Aquaphor vs Vaseline – Which Is Better For Wounds?
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is frequently compared to Vaseline when first-time users feel its somewhat slick, gel consistency. Here is a comparison of the two ointments:
Aquaphor
It is a topical skin cream meant for daily use. It has a thick texture but is easy to apply and is specially produced for sensitive skin. Additionally, it has no dyes or scents, hence, there is nothing to irritate sensitive skin.
The active ingredient in this ointment is petrolatum, which is another name for petroleum jelly.
Inactive ingredients include:
Bisabolol
Bisabolol, also known as levomenol, helps promote the healing of damaged skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. Bisabolol is derived from the chamomile plant.
It can effectively encourage healthy hair growth and promote and stimulate the skin’s healing process due to its high panthenol concentration.
Bisabolol is also a potent antioxidant with well-known anti-irritant and soothing properties.
Panthenol
Panthenol, also referred to as pro-vitamin B5, acts as a humectant and also conditions the skin. In addition, it speeds up healing after injury or other similar skin trauma.
Synergism with vitamin B3 is claimed. Panthenol is small enough to penetrate through the cuticle of the hair.
Because of its strong absorption properties, which can counteract harmful bacteria, and its potent anti-inflammatory properties, panthenol is considered a potential acne treatment.
When applied, it reduces redness, and itching, and suppresses inflammation.
It appears in supplements, food, and hygienic products of a wide variety.
Important note – a deficiency in vitamin B5 can result in dermatological disorders.
Glycerin
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a natural humectant and moisturizer that binds moisture to the outer layer of the skin and keeps it hydrated.
It is derived from animal products, plants, or petroleum. Glycerin was discovered by a Swedish chemist in 1779 when he was heating a mixture of olive oil.
Due to the fact that it can promote the natural maturation of skin cells, some people choose to use glycerin on or near scratches, wounds, or blemishes. It also helps you get rid of bacterial infections.
Lanolin Alcohol
Lanolin, sometimes referred to as “wool fat,” is composed of fatty acids and cholesterol that have been shown to provide skin benefits.
Unrefined lanolin has been used for thousands of years by various cultures. Lanolin is usually mixed with a humectant that holds moisture to the skin.
Lanolin alcohol is actually a subfraction of a wax made from wool wax (lanolin) which contains a combination of hydrocarbons that have skin-smoothing attributes.
Note – despite the “alcohol” in the name, lanolin alcohol is not a skin sensitizer.
Vaseline
Vaseline is the name brand for petroleum jelly – a purified mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum (a naturally occurring, yellow-to-black liquid).
This product has been around since the 1870s, when Robert Augustus Cheeseborough, a Brooklyn chemist, originally developed it as a remedy for skin abrasions.
Currently, it is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved over-the-counter skin protectant.
Note – the purity of petroleum jelly depends on the manufacturing process.
Uses
Aquaphor
It helps protect scrapes, minor cuts, and burns from becoming infected and speeds the healing time if you do get a skin injury.
Using this product on the affected areas helps soothe the pain, particularly when used overnight.
It is also useful for diaper rash. Applying this cream can alleviate the appearance of the diaper rash as well as it can soothe skin irritation.
Note – this ointment is not meant to be used for bacterial infections that are concomitant with acne or to treat hormonal causes of acne.
Vaseline
It is an anti-aging element, humectant, and anti-bacterial ointment that creates a barrier between your skin and the environment.
It can be used to:
- reduce the incidence of diaper rash in babies since it creates a moisture barrier which can reduce the risk of diaper rash;
- minimize brittleness and help prevent the nails from chipping;
- make your makeup last longer. Therefore, if you are applying the ointment before your mascara, it makes it last longer;
- speed up the healing of minor wounds like scrapes, cuts, and scratches.
Mechanism of Action
Aquaphor acts as an emollient to create a barrier on the surface to seal in moisture and to help soften and smooth the skin.
Vaseline helps dry skin heal itself from within and works by creating a protective barrier on the skin to lock in natural moisture.
Side Effects
Aquaphor
Using this natural ointment is safe, but some people can experience the following side effects:
- difficulty breathing;
- wheezing;
- swelling of the mouth, lips, or throat;
- severe itching;
- an unexplained rash or hives.
Vaseline
The oily and thick texture of this product may lead to clogged pores that will probably lead to acne. Therefore, if you are prone to acne, it is recommended to avoid this ointment.
Due to the mineral oils present in Vaseline, applying it topically to the nose area may cause trouble breathing or nasal itchiness.
This product promotes collagen (the protein in the human body that holds everything together) breakdown. The reduced levels of this protein decrease the elasticity and firmness of your skin, leading to wrinkles.
Moreover, this ointment is not a moisturizer and could cause skin dryness or irritation since it would deplete the natural oils of the skin.
Petrolatum jelly breaks down skin glue, which could allow the wound to reopen. Therefore, it should not be used on a deep cut that has been closed with skin glue.
Lastly, people allergic to a petroleum-based ointment may experience allergic reactions due to the use of petroleum jelly.
Dosage
The most effective way to use these ointments is at night, especially before bed.
Note – avoid putting the ointments in open wounds.
Warnings & Precautions
Aquaphor
Stop using this product and contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms last more than a week.
Do not use this product on:
- serious burns;
- deep or puncture wounds;
- animal bites.
Vaseline
Avoid using this product as a vaginal lubricant or for masturbation.
Do not eat or inhale petroleum jelly.
In case of accidental inhalation or ingestion, contact your local poison control center as soon as possible, particularly if there is any choking, coughing, or vomiting associated with the incident.
Individuals suffering from skin conditions (such as rosacea or acne) should avoid this product, due to the fact that petroleum jelly can aggravate these skin conditions.
Aquaphor vs Vaseline (petroleum jelly) – Which Is Better?
While they’re both petroleum-based, Aquaphor is 41 percent petroleum, whereas Vaseline is 100 percent petroleum.
According to a 2013 study conducted at the DermSurgery Associates, Houston, USA, surgical wounds treated with Aquaphor Healing Ointment had a higher incidence of wound redness (52 percent) than patients treated with Vaseline (12 percent).
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1564142 http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/library-health-news/