states it can be used to treat “minor burns,” you should only apply Vaseline to burns that are already healing, and several hours after the injury occurred. Try another natural remedy, such as aloe, instead. Not for acne Where people are unable to obtain personal lubricants, they could use one of the following alternatives: Aloe vera In addition, Vaseline states that it is for external use only, so it is likely not suitable for penetrative or oral intercourse.

an overheating, burning sensation or stinging that does not settle after a few days of treatment – usually caused by a reaction to a certain ingredient in the emollient What Vaseline does is seal existing moisture into your skin. It also protects skin that’s been injured or irritated by forming a seal or barrier where it’s applied.

This avoids diluting the effect of the treatment and spreading it to areas of skin that do not need it. When to apply emollients As saliva plays a part in oral sex, some people may assume it would be a good lube alternative. However, this could trigger an infection, while there is a risk that someone could pass or receive a sexually transmitted infection. Darvishi, M., et al. (2015). The comparison of vaginal cream of mixing yogurt, honey and clotrimazole on symptoms of vaginal candidiasis. Lotions are good for hairy or damaged areas of skin (such as weeping eczema – where pus is seeping out of damaged areas of skin). This is because lotions are thin and spread easily, but they're not very moisturising. Sprays Vaseline keeps your skin from losing moisture, so certain blended petroleum jelly products may be more effective at actually moisturizing. Aquaphor, another petroleum jelly product, blends lanolin and ceresin to make the product moisturizing as well as occlusive.

How to get emollients

However, the brand Vaseline also sells lotions and creams, as well as oils and serums, that contain smaller amounts of its classic petroleum jelly product. According to researchers, petroleum jelly is one of the most effective moisturizers on the market. It works by sitting on top of the skin, where it forms a barrier and prevents water from leaving your skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests egg whites may be a suitable lubricant alternative. This is because people believe it has a similar consistency to cervical mucus. Petroleum Jelly is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, so it will not clog your pores

We all know that coconut oil is amazing, and it has about fifteen million uses, but lube? Not one of them. Megan explains: One study, which looked at intercourse between males, suggests that those who use saliva as a lubricant could spread gonorrhea. An older study also highlights saliva in oral sex might cause vaginal yeast infections. Baby oil With this barrier, petroleum jelly effectively reduces how much moisture is lost from the skin. According to one review of studies, petroleum jelly is superior at this compared to lanolin, olive, and mineral oils. Maierhofer, C., et al. (2016). Lubricant use and rectal chlamydial and gonococcal infections among men who engage in receptive anal intercourse. As olive oil is an oil-based lube, it is not advisable to use it with latex condoms or other latex barrier contraception methods as it can cause them to break.Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. You can buy emollients from a pharmacy without a prescription. If the skin condition is severe, talk to a GP, nurse or health visitor, as you may need a stronger treatment.