Runners and Vaseline: Why They Use It for Chafing, Windburn, and Protection

Why do runners put Vaseline on their face?

Runners apply Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to their face primarily to prevent chafing caused by repetitive motion and sweat, and to create a protective barrier against harsh environmental elements like wind, cold, and rain.

The Primary Purpose: Chafing Prevention

One of the most common and uncomfortable issues for runners, especially over long distances, is chafing. This irritation occurs when skin repeatedly rubs against skin or against fabric, exacerbated by moisture from sweat. Vaseline acts as an effective lubricant and barrier, significantly reducing this friction.

• Understanding Chafing: Chafing manifests as redness, irritation, and sometimes raw skin. On the face, common areas include:
  • The neck and jawline, particularly where clothing collars or backpack straps may rub.
  • Around the nose and mouth, especially when constantly wiping sweat.
  • Under the eyes or brows, where sweat can drip and cause irritation, or where sunglasses might rub.
  • On the lips, to prevent cracking and dryness.
• How Vaseline Works: As a petroleum jelly, Vaseline forms a slick, protective layer on the skin. This layer prevents direct skin-on-skin or skin-on-fabric contact, allowing surfaces to glide over each other rather than creating friction. Its occlusive nature also helps to seal in moisture, keeping the skin supple and less prone to cracking.

Protection Against Environmental Elements

Beyond friction reduction, Vaseline offers a valuable defense against the elements, which can be particularly harsh on exposed facial skin during a run.

• Windburn: Running in windy conditions can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to redness, dryness, and a burning sensation. Vaseline creates a physical barrier that shields the skin from direct wind exposure, mitigating these effects.
• Cold Exposure: In cold weather, the skin is prone to drying out and becoming chapped. Vaseline helps to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), locking in the skin's natural moisture and offering a thin layer of insulation. This can be crucial for preventing frostnip in extreme cold.
• Rain and Moisture Repellent: Vaseline is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. When applied to the face, it can help rainwater or sweat bead up and run off, preventing the skin from becoming waterlogged, which can exacerbate chafing and cold.
• Limited Sun Protection (with caveats): While Vaseline itself does not contain SPF and is not a sunscreen, it can offer a minimal physical barrier against some UV rays. More importantly, it can be applied over a dedicated sunscreen to enhance its water resistance and longevity, or under sunscreen to protect against wind and cold while the sunscreen provides chemical protection. It is critical to always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate SPF for UV protection.

Preventing Blisters and Hot Spots

Though less common on the face compared to the feet, localized pressure points can still lead to irritation or small blisters, especially during prolonged activity or when wearing accessories.

• Under Accessories: Vaseline can be applied to areas where sunglasses, headbands, or hats might rub, reducing the friction that could lead to hot spots or blisters.

Application Techniques and Best Practices

To maximize the benefits of Vaseline while minimizing potential drawbacks, proper application is key.

• Clean Skin First: Always apply Vaseline to clean, dry skin. This ensures it forms an effective barrier and doesn't trap dirt or bacteria.
• Targeted Application: Focus on known problem areas: the neck, jawline, around the nostrils, under the eyes, and on the lips. A thin, even layer is usually sufficient.
• Layering with Sunscreen: If using sunscreen, apply your SPF product first and allow it to absorb. Then, apply Vaseline over the top as a protective barrier. This ensures the sunscreen's active ingredients can work effectively.
• Post-Run Cleansing: After your run, thoroughly cleanse your face to remove all traces of Vaseline, sweat, and environmental debris. This prevents pore clogging and maintains skin health.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While generally safe and effective, there are a few considerations when using Vaseline on the face.

• Pore Clogging (Comedogenic Potential): Petroleum jelly is largely considered non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn't typically clog pores) for most people. However, individuals with very oily or acne-prone skin might find it contributes to breakouts, especially if not thoroughly removed after use.
• Messiness: Vaseline can feel greasy and may attract dust or dirt. It can also transfer to clothing or hair.
• Not a Sunscreen: It bears repeating that Vaseline provides negligible UV protection on its own. Always pair it with a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Alternatives to Vaseline

For those who find Vaseline unsuitable or prefer other options, several alternatives exist.

• Anti-Chafing Balms/Sticks: Products like Body Glide or specialized runner's balms are designed specifically for friction reduction and are often less greasy.
• Zinc Oxide Creams: These offer both a physical barrier and some sun protection, often used by athletes for sensitive areas.
• Lanolin-Based Products: Lanolin provides excellent moisturizing and barrier properties, though some individuals may have sensitivities.
• Specialized Barrier Creams: Many brands offer creams formulated for extreme weather protection for athletes.

The Bottom Line for Runners

For many runners, Vaseline remains a simple, cost-effective, and highly efficient tool in their arsenal against the rigors of the road or trail. By understanding its purpose—primarily friction reduction and environmental protection—and employing proper application techniques, runners can significantly enhance their comfort and protect their skin, allowing them to focus on their performance rather than discomfort.