Patrolatum

Petrolatum also know as petroleum jelly is a semi solid mixture of hydrocarbons.

It was originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties.



Petrolatum is a soft paraffin or wax mixture sold as a topical skin ointment. It is acknowledged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an approved over-the-counter skin protectant and is used in the manufacturing of cosmetic skin care. However the side effects of petrolatum include finding the petroleum byproduct in breast tumors, suffocation of the skin, premature aging and aggravated acne. Research at the Herb Research Foundation noted that skin absorbs up to 60 percent of the chemicals in products that it contacts and these chemical move directly into the bloodstream. The Organic Make-up company notes that the petrolatum developed for its cost effective glide in make-up application suffocates the skin by absorbing these chemicals directly into the bloodstream decreasing oxygen absorbed through the skin. Petrolatum found in many cosmetics can cause skin irritations and rashes. Skin that does not receive sufficient oxygen which can cause death of skin cells and premature aging __**History**__Petrolatum was originally discovered in the year 1859 in Titusville, Pennsylvania. It was first seen on oil rigs because it would build up on the rigs and often cause malfunctions which caused an inconvenience for the workers but they shortly discovered that it was very helpful in relieving common injuries that occur on the oil rigs like burns or scrapes. Later, a chemist by the name of Robert Chesebrough visited the oil rigs in order to see if this newly discovered substance had any potential. After working with it, Chesebrough found a way to distill the substance to a lightly-colored liquid. Chesebrough started traveling New York and performing the use of his product by treating his own cuts and burns. In the year 1870, He opened his factory in Brooklyn and started the brand known as Vaseline. __**Uses**__
 * Effects of Petrolatum**
 * During [|World War II], a variety of petroleum jelly called red veterinary petrolatum, or Red Vet Pet for short, was often included in life raft survival kits. Acting as a [|sunscreen], it provides protection against ultraviolet rays.
 * Most petroleum jelly today is consumed as an ingredient in skin [|lotions] and cosmetics.
 * Petroleum jelly is a useful material when incorporated into candle wax formulas. The petroleum jelly softens the overall blend, allows the candle to incorporate additional fragrance oil, and facilitates adhesion to the sidewall of glass.
 * Petroleum jelly is used to moisten [|plasticine], as part of a mix of hydrocarbons including greater ([|paraffin wax]) and lesser ([|mineral oil]) molecular weights.
 * Petroleum jelly is commonly used as a [|personal lubricant]. (Not recommended for use with [|condoms] because it [|dissolves] latex.)
 * It is used as a key ingredient for conditioners of [|Afro-textured hair].
 * It can prevent moisture loss and [|chapped lips], soften nail cuticles, and provide rectal lubrication for conditions like [|hemorrhoids] or [|anal fissures].
 * It can be used as a release agent for plaster molds and castings.
 * It can be used to coat corrosion-prone items such as metallic trinkets, non-stainless steel blades, and gun barrels prior to storage as it serves as an excellent and inexpensive water repellent. For keeping the shine and cleanliness on black patent leather shoes, apply a very thin coat with a paper towel and buff off gently.
 * It can be used to condition and protect leather.
 * It can be used to finish wood, much like a mineral oil finish.
 * It can be used when using a home hair dye kit, if put onto skin close to the hairline it can prevent the hair dye staining the skin.
 * It can be used by long distance runners, who wear loose t-shirts (usually men), on their [|nipples] to prevent [|chafing] caused by the friction between the skin and clothing while running.
 * It can be used for [|tinder], lightly coated on a cotton ball.
 * It can be used for coating the inner edges of [|terrariums], to deny organisms within physical purchase on the walls (which could allow them to escape).
 * It was recommended by [|Porsche] in the owner’s manual of their cars as a preservative for light alloy [|anodized] [|Fuchs] wheels to protect them against corrosion from road salts and brake dust. “Every three months (after regular cleaning) the wheels should be coated with petroleum jelly.”
 * It was also recommended by Porsche in maintenance training documentation for lubrication (after cleaning) of "Weatherstrips on Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Sun Roof". The publication states "…before applying a new coat of lubricant…" "Only acid-free lubricants may be used, for example: glycerine, Vaseline, tire mounting paste, etc. These lubricants should be rubbed in, and excessive lubricant wiped off with a soft cloth."