Introduction
Mineral oil is also referred to as paraffin oil, white oil, liquid petroleum, or liquid paraffin. It is a clear liquid having no color or odor. It is obtained from the process of refining, purifying, and processing petroleum. So, it is a liquid form by-product of refining crude oil in the process of making gasoline and petroleum products. It is an over-the-counter product that is used as primary home care for a range of skin concerns. Mineral oil is a safe agent for relieving many skin conditions, but caution is to be taken for oral administration.
What Are the Health Benefits of Mineral Oil?
Like petroleum jelly, mineral oil is a hand-take care for many ailments at home. Mineral oil is a widely available chemical substance that holds a variety of properties and health benefits from dry skin to stomach concerns. The most significant health benefits of mineral oil are discussed below.
Constipation: Mineral oil helps in constipation when taken as an oral solution or enema since it is an emollient and laxative. In addition, it may be contained as an active ingredient in certain laxatives. Mineral oil induces bowel movement with laxative properties. The lubricant property of mineral oil makes the stool descend easily to the colon with less resistance and without any stuck. Mineral oil provides occasional relief in cases of hemorrhoids or internal tears with bowl concerns. It takes about eight hours to show the effects. So, it is recommended to take mineral oil at bedtime.
Dry Skin: Mineral oil has potent effects on dry skin. It keeps the skin moisturized and soft for hours. So it keeps up the moisture from decamping. This helps people maintain healthy skin even during the winter days when the skin is more prone to dryness. This works by creating a barrier that locks the moisture. Additionally, it diminishes transepidermal water loss, a loss of moisture by means of the evaporation of water from the skin. Therefore, mineral oil is used as a constituent of several market moisturizing products.
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Xerosis: Xerosis is a condition known for extremely dry skin. Mineral oil helps treat xerosis. It is evident that mineral oil helps treat localized xerosis caused by radiation therapy for cancer. Regular application of mineral oil in the affected areas has shown to be effective against the consequences of radiation therapy.
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Dry and Cracked Feet: Dry and cracked feet are a profound concern, and the foot is more prone to dryness. The application of mineral oil before bedtime will show significant moisturization on dry feet. One can wear socks to keep up the mineral oil for quite hours.
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Eczema: Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition of dryness, inflammation, and itchiness. The skin condition can be irritating and itching, but it cannot be contagious. As mineral oil is a great soothing and moisturizing product, it can be used in cases of eczema. It is significantly effective when applied to the areas of eczema on wet skin. In addition, mineral oil is considered an alternative treatment option for eczema against Cortisone creams. The creams and ointments containing mineral oil contain a greater amount of mineral oil that helps relieve inflamed skin without causing burns and irritation.
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Dandruff: Dandruff is a discomforting problem leading to itches and flakes. Like other oils, mineral oil helps get rid of flaky dandruff on the scalp. One can apply the mineral oil directly on the scalp and leave it for about an hour. Brush the hair for a few minutes. Then, wash the hair with the shampoo. The mineral oil softens the flaky and dry scalp. In addition, it keeps up the moisture in the scalp, preventing further episodes of dandruff.
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Cradle Cap: Cradle cap, also referred to as seborrheic dermatitis, is a condition of crusting with white or yellowish scales on the scalp of infants. So, it is often a bothersome condition for both the baby and the parents. It is more prevalent during the first year of life. Mineral oil helps treat such cradle caps. Take a smaller amount of mineral oil and apply it to the baby’s scalp with gentle drives. Leave the oil for about one hour. Then, brush the hair gently to get rid of the slackened scales off the scalp. Finally, shampoo the baby’s hair without fail since mineral oil without shampooing could worsen the cradle cap.
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Diaper Rash: Diaper rash is a profound concern among babies that leaves the skin inflamed and red. Mineral oil provides a significant relief of inflammation. It is considered a primary and effective home-based remedy for diaper rash.
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Ear Wax: Mineral oil is one of the safest ways to get rid of ear wax. One can leave a few drops of mineral oil in the ear canal by means of a dropper. The mineral oil helps in solvating the ear wax and moisturizing the ear canal. As a result, the ear wax dissolves and easily dislodges from the ear canal. Importantly, one should seek professional help in cases of any underlying ear concerns.
What Are the Other Benefits of Mineral Oil?
The other benefits of mineral oil include the following:
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It protects the exposed skin during cold climates, especially in arctic regions.
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It helps in the moisturization of lips.
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It can be used for the removal of temporary-based tattoos.
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It helps clear the stain and paint from the skin.
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It helps relieve skin burns from radiation therapy.
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It aids as a conditioner for eyebrows and eyelashes, preventing breakages.
Conclusion
For topical use, mineral oil is considered safe other than the susceptibility of UV (ultraviolet) rays penetration into the skin. The systemic side effects are not particular to skin ailments as the mineral oil stays on the upper skin layer. Nevertheless, caution should be taken crucially while taking orally or as an enema. Oral ingestion of mineral oil can be associated with distinct systemic dangers. So, one should seek professional advice in cases of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and underlying medical conditions.
