Does anybody use petrolium jelly to protect from cold/wind?

[mike]

I heard that it is a good idea in severe winter conditions to cover exposed skin with petrolium jelly to protect from freezing wind.

I tried it, but it didn't seem to make me any warmer and it just seemed gooey and icky.

Has anybody tried this and found it to be helpful?

[Applehead57]

I've also heard using petroleum jelly in that manner. Should work.
My facial skin couldn't take it though. My allergies have left me with easily irritated facial skin.

[Portis]

I tried it, but it didn't seem to make me any warmer and it just seemed gooey and icky.



You pretty much said it. Not that i ever tried it because i don't see the need. Fabric is a much better choice for covering the skin.

[Bekologist]

um, its useful when its 40 below and the wind chill is howling, a product called "dermatone" in a little blue tin is thicker.

It doesn't keep your face warm like a muffler or a face mask, it keeps your nose from growing frost crystals in the arctic....

it's a little awkward to use facial grease during your commute or a workout, but ski mountaineering or arctic expeditioneering, you might slobber it on!

Otherwise, a bandanda or facemask for the lower 48.

[Machka]

I use a LIGHT coating of it on my cheeks and nose when I ride because I don't like having fabric cover my cheeks and nose ... my glasses fog up. I also only use it when it drops below about -15C and/or I'm going to be out there a very long time. If it is any warmer than that, or just for short rides (~1-2 hours), then you shouldn't need anything on your face and nose at all.

It doesn't make you feel any warmer, but IMO it can protect your skin from freezing.

[Cumbiamo]

My riding partner has had a good laugh about this... but, I actually use Vaporub or its generic sister..I think the camphor/menthol generates the heat. In 35 degree weather with wind I did not feel cold at all where as my riding partners face was brittle and red as a beet!!!

The only issue I found is when clearing my nose, my gloves get a little on the finger.

[mike]

My riding partner has had a good laugh about this... but, I actually use Vaporub or its generic sister..I think the camphor/menthol generates the heat. In 35 degree weather with wind I did not feel cold at all where as my riding partners face was brittle and red as a beet!!!

The only issue I found is when clearing my nose, my gloves get a little on the finger.

This is a very interesting comment.

I have a friend from England who told me that when he played rugby in the winter, he and his mates would put "Ben Gay" muscle rub on their legs to stay warm.

I always thought that "Ben Gay" was cooling rather than warming, but he said it really helped keep their legs warm in the cold.

[Jesse Smith]

I used it on my legs roadbiking it Tucson when the morning temps were 45-60 degrees and I was wearing just bibshorts. If you apply on a warming cream like Born or Freddy's Choice FIRST, then cover it with vasoline, it keeps the heat in and doesn't allow the warming cream to evaporate.
It works well keeping the windchill out too. But anything below 45 degrees, I'd need legwarmers or tights. I haven't tried it on my face or nose.

[Drakonchik]

I've also heard using petroleum jelly in that manner. Should work.
My facial skin couldn't take it though. My allergies have left me with easily irritated facial skin.

I also have allergies, eczema, sensitive skin--

I've taken to using pure liquid glycerin for certain applications, like training in aikido (martial art) on a canvas mat, for my feet, for grippy-ness.

I've noticed glycerin is used as a base ingredient for hand protection creams for mechanics (the other ingredients being sodium tallowate (soap) and petroleum gelly.)

Anyway, the glycerin does not irritate. I've never used it for cold protection, but it might be worth a try. Usually available in your local health food store.