Watch a UFC event and you'll view one of combat sport's top cutmen apply coats of Vaseline to a fighter's forehead and cheek bones before battle. Why? To help prevent against cuts and abrasions. Just as in boxing, glove creases and seams as well as glancing blows can cause unwelcome cuts.

A slick layer of Vaseline helps minimize friction from these culprits and thus reduces fresh face cuts.

...