Vicks VapoRub: Truths and Myths About Its Skin Care Uses

Vicks VapoRub for Face Treatments

For years, people have claimed that Vicks VapoRub can relieve wrinkles, sagging skin, stretch marks, and bug bites. Is that true? Is VapoRub (or VapoRub) safe to use on the face?

I am a dermatologist in Miami, and one of my patients asked me this question last week. Apparently, Vicks VapoRub is widely used in the Latino community to treat skin conditions.

Let’s first take a look at the ingredients of VapoRub and then examine whether it can treat skin conditions.

In this video, I explain the scientific details of the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of VapoRub in skin care.

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Is Vicks VapoRub good for the skin?

Vicks VapoRub is a cough suppressant in the form of an occlusive ointment that is applied to the chest when you have a cold.

However, it has a high status among those who use it to treat acne and get rid of it quickly.

VapoRub contains camphor and menthol, which soothe and numb the skin, but have no effect on the skin’s inflammatory process and do not relieve skin inflammation, although they do provide a healing sensation.

Below I will discuss the ingredients of Vicks VaporRub, its benefits, and treatments using VapoRub. Does Vicks VaporRub really tighten and firm the skin and relieve sagging skin? Stay tuned to find out.

VapoRub for Wrinkle Fighting

VapoRub will not permanently eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, but it will irritate the skin and cause swelling, temporarily improving the appearance of the skin.

However, for anti-aging reasons, I would recommend not using Vicks VaporRub on your face at night.

The reason many people use VapoRub as an anti-wrinkle treatment is that it contains eucalyptus oil, but other ingredients can irritate the skin.

Eucalyptus Oil for Wrinkle Fighting

Eucalyptus oil is one of the main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub and plays a vital role in its effectiveness.

Current research is investigating the potential anti-aging effects of eucalyptus leaf essential oil (eucalyptus oil), the key ingredient in Vicks VapoRub.

(3,4) Studies have shown that eucalyptus oil can reduce the number of senescent cells that accumulate as we age and contribute to skin aging.

Eucalyptus oil inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (an enzyme that breaks down collagen) while increasing collagen production.

By attacking senescent cells and preserving extracellular matrix proteins that support the structure of the skin (such as collagen and hyaluronic acid), eucalyptus oil may help treat age-related skin changes (such as wrinkles).

However, the other ingredients in Vicks VapoRub may cause skin irritation. Therefore, it’s best to use eucalyptus oil alone—assuming you’re not allergic to it like I am.

Best Ways to Treat Wrinkles

If you’re looking for a night cream that truly fights wrinkles, you shouldn’t use VapoRub. Instead, use one of these proven ingredients:

Exosomes

Growth factors

Retinoids

Vitamin C

VapoRub Soothes Sagging Skin

Is VapoRub effective for sagging skin? Maybe…if so, it’s eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus oil can tighten and firm sagging skin, but more human studies are needed to prove this. One study (5) found that eucalyptus (EG) extract can protect against UVB-induced skin aging.

When EG extract was applied to the skin of hairless mice exposed to UVB, it increased the production of elastin, an important protein that keeps the skin flexible and elastic and gives it the ability to regenerate.

In addition, the extract reduced the concentration of MMP-1, an enzyme that degrades elastin and other structural proteins in aged/damaged skin.

MMP-1 is very similar to elastase, another enzyme that degrades elastin.

By increasing elastin production and inhibiting MMP-1/elastase, EG extract helped maintain healthy skin structure and reduced wrinkle formation in hairless mice.

In summary, topical application of eucalyptus extract combats skin aging in UVB-irradiated mice by increasing elastin concentration and reducing collagen-damaging MMP-1 enzymes that function similarly to elastase.

While this study did not measure skin elasticity, thickness, or laxity, eucalyptus extract shows promise as an anti-aging skin treatment. VapoRub Fights Acne and Pimples

The menthol and camphor in Vicks VapoRub can cause acne breakouts, and eucalyptus oil can help treat acne.

While this has not been specifically studied and there are no evidence-based studies, Vicks VapoRub may trigger acne breakouts due to its pro-inflammatory potential.

There are several possible reasons for this:

Allergy or irritation: Ingredients in VapoRub, such as menthol and camphor, may irritate the skin, especially sensitive or acne-prone skin. Irritation can make acne symptoms worse.

Improves blood circulation: These ingredients can increase blood flow to the skin, which can increase inflammation. Acne exacerbation.

