Question about plain old Baby Oil.
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Tue Mar 06, 2007 8:46 am

Has anybody ever had an allergic reaction to baby oil?
I have recently been bathing in it due to dry winter skin and I have developed this rash on my legs. The only thing that has changed in my routine is the adding of baby oil. I thought people with sensitive skin could use it. I have done some research and discovered that there is a commom allergy to mineral oil, which is what Baby Oil is made of. Also, it says it actually dries the skin out - same with petrolatum or vaseline. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks

free skin care · Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:58 am

Baby oil is mineral oil and fragrance. When you use it in the tub, you are creating a barrier of sorts. Skin creams, etc. cannot penetrate as easily.
I would also worry about vaginal infections if you use too much or stay too long.

hth

free skin care · Tue Mar 06, 2007 12:26 pm

If you have dry winter skin and want to bath in something, try the Aveeno Oatmeal baths. Your skin feels silky after that but you have to soak for about 20 mins to get the full effect.

Tue Mar 06, 2007 1:42 pm

Thanks for your replies. I have been doing a bit more digging on this topic - as I want to make sure that the rash I have is from an external source and that I am not having a food allergy or am not coming down with something.

I found this info and found it quite interesting that mineral is used very frequently in cosmetics.

"Although mineral oil is used liberally in many body-care products, it has been surrounded by controversy for decades. Some reputable sources say it is extremely dangerous and should never be used on the body, while others say it is safe, natural, healthy, and should be used liberally.

How are you supposed to know whether it’s good for you or not? Understanding how your skin function and structure dictates the best dry skin treatment, and gaining an understanding what mineral oil is and does, will give you the answer.

Mineral oil is a by-product of the distillation process that turns petroleum into gasoline. It has many industrial uses, including as a cutting fluid, a lubricating oil, a coolant, a preservative on utensils and wood cutting boards, a sealer for soapstone countertops, and as a cleaner and solvent for inks in fine art printmaking – to name a few.

One of the reasons it has become popular as a skin care product is that it forms a film over the skin that prevents the skin from contacting or absorbing anything in the environment. For example, it’s best to keep a rash dry, and mineral oil helps prevent the absorption of water.

Another popular use is in bath oils. In this case, it supposedly keeps moisture locked in, and makes the skin feel smooth. Since dry skin generally feels rough and flaky, the assumption is that if the skin feels smooth, then it is moist.

The hole in these theories is that mineral oil doesn’t allow the skin to ‘breathe’. While it may keep moisture in, it also prevents the body from absorbing oxygen and from eliminating toxins and other waste products – both of which are such vital bodily processes that their malfunction could create dry skin, and many other unhealthy conditions.

So, the skin problem is not being treated, it’s being masked, and possibly even worsened. This will quickly be obvious once you stop using the products, and find that the skin problems immediately reappear.

The solution is to use a product that locks in moisture and forms a protective barrier against environmental toxins, without leaving a greasy or oily film that prevents the body from absorbing oxygen and eliminating wastes – which is how a shielding lotion works. For that reason, thousands of doctors are now recommending a good shielding lotion instead of mineral oil products to help rashes and other dry skin conditions."

free skin care · Tue Mar 06, 2007 1:53 pm

I love, love, the way baby oil smells and feels when I use it, but I don't anymore. Crying or Very sad

I just don't like what it IS, and wouldn't put it on a baby. SO.. I just buy plain almond or sesame oil and do the same with it. Costs a little more, but is so good for your skin.

The way I use it is, after showering, I rub in on while I'm still damp, and wait a couple of minutes and pat dry. You could put a couple of drops of fragrance oil (meant for soaps and lotions) if you wanted scent to it.

Sesame is the same thing in Neutrogena Rain Bath that is fairly expensive.

You can get 16 oz. of Organic Sesame oil here for $5.99:

http://www.healthybuyersclub.com/productdisplay.cfm?c1=Organic%20Food&sc1=Organic%20Oils&v=3&title=Unrefined%20Sesame%20Oil

I buy Coconut Oil from them. The kind you cook with. Smile

free skin care · Tue Mar 06, 2007 2:00 pm

ElanMJ, waaaaay back I used to love plain ol Baby Oil too. Unfortunately, like your skin, my skin did not love it so I ditched it. These days I use Burt's Bees Apricot Baby Oil which I HIGHLY recommend--- the smell is GORGEOUS, and it's very skin-friendly. I even use a squirt with my hand soap to soften my hands while I wash. Love it!

free skin care · Tue Mar 06, 2007 2:06 pm

I second Burt's Bees Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil!! This stuff smells WONDERFUL! It has no mineral oil, whatsoever. 98% Natural. You should try it!!! I think you will love it! Smile

free skin care · Tue Mar 06, 2007 3:02 pm

My favourite is Ren bath oil in rose, although the lavender is lovely too. Both based on sesame oil. Pricy but worth it.

free skin care · Tue Mar 06, 2007 10:21 pm

I LOVE the burt's bee's baby oil also, but even better IMO is the Alba Kukui Nut Body Oil. mmmmm

free skin care · Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:53 pm

waffle wrote:

