How Aquaphor is a Versatile Skin Rescue Product
One of the best feelings has to be moisturized and hydrated skin. There are numerous solutions to aid dry, itchy, and cracked skin but one of the most popular and affordable is Aquaphor. While it can be fun to splurge on luxury moisturizers, you don’t need to spend too much to soothe your skin with a product that offers the same benefits - if not more. Aquaphor beats luxury products as a multi-purpose skincare product in just one jar; the best part is it is priced around $3-$13 depending on the size purchased. Breaking it down - one 14oz jar of Aquaphor costs $13.74, this means it’s 98.1 cents/oz!
Differing from lotions and creams, Aquaphor is a much thicker multi-purpose ointment that may not be as aesthetically pleasing as trendy skincare brands but ultimately more promising and not irritating to most skin types. This thicker ointment is a mix of Petrolatum (to allow oxygen to flow and help heal the skin), and Panthenol and Glycerin (to moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin to enhance healing). Aquaphor healing ointment can soothe extremely dry skin, chapped lips, cracked hands and feet, minor cuts and burns, and many other skin concerns. Aquaphor is one of the most versatile skincare products that should be added to your skin rescue staples through dry heat or cold winter weather.
Let’s find out some ways we can use Aquaphor to heal our skin!
Face Moisturizer
If your skin type is normal/dry, try using Aquaphor as a general face and/or moisturizer to moisturize extremely dehydrated skin. Applying a small amount of Aquaphor to dry skin can minimize discomfort and irritation from cracked and itchy skin. It protects dry skin from damage by creating a barrier over it. Try applying to wet skin directly after cleansing, this can maximize its effects and bring more moisture to the skin. However, if you have an oily or combination skin type you should avoid using Aquaphor as a face moisturizer.
Aquaphor can cause an increase in breakouts with those who have acne-prone skin. Your pores can become more clogged and create excessive moisture in oily skin. All skin types should never apply Aquaphor to uncleansed skin as the thick ointment can trap dirt onto the skin and trigger bumps.
Chapped Lips
Oftentimes, the dry air and even sunburn can cause painfully chapped lips. Aquaphor can be used on the lips to restore moisture to severely dry lips. Not only will they help in bringing moisture to lips but also provide extra shine. While you could buy from an infinite list of lip balms on the market, Aquaphor gives great hydration at an affordable price. If you’ve been dealing with intense dry lips, try applying a thick layer of Aquaphor onto the lips and leave it on overnight to wake up with softer lips. In the summer weather, it feels more comfortable to wear lighter makeup and let our skin breathe. If you want to look more natural but still wear makeup try mixing Aquaphor with a powder blush and highlighter for a glowy and dewy look, or with a deeper lipstick to create a lighter day-friendly color.
Dry Feet and Hands
While cold winter air is known to take moisture away from the air and our skin, summer activities also affect the moisture barrier. From swimming in chlorine pools, blasting the AC, and increased sun exposure, our skin can become dry and cracked. To soothe cracked hands and cuticles or skin in general, try creating a mask with Aquaphor. Slather on a thick layer of Aquaphor to feet and hands then put on gloves and socks overnight to wake up with smoother, healthier skin.
Wound Healing
For minor burns and cuts from cooking, wind or friction burn, and other everyday activities - Aquaphor once again comes to the rescue to restore your healthy skin and bring relief to your wounded area. If you happen to get a minor wound, immediately cleanse the affected area and apply a small amount of Aquaphor to the cut or burn before sealing it off with a bandaid. You’re essentially using Aquaphor the same as you would with Neosporin but with better end results. Dermatologists often recommend Aquaphor over Neosporin for minor infected wounds as Neosporin has been shown to cause resistant bacteria in wounds. Aquaphor being fragrance-free, anti-inflammatory, non-irritating, and hydrating results in faster wound healing with minimal scarring. Keeping a wound moist will allow for more efficient healing and prevent scabbing. However, if you do have a lanolin allergy (which is an ingredient in Aquaphor), it’d be best to instead use Vaseline for less redness and irritation.
Tattoo Healing
If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo, you’ll know that you’re told to keep it moisturized the days following a fresh new tat. Technically, your fresh tattoo is an open wound and like other wounds, it will scab during the healing process. To ensure that your tattoo heals properly, you’ll need to constantly moisturize that area of the skin. This will help lubricate the skin to keep away from any scraping, picking, or rubbing that will make your skin peel eventually ruining your tattoo and not allowing it to heal properly. Keeping the area hydrated will also help in resisting the urge to itch your fresh tattoo during this healing. While there are tons of different lotions and healing oils specifically for tattoos, these can often be costly and not always for those with sensitive skin types. You don’t need a tattoo-specific brand to help heal fresh tattoos - instead go for Aquaphor. Not only is it more affordable but it is also fragrance-free which won’t irritate the tattooed area. Before applying Aquaphor to your tattoo, always be sure to clean your hands and wash your tattoo gently with mild soap and warm water.
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