Last Updated on June 22, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
Various social media post claims that the use of Vicks VapoRub can decrease the number of wrinkles on the sides of your face and can often keep the severity of wrinkles to a minimum. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A social media post on Facebook reads, “Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub for wrinkles on the sides of your face, leaving it there for a few hours so that it has time to penetrate the skin. This simple step can help decrease the number of wrinkles on the sides of your face and can often keep the severity of wrinkles to a minimum.
Similar posts shared on Twitter can be seen here, and here.
Fact Check
What is Vicks VapoRub?
Vicks VapoRub is a popular topical ointment that works as a cough suppressant. Available as an over-the-counter medication, it is owned by the American consumer goods company Procter & Gamble. The manufacturer claims that Vicks VapoRub temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold. It can also be used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.
What is the composition of Vicks VapoRub?
The main ingredients of Vicks VapoRub include camphor (a cough suppressant and topical analgesic), eucalyptus oil (a cough suppressant) and menthol (a cough suppressant and topical analgesic). The inactive ingredients in Vicks VapoRub include cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol and turpentine oil.
Can Vicks VapoRub reduce wrinkles?
No. The use of Vicks VapoRub for reducing wrinkles is a myth prevalent among people. There is no scientific evidence to prove the efficiency of Vicks in reducing and preventing wrinkles. Blemishes and wrinkles are signs of skin ageing. Both signs occur due to irreversible structural and biological changes in the layers of the skin. However, the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles and other visible signs of ageing can only be reduced with medical treatments under the guidance of experienced doctors. Applying Vicks on skin can cause redness, itchiness, and other severe problems like allergic reactions. It can act as a skin irritant and may cause more harm than good. Hence, it must be avoided.
We asked various health experts regarding the use of Vicks to reduce wrinkles. In response, experts suggest against using Vicks VapoRub on the skin to treat skin problems.
Dr. Jyoti Agarkar, MD (Dermatology) says, “There are a number of un-prescribed usage of Vicks VapoRub including being used to treat cracked heels, toenails, fade stretch marks, heal rough skin, treat headaches, and keep outdoor bugs away, etc. But none of these are either recommended by the manufacturer or medically proven. I will not recommend using Vicks VapoRub for any skin-related issue. Eucalyptus Oil in Vicks VapoRub can cause allergic reactions. In some cases, using Vicks VapoRub on the skin might cause contact dermatitis.”
Eucalyptus Oil is not the only ingredient of concern for experts. Camphor, another ingredient in the ointment, can also be a skin irritant.
Dr. Joyeeta Chowdhury, MD (Dermatology) explains, “Camphor can act as a contact sensitizer to the skin. It usually causes irritation, dermatitis to the skin and a few cases of leukoderma have also been reported. It has been used to treat certain disorders like the alopecia area as a contact sensitizer. There is no evidence of it being effective in treating skin wrinkles or any other similar skin issues.”
Dr. P Rammanohar, Research Director, Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda says, “Under Ayurveda, camphor is considered to be a skin irritant. It is never recommended to use directly on the skin in abundance.”
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