My Nana Swore by This: Mix Two Simple Ingredients with Vaseline for Softer, Smoother Skin
For generations, home beauty remedies have been passed down through families. One popular tip is to mix Vaseline (petroleum jelly) with a couple of common skincare ingredients to help keep the skin soft and reduce the appearance of fine lines. While these mixtures can improve hydration, it’s important to know that no homemade remedy can permanently erase wrinkles.
Here’s a look at a popular version of this traditional skincare trick—and what it can realistically do.
A Simple Moisturising Blend
Many people combine:
- 1 teaspoon of Vaseline
- A few drops of vitamin E oil
- A few drops of aloe vera gel
Mix the ingredients until smooth and store them in a clean, airtight container.
How to Use It
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Pat your skin dry.
- Apply a small amount of the mixture to areas prone to dryness or fine lines.
- Gently massage it into the skin using upward, circular motions.
- Leave it on overnight and wash your face as usual in the morning.
Because Vaseline is very occlusive, a little goes a long way.
Why These Ingredients May Help
Vaseline
Vaseline forms a protective barrier on the skin that helps prevent water loss. Well-hydrated skin often looks smoother, making fine lines appear less noticeable.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress. While it supports skin health, evidence that it significantly reduces wrinkles on its own is limited.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains compounds that can soothe the skin and provide lightweight hydration. Some small studies suggest it may improve skin elasticity, but more research is needed.
What This Remedy Can—and Can’t—Do
This mixture may:
- Lock in moisture.
- Improve the appearance of dry, flaky skin.
- Make fine lines look temporarily less visible by plumping the skin with hydration.
- Leave the skin feeling softer and smoother.
It cannot:
- Permanently erase wrinkles.
- Reverse skin ageing.
- Replace treatments that have been shown to improve wrinkles, such as sunscreen, retinoids, or certain in-office dermatological procedures.
Tips for Healthier-Looking Skin
For the best results, combine good skincare habits with a healthy lifestyle:
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day.
- Cleanse your skin gently.
- Use a moisturiser suited to your skin type.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid smoking, which accelerates skin ageing.
- Get adequate sleep.
A Word of Caution
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Vaseline may feel too heavy for your face. Consider testing the mixture on a small area of skin first to check for irritation, especially if you’re using vitamin E oil or aloe vera for the first time.
