Mineral oil is any of various colourless, odourless, light mixtures of higher alkanes from a mineral source, particularly a distillate of petroleum, as distinct from usually edible vegetable oils.
The name mineral oil by itself is imprecise, having been used for many specific oils over the past few centuries.
There are many ways that mineral oil is used for hair and skin. However, it is used in many ways that do not directly relate to one’s health as well.
For example, you can use mineral oil to get stains removed, to clean and to sanitize surfaces at home and to make the tools you use rustproof as well. In some cases, mineral oil has also been used for bringing good smells and odour at home, and to seal the wood as well.
But remember, with the use of mineral oil extensively, there could be side effects too. Some of which are-
- Bleeding
- Diarrhoea
- Pregnancy complications
- Affecting pre-existing medical conditions
- Interaction with medications, etc, which is why using mineral oil for a long-term basis is not advised. The nature of this oil is very powerful, hence you should always consult your health advisor before you add this oil to your daily routine, say experts.
There are many benefits of using mineral oil though, and since it is versatile by nature, experts opine that this is an oil which is a must-have in every home too.
It Is Good For Those That Suffer From:
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Dehydration
- Skin inflammation
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dry skin
- Dandruff
- Scalp issue
- Hair and skin issues too, mineral oil would be good to use.
Mineral Oil For Hair, Skin, Beauty And Health:
For Dry Skin:
Mineral oil is a natural sealant for your skin, which helps lock the moisture and prevent the skin from drying. This means, your skin would not be prone to inflammation and infections, and you would have a very healthy appearance as well.
Helps Treat Skin Conditions:
If you are suffering from eczema and psoriasis or other skin inflammatory disorders and diseases, you should use mineral oil. This is because the oil acts as an emollient and also as a moisturizer. It helps clear those pesky infections soon and also heals the skin faster too.
Use It As a Makeup Remover:
This is a boon for those of us that use makeup every day but didn’t know which would be the makeup remover. You can now use mineral oil. This is because there are alkanes in the oil which are good enough to cut through the toughest of chemical mixtures and other oils.
When you gently apply mineral oil to the face, it would help take out all the makeup and clean the skin. However, you need to be careful when using the oil near the nose and the eyes, because it could cause irritation.
No More Constipation:
If you have a block GI tract, this would be the oil to help you clear the track up. What it does is to lube the track up and promote peristalsis motion. This is a motion that induces bowel movements and removes the constipation symptoms as well.
It is an oil which does not allow the walls of the stomach to absorb the liquid and does not allow the stools to harden too. And thus, there would be no cramps, bloating, and constipation to be bothered about.
Do Away With Gut Inflammation:
Gut inflammation is serious just as constipation is. However, mineral oil is hydrating and soothes the gut. What it does is coat the stomach and does not allow irritation from bacterial infection or food to happen. This is how it helps clear up any stomach issues and disorders you may have.
Say Goodbye To Dandruff:
Mineral oil is very hydrating and also very moisturizing, which is a boost to the scalp. What it does is to eliminate the dry skin on the scalp. And this is how you can effectively end the woes of dandruff for good.
What you need to do is to massage a little bit of mineral oil onto the scalp and the hair roots. You can mix this oil with any other oil that is hair-boosting and use it.
Use It For Hair Care:
We spoke about how mineral oil can be used to eliminate dandruff, but did you know the same oil can be used to improve the appearance and texture, elasticity and shine of your hair too?
Applying this oil helps neutralize the frizz on the hair and also treats split ends effectively as well. Even if you have dry hair, this is an oil which will help moisturize and hydrate the hair, locking the moisture in.
So here were the many benefits of mineral oil. Now let’s take a look at the side effects of using this oil too. Please continue reading on and be well-informed.
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Side Effects Of Mineral Oils
Mineral oil is a very versatile oil no doubt, but it does have potential side effects that we have already mentioned in the list above. Here are a couple of side effects that you can get from consuming too much mineral oil. Read more about them below.
1. There are many who suffer from allergic reactions when they have used mineral oil for hair, skin, beauty, and health. This was noticed especially in those who have very sensitive skin. Redness and inflammation, swelling and itching, rash and hives can happen too.
There are even cases of very serious symptoms being developed, such as swelling of the throat, going short on breath, chest tightness, etc., when the oil was ingested or consumed.
Experts say, if you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should go ahead and discontinue the use of mineral oil immediately. And before using the mineral oil topically on the skin, a patch test on a small surface of the skin should be done to check for any negative reactions.
2. The overuse of mineral oil can affect the GI tract and cause distress. This is because the oil has very strong effects on the gastrointestinal system. This happens to the stomach and the GI tract when too much of the mineral oil is consumed.
Symptoms for the same would be rectal bleeding, vomiting, nausea, and constipation, cramping and bloating too. If the side effects do not go in a day or two, it would be wise to talk to your doctor at once.
 