Vegetable oil: what it is, what are the benefits and how to use it

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Many people today have vegetable oil as an ally in beauty care. There are also vegetable oils indicated for ingestion, which, when well used, in the middle of a balanced diet, can offer health benefits; and also those that are well used in aromatherapy.

In general, all vegetable oils have good skin and hair hydration potential, but each has its own specific benefits. See below the main vegetable oils and clarify your doubts on the subject.

Content Index:

• What is vegetable oil
• Types and Benefits
• Questions answered

What is vegetable oil?

Dr. Camila Moulin (CRM: 761427), dermatologist at the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, explains that vegetable oil is a kind of? Fat? extracted from plants, usually from their seed.

There are numerous seeds that serve to extract this type of oil. These oils are formed by triglycerides, which would be the union of three fatty acids to a glycerol molecule. It is necessary, however, to be very aware of which vegetable oils are for the use of natural cosmetics and which ones cannot and are harmful to the human body ?, says Camila.

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The difference between vegetable oil and mineral oil is then exactly in origin. • Vegetable oil is extracted from plants; and mineral oil is derived from colorless and odorless oil. Both have moisturizing power, but each with specific qualities? Explains the dermatologist.

Types Of Vegetable Oil And Its Benefits

Sara Bragança (CRM-RJ: 646547), postgraduate doctor in Dermatology and member of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, points out that several plants (especially their seeds) can serve as raw material for the extraction of vegetable oil.

Here are some examples of vegetable oil and its most relevant benefits:

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is greatly appreciated for the benefits it offers, both in terms of its consumption and the application of the oil directly to the skin or hair. Check out its main advantages:

• Hair Beauty: Camila comments that the oil is excellent for hair care and is also an ally to help combat dandruff.
• Skin Beauty Ally: Dermatologist Camila adds that this is one of the most popular oils with properties such as phytonutrients, antioxidants and essential acids. Antioxidants help counteract wrinkles, sagging and blemishes, maintain collagen levels, kill bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin. They also help treat stretch marks and cellulite.
• Improvement of brain functions: Camila comments that research has shown even more recently that rosemary vegetable oil can increase nerve growth potential, helping to heal neurological tissue and improve brain function.
• Best digestion: When inserted into the diet, it can assist in the digestive process, bringing relief from symptoms such as flatulence, stomach aches, constipation, bloating.
• Oral hygiene: Due to its antiseptic properties, rosemary oil can, among other benefits, improve oral health by preventing tooth decay.
• Pain relief: With analgesic properties, rosemary oil can aid in the treatment of muscle aches, cramps, and is used in aromatherapy to relieve headaches.

These are just some of the benefits of rosemary oil, which is considered to be one of the richest essential oils on the planet.

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Rosehip Oil

Camila comments that Rosehip Oil comes from the seeds of the wild plant of the same name. It offers benefits that go beyond hydration, such as:

• Regeneration: Camila explains that rosehip oil is a great regenerator and emollient on the skin, rich in fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid, as well as vitamin A. That is, it helps a lot to reduce stretch marks, keloids, scars and wrinkles as well as frown lines? he says.
• Firmer skin: Dermatologist Camila adds that the oil is able to strengthen the synthesis of collagen and elastin, strengthening and firmening the skin.
• Nutrition and hydration: The oil nourishes the skin and is ideal for use on dry or peeling skin. ? The use is made by applying a few drops on the skin, always massaging then in circular movements for about 5 minutes, allowing the skin to absorb as much of the oil?

Not surprisingly, rosehip oil is widely used for cosmetic purposes, and is even indicated in postoperative processes to aid skin healing.

Avocado oil

Avocado oil has its benefits highlighted when ingested and when used directly on the skin or hair. Meet the main ones:

• Prevention of diseases: Camila explains that avocado oil can help prevent cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer and diabetes.
• Weight loss aid: Avocado oil can be allied in the weight loss process especially by providing satiety, when inserted into a balanced diet. Also, being stable at high temperatures, it can be used in various healthy recipes.
• Hair Growth and Beauty: In addition to being a great moisturizer for the hair, Sara comments that avocado oil provides shine and softness, and helps in strengthening and growth of hair, further reducing hair loss.
• Skin beauty: Camila points out that the oil is rich in vitamins A and E, potassium and lecithin. "It softens stains, helps prevent wrinkles and premature aging, and relieves itching," he says.

Camila adds that avocado oil can be used as a moisturizer, massaging the desired part in the bath; and on the scalp, with droplets.

Jojoba Vegetable Oil

Camila comments that much of the composition of jojoba oil is ceramide, a type of lipid found naturally between hair scales. Other than that, it is also rich in vitamin A, B vitamins and vitamin E. So it offers benefits such as:

Read also: 9 ways to use coconut oil on hair and enjoy its benefits

• Hydration: Dermatologist Camila explains that the oil serves to moisturize both hair and skin (fighting dry skin).
• Wound healing and inflammation: Camila adds that the oil speeds up the wound healing process, assisting in the treatment of injuries, and has antioxidant action, reducing inflammation.
• Hair Beauty: In addition to hydration, the oil, according to Camila, is beneficial to the structure of the hair, treating dry scalp and fighting dandruff. It also helps to eliminate frizz in a natural way.

