Is Petroleum Jelly bad for the skin? If it's used for dry skin, will the skin absorb it?

While working as a nurse, a dr. had us to use petroleum jelly to treat dry skin of some of his patients. My hands were so dry they were cracking and bleeding, and I used it as he had us to on his patients, and it worked.

First, wash the skin, then leaving it very wet, apply petroleum jelly to the wet skin, then dry with a towel. It did not feel greasy afterword, but it worked wonders.

The petroleum jelly seals in the moisture and creates a barrier to keep the skin from over drying. It really works.

It did not leave a seal so tight that the skin was irritated.

Used for covering major wounds and is in almost all skin products. After my mother's skin cancer surgery, the doctor had it dressed daily with petroleum jelly to help it heal Since he was a dermatologist, I would assume he would know if it is safe or not. Probably the best thing you can put on your skin, in my opinion, plain without additives you find in many lotions.

For most people it isn't a problem. It seals moisture in underneath it into the skin, so best to apply after bath and shower. It doesn't absorb and can be messy if used heavily.

It is not harmful. However, it can be drying. Try the Jergen's original or the Silicon Glove by Avon. Olive oil might help, too. I have used the Blistex that's creamy and comes in a tube before because it has allantoin and helped.

OK if the brand is approved by FDA.