vicks vaporub on face for wrinkles
Why Vicks VapoRub for Wrinkles?
It’s accessible—almost every home has a jar for coughs or aches. The main (viral) logic: If petrolatum (Vaseline) locks in moisture and plumps fine lines, maybe Vicks, with extra essential oils, is even better. Online beforeandafter testimonials claim smoother skin under eyes, around lips, and on forehead after overnight use.
What’s In Vicks?
Petrolatum jelly: Occlusive that keeps moisture in. Menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil: Counterirritants and aromatics that give Vicks its signature scent and cooling feel. Cedarleaf and nutmeg oil, thymol: Minor soothing or antimicrobial activity.
None are clinically proven antiaging actives. Menthol and camphor, while soothing on the chest, are potent skin irritants for many people.
Claimed Benefits
From user reviews and viral posts:
Lines appear softer in the morning after vicks vaporub on face for wrinkles—especially crow’s feet or mouth creases. Skin feels more hydrated and looks “shiny” or plumper. Makeup sits better, without settling in fine lines.
From discipline and logic:
The occlusion traps water. Hydrated skin plumps, giving the appearance of fewer lines. Any reduction in wrinkle depth is temporary, fading with time or after stopping application.
Side Effects and Risks
Irritation: Camphor and menthol may cause burns, peeling, or contact dermatitis, especially in sensitive or thin facial skin. Breakouts: Petrolatum is noncomedogenic for most, but heavy use alongside essential oils can clog pores in acneprone skin. Photosensitivity: Essential oils can make skin more reactive to sunlight, exacerbating dark spots or triggering pigmentation.
Patch test before use and stop immediately if any redness, swelling, or bumps develop.
Does It Actually Work for Wrinkles?
Shortterm: Skin may look smoother and more hydrated by morning after vicks vaporub on face for wrinkles—but the effect is not lasting. The skin returns to baseline without continued occlusion. Longterm: No proven improvement in wrinkle depth, collagen production, or agerelated skin changes.
Surface hydration and temporary swelling blur fine lines, a trick Vaseline or unscented balms do as well, and often with less risk.
How Should You (Safely) Use It—If At All?
Always patch test. Dab a small amount on jaw or inner arm and observe for 24 hours. Cleanse first. Only use Vicks on absolutely clean, dry skin. Target and use sparingly. Only on fine lines—not full face. Avoid eye, nostril, and mouth areas. Limit frequency. Once or twice a week; stop, don’t escalate, at first irritation sign. Morning cleanse. Rinse thoroughly to remove residue. Use sunscreen daily.
Never layer Vicks over actives like retinol or acids (risk of compounding irritation is high).
Better PlantBased, Scientific Alternatives
Hydration strategy: Use plantbased oils, ceramide creams, or basic petrolatum for sustained moisture—no essential oil irritants needed. Retinol or bakuchiol serums: Actually remodel skin for gradual, real improvement. Vitamin C or peptide creams: Visibly brighten and support collagen. Overnight masks: Barrierrestoring, fragrancefree formulas.
When Not to Use Vicks VapoRub on Face
If your skin is prone to acne, eczema, or rosacea. If you’ve had a reaction to menthol, camphor, or strong scents. On children, or postprocedure facial skin. Postsunburn, exfoliation, or laser treatments.
Reviewing Viral BeforeandAfter Photos
Shine and plumpness are obvious, but wrinkle reduction fades with removal. Real wrinkle smoothing requires time, SPF, and daily use of proven actives—not just overnight occlusion.
Final Thoughts
The urge for cheap, quick wrinkle fixes is understandable. But the discipline in skincare is built on knowledge, not hacks. Vicks vaporub on face for wrinkles can create a shortterm smoothing effect by locking in moisture and mildly swelling skin cells. But it carries a higherthanadvertised risk of irritation—especially for those with real antiaging needs. Stick to sciencedriven routines: hydrate, protect, and use actives like vegan retinol and vitamin C. Save Vicks for congestion. For smoother, healthier skin, invest in routine, not virality. Science wins, every time.