Plant Oils vs. Mineral Oils - Enchanting Herbals
Plant Oils vs. Mineral Oils
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Plant Oils vs. Mineral Oils
Mineral oils, a.k.a. Petrolatum, is a by-product of the petroleum industry and is an ingredient found in numerous body care products. Mineral oil has no nutritional benefit to our skin and creates an occlusive barrier, like wearing a latex glove – it essentially suffocates our skin. It can actually lead to dryness and chapping by interfering with our body’s natural moisturizing mechanism – creating the very problem it is supposed to be helping!
This is exactly the problem with petroleum based lip balms. Those who use it, find themselves reapplying continuously throughout the day because their lips are no longer able to moisturize themselves naturally.
This is exactly the problem with petroleum based lip balms. Those who use it, find themselves reapplying continuously throughout the day because their lips are no longer able to moisturize themselves naturally.
Plant oils, on the other hand, made from nuts and seeds such as almonds, hazelnuts and avocados are incredibly beneficial to our skin. Not only do they offer nutritional benefits, they aid in regeneration by helping build the membranes that support the cell structure.
Plant oils contain organic compounds that help protect, repair and regenerate our skin:
Plant oils contain organic compounds that help protect, repair and regenerate our skin:
- Essential fatty acids, such as Gamma linolenic acid or GLA are necessary for collagen production.
- Phospholipids like Lecithin, help protect our skin by creating a barrier or a “second skin”. They are also good humectants, helping our skin absorb and retain moisture.
- Phytosterols help repair skin damaged or harmed by environmental elements like chapping from wind and sunburn. They reduce inflammation and help moisturize the skin by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) - how water passes from inside our body through our skin by diffusion and evaporation.
- They also contain antioxidants and vitamins
Our lip balms are made with Calendula infused extra virgin Olive oil, Shea butter, Almond & Jojoba oils. They not only allow your lips to naturally moisturize themselves, but assist them by rebuilding cells and helping with moisture exchange.
