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The Comforting Truth about Petrolatum

by R. M. Posner
Director of Research & Development, ABBE Labs, Inc.
www.GrandmaEls.com

With information at everybody's fingertips on the internet, we must distinguish the truths from the myths. We have all been told what's best for baby by friendss, family members, and internet blogs and stories. The negative buzz about Petrolatum is inaccurate. The information below will clarify the truths and myths. Now, the end to the confusion... and diaper rash!

MYTH: Petrolatum is drying to my baby's skin.

TRUTH: Petrolatum is actually a moisturizer. By protectively coating the skin, petrolatum maintains the skin's own moisture by keeping it from evaporating.

MYTH: Petrolatum cause pores to close and become clogged on my little one.

TRUTH: Not at all. Actually, Petrolatum will dissolve the skin's waxes and oils, preventing pores from clogging. Remember Vaseline? a.k.a., Petrolatum? Tyra Banks' secret to looking great is using Vaseline on her face every night.

MYTH: Petrolatum is unsafe because it is petroleum, the same oil I heat my house with.

TRUTH: Petrolatum USP is a derivative of Petroleum so refined it is actually used in some of the food products you eat every day. Vaseline is made 100% of White Petrolatum, also known as Petroleum Jelly. Remember Johnson and Johnson's Baby Oil? Of course you do; it's been around for longer than your parents can remember. That is made of fragrance and Mineral Oil, which is also a Petroleum derivative. None of these products mentioned have ever caused harm and are extremely beneficial.

Next trip to the grocery store, remember that Petrolatum USP is an FDA Approved food additive which is commonly used in confectionary glazes. As you can see, Petrolatum is acceptable for ingestion; therefore, there should be no doubt about its safety when applied to the skin, the exterior organ of the body. In addition, it's also approved for ophthalmic use in medications for the eyes. Yes, you guessed it, for use in your eyes. Now for the best part; The FDA lists Petrolatum as one of the two MAIN ingredients used successfully in treating and preventing diaper rash, Anhydrous Lanolin being the second. Both of these ingredients are listed on the FDA GRAS List (Generally Regarded as Safe). Anhydrous Lanolin, which is derived from sheep's wool, and petrolatum from the earth's petrol supply (which is formed completely from organic plant and animal life, hence the term Fossil Fuel) are both safe and natural ingredients which will protect and heal your little one. So, no matter what your friend or parent at a play date tells you, the FDA releases information and facts based on data that has been tested and proven.

MYTH: Only Zinc Oxide products can protect and heal diaper rash.

TRUTH: While zinc is a healing agent, it is used in thick pastes and heavy creams that remain on the skin in an occlusive manner, by closing the wound and keeping it from air; consequently, prohibiting your baby's skin from breathing. What's the first thing you are told when your baby gets diaper rash? "Let the air get to it! Keep the diapers off for as long as possible! Don't use a liner if you're using cloth diapers". The skin needs air to heal, and yellow petrolatum, combined with Anhydrous Lanolin, in the correct ratios, provide this semi-occlusive, breathable barrier, allowing your babies skin to 'breathe'. Furthermore, this barrier is moisture resistant as well, both allowing moisture to escape from the skin, while preventing new moisture or urine from coming into contact with the skin from the outside barrier. Clearly, Petrolatum is a far superior healing agent; it has been used in burn therapy, lip and skin dryness and cracking, and it combines well with other healing agents.

You can find many published articles regarding the truth, the efficacy, and safety of petrolatum and mineral oil (liquid petrolatum) including those from the world noted dermatologist of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Norman Orentriech.

Be sure and carefully review the products you buy. Based on years of extensive research, I have created Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention, whose main ingredients are Yellow Petrolatum and Anhydrous Lanolin which will prevent, protect from, and heal diaper rash. This product is a skin breathable ointment, rather than a heavy thick paste or cream. Suggested use is to apply a thin film on the baby's bottom, as opposed to others which may say 'apply liberally'. Applying a thick layer, as others suggest, can hinder the air from getting to the skin, and thereby slow the healing process. Grandma El's has been tested and proven to be hypo-allergenic. It is also registered with and regulated by the FDA, and is not tested on animals. It works with cloth diapers as well allowing them to absorb properly, and is endorsed by Happy Heinys Cloth Diapers.

For information, please visit www.GrandmaEls.com


© 2008, R. M. Posner, Director of Research & Development, ABBE Labs, Inc.

About the Author: Robert Posner, the developer of Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention, is one of the most renown skin care formulators in the country and has been in the skin care industry for almost 50 years. He initially formulated it in 1972 for his newborn son Jonathan.

About Grandma El's: Grandma El's is owned and operated by Jonathan & Melissa Posner, and the formula has been in the family since 1972. Jonathan's mom, Grandma El, has used the product for over 30 years. The company came about as Jonathan's friends began to have babies, a number of them complained of diaper rash. He supplied them with the product and they all raved about what a miracle it really is. Soon, the word spread, and friends of friends began knocking on his door at all hours looking for the miracle. Thus, the beginning of Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention, and the end of diaper rash!

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