Mineral oil and premature ageing

Mineral oil is bad news for women of all ages. Found in many cosmetics and skin creams, as well as baby oil, it blocks the natural absorption of moisture to your skin and hinders cell renewal. This results in the ageing process being sped up.

Whilst mineral oil is not the number one cause of skin ageing – that can be attributed to UV rays from the sun – it has been named in second place by researchers from the John Hopkins University.

What is mineral oil?

Mineral oil is often a key ingredient in creams, lotions and make-up, as well as in baby oil. It is a type of petrochemical – a by-product of petroleum distillation and originates from crude oil. Mineral oil also goes by other names including paraffin and petroleum jelly.

Mineral oils and other petrochemicals are found in the majority of cosmetic brands in the UK and a staggering 98% of skin care products in America. This shows just how widely used they are.

Why is mineral oil so popular? Well it can be bought very cheaply thanks to the massive oil industry. It feels smooth on the skin and has a good shelf life.

How is mineral oil linked to premature ageing?

Whilst there are these benefits to using mineral oil, there are also downsides. It forms a film across your skin in a similar way to how cling film might. This blocks the pores, traps dirt and bacteria next to your skin and prevents the action of beneficial ingredients from cosmetics and skin care products.

Another result of this “cling film effect” is that it prevents your skin from absorbing moisture as it naturally would. Hydration is absolutely key to keeping youthful looks as dry, parched skin copes worse with ageing.

Moisture is also essential for skin cells for them to renew themselves – the process which keeps your skin looking healthy. Without this input of moisture, it has been suggested that mineral oil may slow down the cell renewal rate, resulting in premature ageing of the skin.

What are the alternatives to mineral oil?

Fortunately there are plenty of non-petrochemical oils which are great for your skin and do not suffocate the skin. Take Shea Butter, for example. This is the oil comes from the seed of the African Karite tree and has long been used by the local people to help their bodies endure the harsh, dry climate. It does not clog pores, unlike mineral oil, and is highly nourishing.

Avocado oil is another fantastic oil that benefits your skin. It contains Vitamin A, B1, B2 and fatty acids – and keeps the skin hydrated very effectively. Again, avocado oil is non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging).

A third alternative is Hemp oil, which contains the perfect balance of Omega-3&6 and is easily absorbed and moisturising, whilst Rosehip oil has proven anti-wrinkle and tissue regenerative properties.

Green People cosmetics and skin care – no mineral oils!

Green People uses these gentle, natural plant oils to create organic skin care products that are hydrating and non-pore clogging. We don’t use mineral oils in any of our products, nor any other petrochemicals or harsh ingredients like SLS or artificial fragrances.

Enjoy naturally beautiful skin with Green People cosmetics – see our make-up and natural skin care now.