The £1 buy that doctor claims is just as good as most expensive eye creams
Dermatologist shares 'amazing' hack using this basic product which could save people a fortune and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles
by Charlotte Smith, Barbara Hodgson · ChronicleLiveMany of us splash out on beauty products that we hope will help keep signs of ageing at bay, particularly those fine lines around the eyes.
But one doctor reckons there's an old-style bathroom cabinet staple that could do the trick and it is not only a household name but also remarkably cheap. Dr Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist who goes by the nickname DermDoctor online, says that a tub of Vaseline is all you need to look after the skin around your eyes and that it is 'just as good as' most other high-end products, reports The Mirror.
Vaseline is a brand of petroleum jelly, made with a blend of mineral oils and waxes and designed to protect and lock in moisture to help dry skin to restore itself. It can also reduce the appearance of fine, dry lines and help protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns - as well as protect skin from windburn and chapping.
The report says that in a video with almost 20m views, Dr Shah explains: "100% pure petrolatum - petroleum jelly - is the most effective occlusive moisturiser" and he adds: "It prevents 99% of water loss while you sleep." The skin expert says that pure petrolatum jelly is free from lipids and emollient, which helps the skin to stay hydrated and decreases risk of wrinkles, and the video shows him rubbing a small amount under his eyes as he says: "This is actually an amazing hack, and I do it all the time."
He explains that he first applies a gentle moisturiser like a CeraVe cream (which has protective and nourishing qualities and has been developed with dermatologists) then adds Vaseline original petroleum jelly. "This is best for dry skin and to protect your eyelid skin from irritating ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids," he says. "I personally love this in the winter."
However, the hack might not be for everyone. Those who are prone to developing milia around the eyes - tiny white spots under the skin - should maybe avoid it. While these spots are usually no cause for concern, being blogged sweat glands, Dr Shah says: "Many of my patients say that heavy moisturisers make their milia worse.
"There's no data on this but it seems to be a common theme. If you notice milia getting worse, avoid thick moisturisers around the eye."
Otherwise, those wanting to pick up a tub of Vaseline can find it at most chemists, supermarkets and pharmacies. Poundland, for example, is currently selling a 50ml pot for £1 while a 250ml pot at Boots costs £3.75.
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