Acne is one of the major skin problems that everyone might have faced in their teenage life. From trying out different home remedies to seeking professional help, we all must have felt frustrated at least once in our life. Vicks VapoRub is one of the home remedies that many people found helpful.
But some of the ingredients in Vicks can help cure acne, wherein some of the ingredients can be harmful in the long run. So let’s see if it is safe to apply Vicks on acne.
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Does Vicks VapoRub Help in Acne?
Many bloggers talk about using Vicks on acne and how it helped them in getting rid of acne. This is because many ingredients in Vicks are used as a home remedy for acne and are even used in some of the products used to treat acne. But there is no scientific evidence to support this remedy, whether it is useful in acne or not.
Ingredient in Vicks VapoRub that Helps in Acne
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known for its natural anti-bacterial properties. The eucalyptus oil added in Vicks helps in getting rid of the bacteria that causes acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling of the acne and ease the skin irritation and discomfort caused by the acne.
Using pure eucalyptus oil directly on the skin can be harmful, but a diluted form of eucalyptus oil in Vicks helps treat acne.
Camphor
Camphor is a waxy white substance that is mainly used in Vicks VapoRub as a cough suppressant. But due to its anti-inflammatory property, it can help in preventing acne from swelling.
It also helps in reducing the irritation caused by acne and prevents any further fungal infections. Although it helps in fighting acne, it is highly toxic and can cause skin problems in the long run.
Cedar Leaf Oil
Cedar leaf oil, also known as cedarwood oil, present in the Vicks can treat rashes and redness.
This oil also consists of anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help fight the bacteria that cause acne. It also helps in balancing the production of sebum in your skin.
Besides its benefits, cedar leaf oil is also highly toxic and is not suggested to apply to your skin during breakouts or popped pimples.
Thymus
The thymus is extracted from Thymus vulgaris and other kinds of plants. It is mainly added in the Vicks for its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial property which also help in treating acne.
It is also a natural antiseptic agent and helps prevent acne from any infections and stops it from spreading to the other surface of your skin.
Thymol is also low in toxicity and is safe to use on acne.
Nutmeg Oil
Nutmeg oil is extracted from ground seeds of nutmeg. The nutmeg oil in Vicks helps in shrinking the pimples and preventing them from swelling. It also contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory property that helps in fighting against the bacteria that causes acne.
It helps in improving overall skin complexion and reduces pimples, and clears scars on your skin.
Ingredient in Vicks VapoRub that are Bad for Skin
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is one of the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, which is an enemy to your pimples. The petroleum jelly in Vicks clogs the pores and stops your skin from breathing. It also causes premature ageing and leads to the production of more acne in your skin.
Applying a large amount of petroleum jelly to your skin can trigger a breakout and causes irritation and rashes. Also, it is not recommended to use on acne-prone skin as it can increase sebum production in your skin
Menthol
Menthol is mainly used as a pain killer and in the treatment for cough. It also helps in treating sunburn and irritation.
Menthol is also high in anti-inflammatory property that helps in reducing the swelling of acne, which is why it appears that Vicks helps with acne or pimples. But according to the National capital poison centre, using menthol on the skin can cause irritation and worsens your acne and breakouts.
Turpentine Oil
Turpentine oil is mainly used as a pain killer, and also it adds a mild fragrance to Vicks. While using a small amount of this oil is considered safe on your skin, applying a large amount can cause serious problems.
Side Effects of Using Vick VapoRub on Acne
Some of the ingredients present in Vick VapoRub are good for your acne, but overuse of some ingredients can also cause problems. Excess use of eucalyptus oil can cause allergy, rashes, irritation, and redness to your skin.
Also, some of the ingredients like camphor and cedar leaf oil are high in toxicity, and it is not advised to apply to your skin during breakouts. It is also not good to apply Vicks on popped pimples as it absorbs the toxins and causes further damage to your skin. Using Vicks VapoRub for pimples can worsen it and spread it to the other surface of the skin.
The Final Thoughts
Even though Vicks VapoRub might seem to be helping with acne, there is no proven research for this. Also, some of the ingredients are good in reducing pimples and fighting against bacteria that cause acne; some ingredients like camphor and petroleum jelly are highly toxic and can cause problems in the long run.
So, is it good to use Vicks VapoRub on acne? No, it is not recommended to use it on acne as it can be harmful in the long run. It is always advised to take a professional treatment or use salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil that are best for acne treatment.