TRPV activation: Menthol and camphor interact with TRP channels, particularly TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are involved in the inflammatory response of the skin.

Activation of these channels may lead to neurogenic inflammation, a process associated with various skin diseases.

By potentially affecting these pathways, the ingredients in VapoRub may increase the likelihood of acne breakouts.

It is important to understand the complex nature of acne and skin inflammation. Although Vicks VapoRub causes a tingling sensation on the skin that mimics healing, it can actually worsen acne.

It does not speed up the healing of pimples or scabs.

Treatment of acne spots

Eucalyptus oil can reduce the inflammation caused by acne and can be used as a natural acne treatment.

Studies (15) have shown that eucalyptus oil and cineole have antimicrobial effects against a wide range of microorganisms, including viruses, drug-resistant bacteria, and fungi such as Candida.

In addition to its antimicrobial properties, eucalyptus oil also has immunostimulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties.

However, VapoRub contains other comedogenic ingredients. If you want to use Vicks VapoRub for acne, try eucalyptus oil (or tea tree oil).

VapoRub for rosacea

Never use Vicks VapoRub for facial redness or rosacea. It can cause rosacea!

VapoRub for sunburn

VapoRub can relieve the pain of sunburn. However, there are better topical anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as aloe vera.

VapoRub for insect bites

Living in Miami, I often see patients with mosquito bites. Vicks VapoRub is one way to relieve itching.

It is important not to scratch insect bites, so I think cold ointment is a good treatment option.

VapoRub for stretch marks

While there are anecdotal reports of people using Vicks VapoRub to relieve stretch marks successfully, there is no scientific evidence to support this.

I see no scientific basis that Vicks VapoRub can prevent or treat stretch marks.

Using VapoRub during pregnancy

Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using Vicks on stretch marks or large areas of skin. Ingredients such as turpentine can enhance the skin penetration of other ingredients.

These substances may enter the bloodstream and may harm the baby. Therefore, do not apply VapoRub to large areas during pregnancy.

If you want to prevent stretch marks or treat itching during pregnancy, use a soothing oil.

Ingredients in Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub contains active and inactive ingredients that give it its unique benefits. Many of these can irritate the skin and cause contact dermatitis. Many can also cause acne.

Active Ingredients in Vicks VapoRub

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

Eucalyptus Oil 1.2%: Has cough suppressant properties, provides a calming sensation, and is known for its pleasant aroma.

Menthol 2.6%: Menthol is also a cough suppressant and topical analgesic. It provides a cooling sensation and helps relieve minor aches and pains.

Inactive Ingredients:

Although these ingredients in VapoRub are described as “inactive,” they still have an effect on the skin:

Cedar leaf oil: Known for its aromatic properties.

Nutmeg oil: Often used in balms for its soothing scent and warming effect.

Petroleum jelly: Serves as a base for ointments, making them easier to apply to the skin.

Thymol: Known for its antiseptic properties.

Turpentine: Traditionally used in topical treatments, it gives ointments their characteristic smell.

TRPV receptors

The interaction of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub (particularly camphor and menthol) with TRPV receptors explains most of its effects on the skin.

These receptors are sensitive to various stimuli and respond to the cooling or warming sensations caused by menthol or camphor.

Research suggests that menthol and camphor have potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects due to their interaction with TRPV receptors, helping to relieve certain conditions such as migraines or joint pain.

However, their effectiveness in treating skin inflammation, skin sensitivity, or acne has not been proven. In addition, these ingredients can cause a burning sensation on the skin.

Although Vicks VapoRub’s unique blend of active ingredients has certain benefits, it is not recommended for use on the face, especially if you have acne or sunburn, as it may cause irritation.

It can be effective in treating insect bites. Always consider your personal skin type and seek personal advice from a dermatologist.

VapoRub Skincare Routine

VapoRub is an occlusive ointment that delivers other ingredients into the skin. Vicks VapoRub is usually used at night because it is greasy due to the high amount of oils it contains.

It can irritate most skin types and I do not recommend using it. If you are looking for a good skin care routine, you should first know your Baumann skin type.

After the quiz, you will receive a list of products from more than 60 brands that are suitable for your skin type.

Vicks is not a strong anti-aging product.

Vapo-Rub does not moisturize the skin.

The inflammation caused by overuse of Vapo-Rub can trigger acne and other problems.

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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