Vicks VapoRub for your Face

For years people have claimed that Vicks Vapor Rub improves wrinkles, sagging skin, stretch marks and mosquito bites. Is this true? Is Vapor Rub (or VapoRub) safe for use on the face? I am a dermatologist in Miami and one of my patients asked me this last week. Evidentially in the Latin community, Vicks VapoRub is often used for skin ailments. Let’s look at the ingredients in Vapor Rub first and then if it can treat any skin conditions. Under this video, I get into the scientific details of how this vapo rub works and doesn’t work in skin care.

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Is Vicks Vapo Rub Good for Skin?

Vicks Vapo rub is a cough suppressant in an occlusive ointment that is used on the chest when you have a cold. However, it has a cult following of people who use it on pimples to get rid of them fast. Vaporrub has camphor and menthol that give the skin a soothing sensation and numb the skin, but do not have any effects on inflammatory pathways in the skin and do not decrease skin inflammation, even though they give the sensation of healing. Below I discuss the ingredients in Vicks Vapor rub, what they do, and what conditions Vapor rub has been used to treat. Does Vicks Vapor Rub really tighten and firm skin and get rid of sagging? Stay tuned to find out.

Vapo Rub for Wrinkles

Vapor Rub does not get rid of fine lines and wrinkles permanently, but can irritate the skin and cause swelling which makes them look better temporarily. However, I advise not to use Vicks Vapor Rub on the face at night for antiaging reasons. The reason people us Vapor Rub as an Anti-wrinkle Treatment is because of the eucalyptus oil in the Vapor Rub, but the other ingredients in the product can irritate your skin.

Eucalyptus Oil for Wrinkles

Eucalyptus oil is one of the major components of Vicks VapoRub, and plays a huge role in how it works. Recent studies have explored the potential anti-aging effects of the essential oil from Eucalyptus globulus leaves (eucalyptus oil), a key ingredient in Vicks VapoRub. (3,4) Eucalyptus oil was shown to reduce the number of senescent cells, which accumulate with age and contribute to skin aging. Eucalyptus oil inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, enzymes that break down collagen, while increasing collagen production. By targeting senescent cells and preserving extracellular matrix proteins like collagen and hyaluronic acid that provide structural support in the skin, eucalyptus oil may be beneficial in treating age-related skin changes such as wrinkles. However, the other components in Vicks VapoRub may irritate skin, so you are better off using Eucalyptus oil on it’s own- assuming you are not allergic to it like I am.

Best Treatments for Wrinkles

If you are looking for a night cream that really works for wrinkles- don’t use Vapor Rub. Use one of these proven ingredients instead:

Exosomes

Growth Factors

Retinoids

Vitamin C

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VapoRub for Sagging Skin

Does Vapo rub work for sagging skin? Maybe… If so- it is due to the eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus oil may help firm and tighten sagging skin, but more studies need to be done on humans to prove this. One study (5) found that Eucalyptus globulus (EG) extract protects against UVB-induced skin aging. When applied to the skin of UVB-exposed hairless mice, EG extract increased expression of elastin, an important protein that keeps skin flexible and elastic with the ability to bounce back. Additionally, the extract decreased levels of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down elastin and other structural proteins in aged/damaged skin. MMP-1 is very similar to elastase, another enzyme that degrades elastin. By boosting elastin production and suppressing MMP-1/elastase, EG extract helped maintain healthy skin structure and reduced wrinkling in the hairless mice. In summary, topical application of Eucalyptus globulus extract combated skin aging in UVB-irradiated mice by increasing elastin levels and decreasing collagen-damaging MMP-1 enzymes that are functionally similar to elastases. Although this study did not measure skin elasticity, thickness or sagging, eucalyptus extract shows promise as an anti-aging skin treatment.

VapoRub for Acne and Pimples

The menthol and camphor in Vicks Vapo rub may cause acne breakouts, while th eucalyptus oil can help treat acne.

Although this has not been specifically studies are there are no evidence based studies, Vicks VapoRub could trigger an acne breakout due to its potential for increasing inflammation. This could occur for several reasons:

Allergy or Irritation: Ingredients in VapoRub, like menthol and camphor, could irritate the skin, especially if it’s sensitive or already prone to acne. Irritation can exacerbate acne symptoms.

Increased Blood Flow: These ingredients might increase blood flow to the skin, potentially intensifying inflammation and exacerbating acne.