Camila points out that this product cannot be ingested because it contains a compound called erucic acid that can cause adverse reactions such as heart damage. "It's only for application with drops on the skin and hair, massaging for five minutes," he says.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is quite popular in the kitchen, but did you know that it can also be used for cosmetic purposes? Its main benefits are:

• Skin hydration and nutrition: Like most oils, Camila points out, it can be used on the skin for hydration and nutrition purposes, and has a healing effect on the tissues, aiding the healing process.
• Skin beauty: It prevents premature aging, treats dry skin, protects against solar radiation and acts as a "cleansing oil" by fighting acne, explains dermatologist Camila.
• Hair hydration and nutrition: Sunflower oil can also be used to moisturize hair and is rich in hair nutrients, providing more disciplined, shiny and healthy looking hair, as Sara comments.

Sunflower oil is very rich in minerals such as copper, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. Its difference with others is that it is considered one of the healthiest oils available ?, highlights Camila.

Sweet Almond Oil

Camila comments that this is also a good skin and hair care oil and can be used for massage. See below its main benefits:

• Prevents stretch marks: dermatologist Camila comments that this is an oil widely used by women during pregnancy because it helps in the prevention of stretch marks; It can also be used for this purpose by women who are not pregnant.
• Beauty and health of skin and hair: Reduces skin inflammation, helps moisturize skin and hair. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6, as well as vitamin E (which makes it a powerful antioxidant). It is also an excellent ingredient for hair masks.

In addition to the traditional massage, Camila comments, sweet almond oil can be used in moisturizers or just a few drops on the skin. “It can also help when removing makeup. On the hair, leave a few drops and lightly massage; After 30 minutes, wash with shampoo and conditioner normally ?, advises.

Grape seed oil

The grape that is used for wines, juices and food is also a source for the extraction of this vegetable oil that has numerous benefits, including:

• Skin health and beauty: Camila comments that grape seed oil is great for hydration and an excellent antioxidant.Treats cellulite and stretch marks, protecting the skin from degeneration and cell loss. It is also a natural rejuvenator, helping to prevent that tired look. and aged skin.
• Hair health and beauty: In addition to providing hydration, Camila explains that grape seed oil acts to prevent hair loss and prevents strands from becoming brittle.
• Good for massages: Sara comments that because it is thin, the oil is quickly absorbed into the skin without creating greasiness. This is exactly why it is a good option for massage oil.
• Health Ally: When ingested, in the midst of a healthy and balanced diet, grape seed oil helps lower cholesterol, improves heart health, is anti-inflammatory and antiviral.

Dermatologist Camila comments that to use the oil in the body, just drip a few drops and massage. "In hair, you can apply a teaspoon next to a cream or shampoo, always massaging the scalp," he adds.

In fact, there are several vegetable oils that can be very beneficial for beauty and health. However, they should always be used with awareness and preferably with the advice of a dermatologist (in case of skin and hair care) or nutritionist (in case of food intake).

Experts answer further questions about vegetable oil

Solve your vegetable oil questions with the questions and answers below:

What are the benefits of vegetable oils? Camila comments that, in general, vegetable oils have the advantage of offering greater hydration. • They prevent and reduce water loss by creating a hydrophobic barrier. They increase skin protection, allow skin respiration and assimilate sunlight well. They also assist in cracked and re-healing skins, normalizing the structure of the tissue. They are biodegradable, do not pollute or harm the environment. Some have bactericidal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties ?, he adds.

What to consider when choosing between vegetable oil and mineral oil? According to the expert, although both have moisturizing function, care must be taken with the adverse effects of mineral oil applied to the skin, such as pore blockage and acne. - Vegetable hydrates, for example, the entire capillary structure, more effectively and durably; Already the mineral provides hydration of the hair for a shorter period (this in relation to the treatment of hair). However, vegetable oils have a characteristic color and smell, requiring greater care when used. The question today of comparing vegetable oil with minerals is very much ecosystem driven. As the mineral is derived from petroleum, when used, either for moisturizing property, ends up being very harmful to the environment?, Comments dermatologist Camila.

Can vegetable oil hurt? Camila explains that some components of oils need to be seen from person to person because they can cause allergies.

Is it possible to use vegetable oil on babies? Yes.? Oil massage in babies is quite relaxing. The decision of which oil to use depends on how the baby's skin looks. If your child has dermatitis, it is best to restrict yourself to a recommended ointment or moisturizer. And there are some oils that we should avoid, such as "mustard oil," which can cause irritation, and "unrefined peanut oil," because they contain proteins that can cause baby allergies. Now vegetable oils such as grape seed may be better suited for the baby, protecting and helping the skin. The guideline is not to apply oils to areas most susceptible to inflammation, such as nose, navel and ears. And always use the oil with light movements, with a pleasant temperature and rinse well during the bath to eliminate residues?, Advises dermatologist Camila.

You now know that vegetable oils can be good allies of your health and beauty, and have the advantage of not being harmful to the environment. Enjoy all the benefits they can offer you!

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