The Vaseline trick for looking 10 years younger is actually a technique that many beauty experts and makeup artists have sworn by for years. It involves using Vaseline (petroleum jelly) in certain ways to help hydrate, smooth, and plump the skin. While it won’t reverse aging or give you a magical fountain of youth, it can give you a more radiant, youthful glow when used correctly.
Here are the most popular ways to use Vaseline to look younger:
1. Hydrate and Plump the Skin
-
Vaseline works wonders for hydration due to its ability to lock in moisture. Dry, dull skin can make you look older, while well-hydrated, plump skin gives you a more youthful appearance.
-
How to use:
-
Apply a thin layer of Vaseline over your entire face as a night cream. The key is to use it sparingly—just enough to lock in moisture without clogging pores.
-
If you have dry patches or fine lines, apply a slightly thicker layer on those areas, such as around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. These are often the first areas to show signs of aging.
-
2. Under Eye Treatment
-
Dark circles and fine lines under the eyes are common signs of aging. Because Vaseline helps to seal in moisture, it can reduce the appearance of these fine lines and help hydrate the sensitive under-eye skin.
-
How to use:
-
Gently pat a small amount of Vaseline under your eyes before bed.
-
Make sure to apply a thin layer—too much Vaseline can feel heavy and may cause your makeup to slide off the next morning.
-
3. Lip Plumping and Softening
-
As we age, our lips can lose volume and become dry or cracked. Vaseline can help to hydrate and plump the lips, giving them a fuller, softer appearance.
-
How to use:
-
Before bed, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your lips for an overnight treatment.
-
You can also gently exfoliate your lips with a sugar scrub before applying Vaseline to remove any dead skin and help with smoothness.
-
4. Highlighting the Skin
-
A subtle, dewy glow can make your skin look more youthful and fresh. Vaseline can be used as a highlighter for that glowing look.
-
How to use:
-
After applying makeup, tap a tiny amount of Vaseline on the high points of your face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow).
-
This gives your skin a soft, dewy finish without being too oily, and can make your face look more radiant and youthful.
-
5. Fixing Cracked Skin (Feet, Elbows, Hands)
-
Dry, cracked skin on your feet, elbows, and hands can make you appear older. Vaseline helps heal and smooth rough patches.
-
How to use:
-
Apply a generous amount of Vaseline to your feet, elbows, or hands before bed.
-
For extra effectiveness, wear socks or gloves over the Vaseline while you sleep to lock in moisture and wake up with smoother skin.
-
6. Create a Natural Shiny Eyelid Look
-
For a fresh, youthful appearance, shiny eyelids can give you that “wide-eyed” look. Instead of using eyeshadow, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the eyelids for a soft, glossy finish.
-
How to use:
-
Gently pat Vaseline over your eyelids for a subtle, dewy sheen.
-
This creates a natural look that opens up the eyes, making them appear brighter and more youthful.
-
7. Tame Flyaways and Create a Polished Look
-
Flyaways and frizzy hair can age your appearance. A tiny amount of Vaseline can be used to smooth stray hairs and create a sleek, polished hairstyle.
-
How to use:
-
Rub a very small amount of Vaseline between your fingers and gently smooth down any flyaways or frizz along your hairline or around the crown of your head.
-
Use sparingly—too much can make your hair greasy.
-
8. Prevent Wrinkles Around the Mouth
-
The skin around your mouth is very delicate, and this is an area where fine lines can form as you age. Vaseline helps keep the skin hydrated, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
-
How to use:
-
Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the corners of your mouth, around your lips, and along the smile lines (nasolabial folds) before bed.
-
9. Prevent Chafing and Dryness
-
If you have sensitive or chafed skin, such as on your thighs or underarms, Vaseline can act as a protective barrier.
-
How to use:
-
Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to areas prone to chafing or irritation, such as inner thighs or underarms, to reduce friction and keep the skin soft.
-
Important Tips for Using Vaseline:
-
Use Sparingly: Vaseline is very thick, and using too much can make your skin feel greasy. Always use small amounts for each application.
-
Cleanse Well: Since Vaseline is occlusive (it locks moisture in), it can trap dirt, oils, and bacteria if left on too long. Be sure to cleanse your skin well in the morning to prevent clogged pores or breakouts.
-
Test First: If you have sensitive skin, always do a patch test before using Vaseline on your face to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Why Vaseline Works for Youthful Skin
-
Locking in Moisture: Dry skin can make you look older, while well-hydrated skin looks plumper and more radiant. Vaseline seals in moisture and prevents dehydration.
-
Improved Skin Elasticity: Consistent moisture helps preserve the skin’s elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
-
Adds a Protective Barrier: It forms a thin layer on the skin that protects against the environmental stressors like wind and pollution that can age skin over time.
While Vaseline is a great tool for improving the appearance of your skin in the short term, keep in mind that there’s no replacement for a good skincare routine, healthy lifestyle choices (like hydration, diet, and sun protection), and the natural aging process.
Would you like more tips on anti-aging skincare or perhaps some other DIY beauty hacks? Let me know!
