Mix Vaseline with lemon! If only I had known this before.

Mixing Vaseline (petroleum jelly) with lemon juice is a home remedy that’s been used for a few different purposes, though scientific evidence to support many of these uses is limited. Here’s a breakdown of what people use it for, and what you should know:  

Potential Uses:

• Skin Lightening/Dark Spot Reduction:
  • Some people believe that the citric acid in lemon juice can lighten dark spots or hyperpigmentation.  
  • Vaseline is used as a barrier to help the lemon juice stay on the skin.
  • Caution: Lemon juice can be irritating to the skin, especially in sunlight, and can cause phototoxicity (increased sensitivity to sunlight).  
• Dry Skin/Cuticle Care:
  • Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer, meaning it creates a barrier that locks in moisture.  
  • Some people mix it with lemon juice to soften dry cuticles or rough skin.
  • Since lemon is also an acid, it can help to soften hard skin.
• Lip Balm:
  • Vaseline is often used as a lip balm.  
  • Some people add lemon juice for a slight citrus flavor.
  • Caution: Lemon juice can be drying to the lips in excess.

Important Considerations:

• Phototoxicity: Lemon juice makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn, dark spots, and other sun damage. If you use this mixture, avoid sun exposure.  
• Skin Irritation: Lemon juice can be highly irritating, especially for sensitive skin. It can cause redness, burning, and peeling.  
• Lack of Scientific Evidence: Many of the claims about this mixture are based on anecdotal evidence, not scientific research.
• Vaseline’s Occlusive Nature: While Vaseline locks in moisture, it doesn’t add moisture. It can trap irritants or bacteria on the skin.  
• pH imbalance: Lemon juice is very acidic, and can throw off the natural PH balance of the skin, leading to irritation.  

Recommendations:

• If you have dark spots or hyperpigmentation, consult a dermatologist for safe and effective treatment options.
• For dry skin, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
• If you want to try this mixture, do a patch test on a small area of skin first to check for irritation.
• Avoid using this mixture on broken or irritated skin.
• Never use this mixture before sun exposure.
• Use with extreme caution.

In short, while the Vaseline and lemon mixture has some traditional uses, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to exercise caution.