Does Petroleum Jelly Really Soften Feet? The Truth Uncovered
Why So Many People Swear by Petroleum Jelly for Feet
Honestly, if you’ve ever had cracked heels or dry feet, someone—probably your grandma or that one friend obsessed with home remedies—has told you to slather on petroleum jelly. I remember my friend Lisa swearing that Vaseline was the "miracle cure" for rough feet. I was skeptical. How could something that feels so greasy actually make your feet softer? But I decided to test it out.
Spoiler: It kind of works… but not the way you might think.
How Petroleum Jelly Works on Dry Feet
The Science Behind It
Petroleum jelly is an occlusive moisturizer. (Sounds fancy, right? But basically, it means it seals moisture in rather than adding moisture itself.) So if your feet are already dry and flaky, just putting on petroleum jelly alone won’t magically hydrate them. What it does do is lock in any moisture that’s already there—hence why it works best right after a shower or foot soak.
Why It’s Not a Quick Fix
Here’s the thing I learned the hard way: slathering Vaseline on dry feet without prepping them first is like putting a raincoat on a desert. The dryness is still there, just trapped under a greasy layer. The trick? You have to hydrate first, then seal.
The Best Way to Use Petroleum Jelly for Soft Feet
1. Soak Your Feet First
This step is non-negotiable if you want real results. Fill a basin with warm water, maybe add some Epsom salt if you’re feeling fancy, and soak for 10-15 minutes. This softens the skin so the petroleum jelly can actually help.
2. Exfoliate (Because Dead Skin Won’t Hydrate)
I learned this after two weeks of just applying Vaseline and wondering why my feet still felt rough. Exfoliating is key! Use a pumice stone or foot scrub to get rid of that stubborn dry layer. Otherwise, you're just moisturizing dead skin—yikes.
3. Apply a Hydrating Lotion First
This was a game-changer. Before petroleum jelly, use a good moisturizer (something with urea or glycerin works wonders). This actually adds moisture to your skin.
4. Seal It with Petroleum Jelly
Now, this is where Vaseline does its magic. It traps the moisture from the lotion and keeps your feet from drying out overnight.
5. Wear Socks Overnight (Unless You Love Greasy Floors)
Trust me, wear the socks. Not only does it keep your feet from making a mess, but it also helps the petroleum jelly really sink in.
Does Petroleum Jelly Work Better Than Other Foot Creams?
The Pros
- Super cheap (compared to those fancy foot creams)
- Works as a moisture barrier
- Readily available (everyone has a tub of Vaseline lying around, right?)
The Cons
- Doesn’t actually hydrate on its own
- Messy and greasy (if you don’t wear socks, it’s a disaster)
- Not a miracle cure (if your feet are super cracked, you might need something stronger)
My Verdict: Is It Worth Using?
Honestly? Yes, but with a strategy. If you’re just rubbing it on dry feet and hoping for the best—nope, not gonna work. But if you exfoliate, moisturize first, then use petroleum jelly, it makes a big difference.
So next time someone tells you, “Just put Vaseline on it!”, you can smile knowingly and say, “Yeah, but only if you do it right.”
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.