Recent social media posts showing a professional goalkeeper applying Vaseline to their gloves have sparked discussions about the legality and appropriateness of using such products on goalkeeper gloves. While not “illegal” in any sense, using Vaseline is generally advised against because it can damage the gloves over time.
Vaseline acts as a sealant, blocking moisture from entering the latex of the gloves, which ultimately dries out and hardens the material.
This contrasts with KEEPER BALM, which is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture into the latex, keeping the gloves pliable and enhancing their grip without damaging the material. KEEPER BALM’s ingredients are specifically chosen to maintain the gloves’ functionality and extend their lifespan, making it a preferred choice for maintaining goalkeeper gloves.
Vaseline vs. KEEPER BALM: Sealant vs. Humectant
When discussing goalkeeper glove care, the distinction between Vaseline and KEEPER BALM is critical due to their underlying chemical properties. Vaseline is an occlusive oligomer, which means it forms a barrier that prevents moisture from entering the latex, effectively sealing it off. This action dries out the latex over time, making the gloves less flexible and more prone to cracking.
Conversely, KEEPER BALM is formulated as a humectant, consisting of natural polymers that actively draw moisture into the foam latex of the gloves. This is crucial because foam latex, a polymer made up of many monomer units, thrives when moisture is introduced. This moisture maintains the latex’s natural pliability and grip.
Understanding the molecular interaction is key here: oligomers like Vaseline consist of only a few monomer units and do not blend well with the complex polymer structure of latex, which can accommodate many monomer units. This mismatch leads to the latex being coated but not nourished, ultimately altering its structural integrity and functionality.
In contrast, the humectant properties of KEEPER BALM ensure that the latex remains supple and functional, enhancing the longevity and performance of the gloves without compromising their structural integrity. This makes KEEPER BALM an ideal choice for maintaining the natural characteristics of goalkeeper gloves.