Baby oil is a common product. Because it has "baby" in it, people tend to think that it contains safe ingredients.
But did you know that the raw material is petroleum?
Mineral oil made from petroleum is also called mineral oil, and is made by regenerating waste oil that is produced after using petroleum-based plastics and other products and removing impurities.
The "minerals" in mineral oil refer to minerals, not minerals as nutrients.
<Characteristics of mineral oil>
- It can be obtained inexpensively.
- The molecules are larger than cells and therefore cannot penetrate the skin.
- It does not oxidize because it contains few unsaturated fatty acids.
On the other hand, oil extracted from plants is called "vegetable oil."
<Characteristics of vegetable oil>
- You can care for your skin with the high-quality nutrients contained in the plants themselves.
- The molecules penetrate deeper into the stratum corneum than into cells, making them more easily absorbed into the skin.
- Can be more expensive than mineral oils.
- Some vegetable oils are prone to oxidation. *Characteristics vary depending on the plant used.
Why is mineral oil used in baby oil?
Mineral oil molecules are composed only of "carbon" and "hydrogen" and do not react with other substances.
In other words, since it is less likely to cause reactions = less likely to cause irritation, it has begun to be used as baby oil, as it can be used on babies with sensitive skin.
Is it still best not to use mineral oil on babies?
This mineral oil baby oil is made from petroleum through chemical processing to remove impurities.
Mineral oil also has some disadvantages:
- The molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, meaning the product remains sticky even after a while .
- The skin cannot breathe.
- Contains no nutrients.
I'm sure many of you have experienced the sticky feeling and filmy sensation on your skin after applying baby oil.
Unfortunately, mineral baby oil only creates a film on the surface of the skin, but does not moisturize the inside of the skin.
Plant-based oils are recommended for skin care.
The great thing about plant-based skin care oils is that
- The nutrients contained in the plant can be used to care for your skin.
- It penetrates quickly into the stratum corneum and moisturizes deep into the skin.
It uses the power of plants to provide oil to the skin and maintain the balance of moisture and oil in the skin.
Another plus is that the ingredients used are plant-based, so they are environmentally friendly.
How to choose a plant-based oil
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a plant-derived skin care oil.
it is,
- Ease of oxidation
- Preservatives and other chemical substances used
Freshness is very important when it comes to oil, but some types of vegetable oil have the disadvantage that they are prone to oxidization when exposed to air or over time.
Applying oxidized oil to the skin can cause unexpected skin problems.
Before you make a purchase, make sure you can use it within the stated expiry date.
Antioxidants are also used to prevent oxidation.
Please check the ingredient list carefully before purchasing.
Coconut oil is recommended for skin care as it does not oxidize.
Coconut oil is actually a great skin care product.
Coconut oil is not very familiar in Japan, but it is a very popular skin care oil not only in tropical countries but also in Europe and the United States.
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, so it is resistant to heat and oxidation and can stay fresh even after opening.
In addition, because the molecules of these medium-chain fatty acids are fine, they penetrate quickly deep into the stratum corneum and are one of the plant-derived oils that are least sticky .
Additionally, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is also found in breast milk and is said to have many beneficial effects on the skin, including antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Coconut oil can be used for a wide range of daily skin care purposes, including baby skin care, stretch mark care for pregnant women, and everyday beauty care.
Coconut oil is packed with nutrients, thanks to the blessings of the tropical sun and the nutrients from the soil.
Please try incorporating it into your daily skin care routine.