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.

To thank you for reading our informative content, you will receive 20% off all products in our store by using the one-time code “STSBlog20” at checkout.

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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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