I LOVE the burt's bee's baby oil also, but even better IMO is the Alba Kukui Nut Body Oil. mmmmm

What does the Alba Kukui Nut Body Oil smell like? Smile

free skin care · Wed Mar 07, 2007 12:00 am

Yes, baby oil is definitely not good for the skin. I was using it this winter because I've recently moved to an extremely dry climate and it did nothing for me. Now after reading these posts, I know why!

free skin care · Wed Mar 07, 2007 4:36 pm

I would suggest some organic virgin coco-creme or some cocount oil for the body. Smells divine. But if you're not into the coconut smell you might want to get some Almond oil instead. It's great for the body - really nourishing and nice scent. You can also mix in a few drops of your favourite essential oils too to create your own custom blend.

free skin care · Wed Mar 07, 2007 10:50 pm

For those of you who use Burt Bees baby oil, do you know if this will remove eye makeup? I've been using mineral oil for eons to remove my eye makeup and I didn't have any idea until I read these posts what it came from. Shock

I don't want to use it anymore, but I do need something to take off my eyemakeup and not my lashes with it. Laughing

thank you!

free skin care · Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:10 pm

O... Is this only apply for baby oil or it applies to all others like the baby lotion, baby wash?

free skin care · Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:30 pm

wildflower wrote:

I would suggest some organic virgin coco-creme or some cocount oil for the body. Smells divine. But if you're not into the coconut smell you might want to get some Almond oil instead. It's great for the body - really nourishing and nice scent. You can also mix in a few drops of your favourite essential oils too to create your own custom blend.

I love almond oil, especially in the winter because it is warming to the body when you rub it in. My preferred oil after dry brush massage!

And the laziest and most luxurious way to moisturize your body with oil is to just take a bath with it--the oil sits on the limn on the water and adheres to your body as you move and as you get in and out of the bath--pure relaxation!

--avalange

free skin care · Thu Mar 08, 2007 4:38 pm

Aimee3 wrote:

For those of you who use Burt Bees baby oil, do you know if this will remove eye makeup? I've been using mineral oil for eons to remove my eye makeup and I didn't have any idea until I read these posts what it came from. Shock

I don't want to use it anymore, but I do need something to take off my eyemakeup and not my lashes with it. Laughing

thank you!

Hi Aimee! Actually, I've never used it as an eye-makeup remover (oils always make my contact lenses cloudy...), but I imagine it would be just as good as baby oil. If you try it, please report back!^-^

free skin care · Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:46 pm

Aimee3 wrote:

For those of you who use Burt Bees baby oil, do you know if this will remove eye makeup? I've been using mineral oil for eons to remove my eye makeup and I didn't have any idea until I read these posts what it came from. Shock

I don't want to use it anymore, but I do need something to take off my eyemakeup and not my lashes with it. Laughing

thank you!

babymax24 said she uses the apricot oil to remove her eye makeup!
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=19366&highlight=burts+bees+baby+bee+apricot+oil

free skin care · Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:59 pm

Thank you so much for the info and link. I'm going to look for Burts Bees tomorrow. I know I've seen it but I can't recall where, Confused

I'll let you know if it works as well for me as the usual baby oil.

free skin care · Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:14 pm

avalange wrote:

wildflower wrote:

I would suggest some organic virgin coco-creme or some cocount oil for the body. Smells divine. But if you're not into the coconut smell you might want to get some Almond oil instead. It's great for the body - really nourishing and nice scent. You can also mix in a few drops of your favourite essential oils too to create your own custom blend.

I love almond oil, especially in the winter because it is warming to the body when you rub it in. My preferred oil after dry brush massage!

And the laziest and most luxurious way to moisturize your body with oil is to just take a bath with it--the oil sits on the limn on the water and adheres to your body as you move and as you get in and out of the bath--pure relaxation!

--avalange

What's dry brushing? hmm

Lynn

free skin care · Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:12 am

hi lynn!

here is an exhaustive report on dry brushing, which will make you believe you need one immediately! I left mine back home in chicago, but I may well go and get one here in Paris--I miss it! Between swimming 5 days a week, lots of stretching, and dry brushing, my body never felt better (well, also a good diet and lemon water every morn as well).

Enjoy reading!

http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/HealingTechniques/Dry_Brushing_Technique.htm

--avalange

free skin care · Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:40 pm

Aimee3 wrote:

Thank you so much for the info and link. I'm going to look for Burts Bees tomorrow. I know I've seen it but I can't recall where, Confused

I'll let you know if it works as well for me as the usual baby oil.

Cool.

Let us know how it works for you!

free skin care · Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:26 pm

Found Burt Bees apricot oil, but I do not care for it as an eye makeup remover. It's got quite a strong fragrance which is a bit nauseating to me at least, and the oil is so-o thick, much more so than baby oil. I've used it a few times already hoping I'd get used to it, but I'm sorry to say that I will not be using it for eye makeup removal anymore. Just too irritating for me, maybe others will have a different experience.

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