De-Bunking the Myths About SkinCare Ingrediants
Why Use Mineral Oil?
De-Bunking the Myths About SkinCare Ingredients
Mineral oil is universally recommended by dermatologists and cosmetologists for the many benefits it provides, as
in treating especially dry or "problem" skin. Why then do myths persist deriding this terrific skincare ingredient?
Good question…and we've got good answers:
Why do some manufacturers promote the benefits of oils
to the exclusion of mineral oil? Marketing. And these marketers never address the fact that dermatologists and cosmetologists universally recommend over-the-counter mineral oil products (such as Vaseline®) for a variety of topical applications.
Why do some marketers claim mineral oils are unsuitable for skincare?
Unfortunately, in marketing perception trumps fact. So, one reason may be that by promoting more expensive, less effective oils, they are able to increase the price point of otherwise unremarkable products.
Is mineral oil safe? Food grade mineral oil can be taken orally for its laxative benefits. (If it can be ingested, how safe do you suppose it is for your skin?) Pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil is considered the safest, most nonirritating moisturizing ingredients ever found, which is why it is used in prescriptions to treat very dry skin conditions. (Sources: Cosmetics & Toiletries, January 2001, page 79; Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2000, pages 44–46). Mineral oil is especially effective as a moisturizer, which is what a good antioxidant is supposed to do.
Do mineral oils keep so much air off the skin that skin “suffocates�
No. Mineral oil is recognized by dermatologists as extremely effective for wound healing specifically because it protects the skin while allowing it to heal. (Source: Cosmetics & Toiletries, February 1998, pages 33–40).
Are there any other reasons why a cosmetic would choose mineral oil as an emollient?
Yes. Shelf life. Mineral oil does not go rancid. While it is possible to use vegetable oils and botanicals in stable and effective ways, many manufacturers promote their advantages without stabalizing their use. Go to your beauty cabinet, find a skincare product you haven’t used for a while, open it, and smell it. Then decide if you want to put it on your skin.
When is it appropriate to use mineral oil, and when is it better to use other moisturizers?
The most important thing is to seek the best agent for the specific use for which it is intended. Generally speaking, mineral oil is used when Heavy Duty moisturizing is required, whereas vegetable oils and botanicals are more often used for the delicate moisturizing of the facial tissues and around eyes.
De-Bunking the Myths About SkinCare Ingredients
Mineral oil is universally recommended by dermatologists and cosmetologists for the many benefits it provides, as
in treating especially dry or "problem" skin. Why then do myths persist deriding this terrific skincare ingredient?
Good question…and we've got good answers:
Why do some manufacturers promote the benefits of oils
to the exclusion of mineral oil? Marketing. And these marketers never address the fact that dermatologists and cosmetologists universally recommend over-the-counter mineral oil products (such as Vaseline®) for a variety of topical applications.
Why do some marketers claim mineral oils are unsuitable for skincare?
Unfortunately, in marketing perception trumps fact. So, one reason may be that by promoting more expensive, less effective oils, they are able to increase the price point of otherwise unremarkable products.
Is mineral oil safe? Food grade mineral oil can be taken orally for its laxative benefits. (If it can be ingested, how safe do you suppose it is for your skin?) Pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil is considered the safest, most nonirritating moisturizing ingredients ever found, which is why it is used in prescriptions to treat very dry skin conditions. (Sources: Cosmetics & Toiletries, January 2001, page 79; Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2000, pages 44–46). Mineral oil is especially effective as a moisturizer, which is what a good antioxidant is supposed to do.
Do mineral oils keep so much air off the skin that skin “suffocates�
No. Mineral oil is recognized by dermatologists as extremely effective for wound healing specifically because it protects the skin while allowing it to heal. (Source: Cosmetics & Toiletries, February 1998, pages 33–40).
Are there any other reasons why a cosmetic would choose mineral oil as an emollient?
Yes. Shelf life. Mineral oil does not go rancid. While it is possible to use vegetable oils and botanicals in stable and effective ways, many manufacturers promote their advantages without stabalizing their use. Go to your beauty cabinet, find a skincare product you haven’t used for a while, open it, and smell it. Then decide if you want to put it on your skin.
When is it appropriate to use mineral oil, and when is it better to use other moisturizers?
The most important thing is to seek the best agent for the specific use for which it is intended. Generally speaking, mineral oil is used when Heavy Duty moisturizing is required, whereas vegetable oils and botanicals are more often used for the delicate moisturizing of the facial tissues and around eyes.
Advertise on APSense
This advertising space is available.
Post Your Ad Here
Post Your Ad Here
Comments (3)
Timeless Treasures3
I love mineral make up, i sell it as well, if your interested in mineral make up.
Tiffany Paden3
I agree, I can't stand when some people market their products and say, oh we use only all natural products, because chemicals and "manufactured" ingredients are bad for your skin... Poison Ivy is bad for you too... :)
Tiff
Lynn I.16
Earning Online Since 1999
Your post reminded of a talk show that I watched many years ago. It featured a woman in her eighties, that looked no where near that old and when the host asked for her secret, she told him that she had used vaseline on her face and throat everyday for moisturizer. So there must be something to it :) Lynn