Barrier Creams – Their Heritage And Development
by on Nov.17, 2011, under Uncategorized
The use of cosmetic and protective barrier creams, without a doubt, stretches back over 2,000 years. There are historical records detailing just how these creams and lotions were employed by the Romans – Olive Oil usually being the base product.
It is even widely believed that skin enhancing formulations were used in Ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The differing dry skin conditions, it seems, is nothing new.
However, it was not until 1872 that the traditional barrier cream that we know today was formulated.
In the year 1859, Robert Augustus Chesebrough, a young, British born chemist, was in Titusville, Pennsylvania visiting the oil fields looking for useful by-products of this newly discovered fuel. What Chesebrough saw here intrigued him. Oil workers often scooped up a heap of the discarded rod wax and used it for protecting fresh cuts and wounds. In many cases, the worker’s trust in the rod wax’s properties that they refused to bind themselves in bandages.
“Rod wax” gathered at the top of the pump rods of the oil wells. This sticky waste product had to be regularly cleaned away from the pump rods as it prevented the efficient running of the equipment at the well head. This rod wax, Chesebrough was told, not only halted the bleeding, but, as a bonus, also helped to heal the wound.
Chesebrough was quick to realise the economical potential of this new product.
Vaseline was originally had a patent registered in the year 1872. From then, the barrier cream product that we are all know and love today found a permanent place on most chemist shop shelves.
The trading name Vaseline is presumed to be derived from the word “Vase” (in which Chesebrough stored the copious supplies of the rod wax that he used to conduct his testing) and “elaion” the Greek word for oil.
Originally suggested that petroleum jelly was an efficacious wonder product that would cure a variety of ailments and diseases was ultimately proved to be incorrect. However, Vaseline is today recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an approved, over-the-counter cosmetic.
Petroleum jelly has many beneficial properties. In the sphere of skin protection, its chief use is to prevent dust, grime, dirt and other skin irritants from coming into direct contact with the surface.
However, recent technological advances have relegated Vaseline from its former position as the leading skin protectant.
Vaseline based products may require reapplication each time you clean your skin with soap. Traditional barrier creams can leave an oily residue on the skin’s surface and may clog the pores and prevent normal everyday perspiration.
Endeavours to find more cost effective solutions have given a fresh impetus to skin protection.
Today’s skin care products have superseded traditional Vaseline based creams and lotions. You can now go about your household, or professional, tasks without leaving a greasy film on everything you touch.
Today’s mousse based applications are water cleansing tolerant and remain effective for 4 to 5 hours. If you work where hygiene is of the utmost importance, or you just want to keep your home spotless, there is no need to reach for the barrier cream tube each time your wash your hands.
As an additional property, the latest skin protectant not only prevents contact with potential skin irritants but it also contains moisturisers and aids recovery of any existing skin damage. This is particularly important for people who bear the burden of contact dermatitis or dry skin.
Certainly, methods of caring for your skin have advanced considerably since those early days in the drilling industry. The ancient Egyptians, famous for their unique view of the world, would surely have given their blessings to the advanced products that have now superseded traditional barrier creams.
