Summary:

In this episode of 70 Years and Beyond, Wambui takes us on a delightful stroll down memory lane—back to a time when Vaseline was the go-to solution for all things skin. From shiny faces after Saturday night baths to last-minute “de-ashing” before church or errands, Vaseline wasn’t just in the medicine cabinet—it was a childhood ritual.

With warmth and humor, Wambui reflects on how her mama—and just about everyone’s mama—used to slather it on with love. She also dives into the surprising origin of petroleum jelly and gently questions whether it belongs in our routines today.

Even if it was technically glorified crude oil… didn’t we look good?

📌 Takeaways

• Wambui shares vivid memories of being rubbed down with Vaseline as a child, making kids look shiny like brand-new pennies.
• She reflects on Saturday night bath rituals and how Vaseline was a cherished part of family routines.
• The episode includes a brief history of petroleum jelly, discovered in 1859 and sold as Vaseline starting in 1872.
• Today’s skincare habits have changed, but the nostalgia—and that shiny glow—still lives on.