Are you searching for a simple, budget-friendly way to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles?
You’ve probably seen the Vaseline and salt miracle wrinkle removing hack doing the rounds on social media.
It sounds unusual (and very unlikely), but many people claim it works wonders for aging skin. Does it actually work, or could you be doing more harm than good? Keep on reading to find out the answer…
What Really Causes Fine Lines And Wrinkles?
Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but they won’t appear overnight. As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, both of which are proteins which keep the skin both firm and smooth.
As collagen and elastin drop over the years, the skin becomes thinner, drier and less able to bounce back from facial expressions.
Plus, sun exposure speeds up this process, by breaking down collagen, so excessive sun exposure over the years, will give more noticeable wrinkles earlier in the aging process.
Our lifestyle has an effect too. Smoking, lack of sleep, dehydration and poor nutrition can also contribute to skin aging, as can repetitive facial movements (like squinting, frowning or smiling). Pollution, stress and genetics also play a significant roles too.
Viral Vaseline And Salt Wrinkle Hack Explained
Thanks to TikTok, a skincare “hack” went viral, where people claimed using Vaseline and salt together, could minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
The hack usually involves blending a small amount of salt into a dollop of Vaseline, and gently rubbing the mixture into the skin.
This supposedly helped to exfoliate away dead skin cells, while locking in moisture, to make fine lines look less noticeable.
How Petrolatum Helps The Skin Barrier
Petrolatum (the main ingredient in Vaseline), forms a protective layer over your skin that locks in moisture and shields it from environmental irritants.
When you apply Vaseline to your skin, it helps prevent moisture loss from the surface of the skin, which is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.
This barrier effect is especially beneficial if you have dry, sensitive, or compromised skin, as it reduces the risk of further irritation and damage.
Why Mixing Vaseline And Salt Won’t Smooth Wrinkles
Even though the internet is full of DIY skincare hacks, mixing Vaseline and salt WILL NOT smooth out your wrinkles.
You might think this combo works miracles from the (mostly probably edited) before and after photos on social media, but there’s no scientific evidence to support these claims.
As I explained above, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is great for locking in moisture, but it doesn’t have any ingredients proven to reduce wrinkles.
Whereas salt, is very abrasive and can actually irritate your skin, making fine lines and wrinkles look worse over time, as well as drying out your skin – so the opposite effect of what you’re actually looking for.
Neither Vaseline nor salt targets collagen or skin elasticity. Salt is harsh on the skin, and is likely to cause redness and skin sensitivity.
Vaseline can have a plumping effect on the skin, but it is only temporary – the wrinkles will still be there. You also risk the chance of clogged pores, worsening breakouts and redness, so keep salt well away from your skincare routine.