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I Swapped My Expensive Body Lotions for This $7 Product That Cured My Dry, Scaly Skin

It's also helped prevent blisters and chafing.

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Published on August 28, 2024 03:00PM EDT

Vaseline body balm stick — Photo:
Real Simple / Reese Herrington

One constant throughout the seasons for me (that I could do without) is my incredibly dry, scaly skin. That's right, even in the summer, I'm plagued by flaky and itchy spots all over my body, but it's especially prominent on my legs. There are days when I've practically scratched my calves raw and even some of my most expensive body lotions haven't been able to help. Almost at my wits, I decided to leave behind the rest of my bodycare for a recent road trip and gave the travel-friendly Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick a try.

I wanted something quick to apply on my legs for a little glow and rough elbows, and it turns out the multitasking powers of Vaseline in a convenient jelly stick was exactly what I didn't know I needed. I ended up using this fragrance-free, petroleum jelly-powered baby for so much more, from moisturizing my perpetually scaly arms and legs to soothing the chafing on my thighs and relieving blisters from my strappy sandals. I even used it as an overnight balm for my dry feet; I slathered the occlusive ointment all over my heels and toes, threw on some socks, and in the morning, my feet looked sandal-ready again.

Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick

Vaseline Body Balm Stick For Dry Skin Relief Unscented Targeted — Amazon

$7 at Amazon

It's safe to say that I've spent hundreds of dollars on body care products, from lotions to oils, that haven't worked as well as this budget-friendly stick. I love one name-brand body cream, but it costs $18 for a teeny 2-fluid-ounce jar, and I find myself using it strategically. While it does a great job of softening rough areas of my skin, it can be pretty messy, and I still have to layer it on after a few hours. Meanwhile, the Vaseline's Body Balm Stick, which is $7 for 1.4-ounce of solid product, offers a mess-free experience, and I only have to use it once a day.

I'm not the only one who was impressed by solid body balm. "I needed something easy to apply for inner thigh chafing, and this fit the bill," one five-star reviewer shared. They also said the formula alleviated itchiness and discomfort and was "easy to put on hard-to-reach places." It's also the perfect little moisturizer to toss in your purse, gym bag, or a diaper bag—for the parents out there

The balm’s multi-purpose ability is truly unending. Another Amazon shopper boasted about the Vaseline stick's ability to make fragrances "last throughout the entire day." "I sprayed my perfume on the Vaseline and my fragrance last hours," they noted. "This Vaseline stick is easy to apply and leaves your hands clean and non-greasy." Upgrade your bodycare routine with the surprisingly affordable and multipurpose Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick. Shop more of my favorite bodycare essentials below.