Petroleum Jelly for Scars

Petroleum jelly was first discovered in its raw form, some two hundred years ago. However, it became a popular ointment only a century ago. Petroleum jelly was first launched as an ointment for skin injuries, under the brand name 'Vaseline' in Brooklyn, New York. Ever since, it has been widely used to cure all sorts of skin problems. Pure petroleum jelly, which contains no chemicals or perfumes is considered as the best moisturizer even for sensitive skin.


What is Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly, also called as petrolatum is a flammable, semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons. It has a melting point of about 37°C. Its appearance is pale yellow and translucent. In its purest form, it does not have any taste or smell. It is hydrophobic (water repellent) and also insoluble in water. Petroleum jelly is often mistaken for glycerol due to their similar texture. However, glycerol is not a hydrocarbon, but an alcohol. Nonetheless, both have tremendous healing properties.

Petroleum Jelly for Scars
Petroleum jelly to heal scars is widely used in the field of medicine. Applying petroleum jelly on wound accelerates the healing process. Due to its hydrophobic properties, petroleum jelly prevents any fluids from entering the wound. It forms a barrier around the wound, so as to protect the wound from bacteria and other foreign objects. This barrier also prevents the loss of moisture from the wound. Moreover, petroleum jelly prohibits the formation of thick scab, which delays the healing process. This scab is also responsible for the wound marks. Its working mechanism is somewhat similar to silicon sheeting or a bandage.

Effectiveness of Petroleum Jelly in Treating Scars
Petroleum jelly is effective only for treating fresh cuts and wounds. It is hardly effective in treating old scars. In case of fresh wounds, petroleum jelly inhibits the formation of ugly scars on the skin. This is done by producing collagen in the body and petroleum jelly stimulates collagen production. Collagen is a component in the skin, which is responsible for its fullness. When the scar is old, petroleum jelly fails to stimulate collagen production. Thus, there is no scope for the improvement in the appearance of the scar.

Petroleum Jelly for Skin
There are several uses of petroleum jelly in improving the overall quality of skin. Following are some of the petroleum jelly uses in skin care.

* Apply some petroleum jelly on chapped lips or dry hands to make them soft.
* Before going for any beauty treatment on hair or skin, dab generous amount of petroleum jelly to protect the skin or hair from harsh chemicals.
* Always apply a layer of white petroleum jelly before doing heavy make up, it helps later to remove make up quickly.
* While working with paints and greases, apply some petroleum jelly before wearing gloves.
* Put some petroleum jelly on your feet and gently massage before going to bed.

Petroleum jelly for scars is effective only as long as the wound is fresh. Also, you need additional treatment to encourage the healing process. In case of deep or serious wound, consult your physician before attempting to treat it with petroleum jelly.

source: buzzle.com

Scar Removal Home Remedies

You are thinking of getting ready for that grand party or get together with good old friends. You plan your outfit, hairdo and the new look. But as you look into the mirror, you suddenly notice the ugly scar that seem to mar your perfect face. A scar can be caused due to a variety of reasons like acne, burns, etc. You may wonder, is possible to get rid of scars quickly? Yes, it is possible with the help of scar removal home remedies. Let us take a look at the different methods of treating scars on face.

Home Remedies for Scar Removal

There are several natural scar removal products that can be easily found at home or bought from the market. The following are home remedies for removal of scars caused due to acne, wounds, etc.

* Rubbing ice on the face is one of the easiest method of get rid of scars, tighten the spores and treat pimples.
* Cucumber juice is one of the best natural remedy for scar removal. Apply a teaspoon of cucumber juice on the scar, let it remain for 15 - 20 minutes and wash off with cool water.
* Aloe vera is another option used as a facial scar removal home remedies. However, aloe vera proves to be more effective when used on fresh scars. Fresh aloe vera can be rubbed on the scar or you can even apply aloe vera juice available in the market.
* Lemon juice also helps in healing scars naturally. You can either apply lemon juice or cut the lemon into half and apply it over the scar.
* When thinking of how to get rid of acne scars, home remedies like using sandalwood paste is considered as one of the best method. You should mix sandalwood powder with rose water, apply and let it remain overnight, and wash it in the morning.
* Applying honey is also one of the most effective burn, acne scar removal home remedies. You can apply honey directly on the scar 2 - 3 times a day.
* Cocoa butter and shea butter are other effective scar removal products that are easily available. You can apply either of them directly on the scar. However, one should remember only to buy products that do not contain artificial flavors or colors. Cocoa and shea butter even help in making skin smooth and soft.
* Tomato extract is one of the best scar removal home remedies. You can apply tomato extract or juice directly on the scar to get rid of the scar effectively.
* Essential oils like lavender can also be used for natural acne scar removal. You should dip a cotton ball in the essential oil and apply it directly on the scar regularly. Tea tree oil can also be used for the same.
* Lastly, vitamin E can be used for chicken pox and pimple scar removal. Vitamin E pills are available in the market which contain vitamin E oil. A single pill can be burst with a pin and the oil can be directly applied on the scar.

These are some effective scar removal home remedies that can be easily carried out at home. It is advisable to consult your doctor or skin specialist before going for these home remedies on a regular basis. In minor cases, these home remedies for scar removal are effective. But if none of them are effective, you can think of the effective, yet expensive, methods like surgery, skin grafting or laser treatment. Take care!

source: buzzle.com