TRPV Activation: Menthol and camphor interact with TRP channels, particularly TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are involved in the skin’s inflammatory response. The activation of these channels can contribute to neurogenic inflammation, a process relevant in various skin conditions. By potentially affecting these pathways, VapoRub’s ingredients might increase the likelihood of acne flare-ups.

Understanding the complex nature of acne and skin inflammation is crucial, and while Vicks VapoRub makes skin tingle which feels like it is healing the skin, it can actually make acne worse. It doe snot make pimples or pimple scabs heal faster.

Acne Spot Treatment

Eucalpytus oil may help the inflammation seen in acne and can be used as a natural acne spot treatment. Studies (15) have demonstrated that eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol have antimicrobial effects against a variety of microbes including viruses, drug-resistant bacteria, and fungi like Candida. Beyond antimicrobial properties, eucalyptus oil has also exhibited immunostimulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antispasmodic properties.

However, Vapor Rub has other components in it that are comedogenic. So if you are considering using Vicks VapoRub as an acne spot treatment, try eucalyptus oil instead (or tea tree oil).

VapoRub for Rosacea

Never use Vicks Vapor Rub to treat facial redness or rosacea. It can trigger a rosacea flare!

VapoRub for Sunburn

Vaporub may sooth the pain of a sunburn. However, there are better topical anti-inflammatory ingredients to use for sunburn like aloe.

VapoRub for Bug Bites

Living in Miami, I see patiernts all the time with mosquito bites. Vicks VapoRub is one way to decrease the itching. It is important not to scratch bug bites- so I do think vapor rub is a good option to treat bug bites.

VapoRub for Stretch Marks

While there have been anecdotal reports of individuals successfully using Vicks VapoRub to improve the appearance of stretch marks, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. I do not see any scientific reason that Vicks VapoRub would prevent or treat stretch marks.

VapoRub in Pregnancy

Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using Vicks on stretch marks or large areas of skin. There is turpentine oil and other ingredients that cause increase skin penetration of other ingredients. These can make into the blood stream and possible to the baby. So do not use VapoRub on large areas on the body in pregnancy.

If you are trying to prevent stretch marks or treat itching in pregnancy- use a soothing oil instead.

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Ingredients in Vicks VapoRub

Vicks Vapor Rub includes both active and inactive ingredients that contribute to its unique properties. Many of these can irritate the skin and lead to a contact dermatitis. Many are also comedogenic.

Active Ingredients in Vicks VapoRub

Camphor (Synthetic) 4.8%: Used as a cough suppressant and topical analgesic. Camphor contributes to the warming sensation and interacts with pain receptors.

Eucalyptus Oil 1.2%: Acts as a cough suppressant, providing a soothing sensation and known for its pleasant aroma.

Menthol 2.6%: Also a cough suppressant and topical analgesic, menthol is responsible for the cooling sensation and helps in relieving minor aches.

Inactive Ingredients:

Although these Vapor Rub ingredients are called “Inactive”, they still have skin effects:

Cedarleaf Oil: Known for its aromatic properties.

Nutmeg Oil: Often used in balms for its soothing fragrance and potential warming effect.

Petrolatum: Serves as a base for the ointment, helping in skin application.

Thymol: Known for its antiseptic properties.

Turpentine Oil: Traditionally used in topical remedies, adds to the ointment’s characteristic smell.

TRPV Receptors

The interaction of Vicks VapoRub’s active ingredients, particularly camphor and menthol, with TRPV receptors explains much of its effects on the skin. These receptors, sensitive to various stimuli, respond to the cooling and warming sensations induced by menthol and camphor, respectively.

Research shows that menthol and camphor, due to their interaction with TRPV receptors, have potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial in certain conditions like migraine or joint pain. But they have not been shown to help treat skin inflammation, skin sensitivity, or acne. And these ingredients can make the skin sting.

While Vicks VapoRub’s unique blend of ingredients offers certain benefits, its application on the face, especially for conditions like acne or sunburn, is not advisable due to the potential for irritation. For mosquito bites, it can be an effective remedy. Always consider individual skin types and consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

VapoRub Skin Routine

VapoRub is an occlusive ointment so it “slugs” other ingredients into the skin. When Vicks Vaporub is used in a face routine- it is usually used at night because it is so greasy du to all the oils in it.

It will irritate most skin types and I do not advise using it. If you are looking for a good skin care routine- first you need to know which Baumann Skin Type you are. Once you take the quiz, I will give you lists of products from over 60 brands that are right for your skin type.

Vicks is not a strong anti-aging product

Vapo rub does not moisturize the skin

Inflammation caused by overusing vapo rub can trigger acne and other concerns

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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