There is such a variety of oils on the market these days that it is important to know what they are about and how you can use them to your advantage. Failing to recognize the different products can lead to skin problems, it can even jeopardize your health. So before you reach for the bottle of peppermint essential oil or before you apply mineral oil to your skin, be sure to read this post and find out what types of oils there are and what they are used for.

What is a vegetable oil?

The name vegetable oil stems from the fact that this type of oil is extracted from plants. More specifically: the ‘fatty’ portion of a plant: seeds, kernels, nuts. It is triglycerides that make up a vegetable oil what it is. This is one of the most common types of oils available worldwide. They are also known as carrier oils - ‘carriers its content onto the skin’, or ‘base’ oils. At room temperature, most of them are liquid and clear, but there are many exceptions.

A number of vegetable oils have cosmetic and culinary uses.Vegetable oils have a shelflife; due to oxidation - the Vitamin E component (tocopherol) helps to extend the shelflife.

One of the oils that deserve a separate section is argan oil. Argania spinosa is the name of the tree from which the popular oil is produced.

There are many reasons to use argan oil on a day-to-day basis. As compared to other vegetable oils, it has more antioxidant and is more oxidation-resistant. Plus, it contain sterols and schottenols, as well as omega-3,6 and 9 fatty acids, carotenes, vitamin E and much more, adding to its health benefits. It is a great product for your body, both if taken orally and applied to the skin as a cosmetic product. Daily consumption can reduce cardiovascular diseases and help prevent tumors. Also, it has the capacity to boost your immune system, improve your skin, reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and increase the levels of good cholesterol, soothe rashes and acne, moisturize the skin, make your hair shiny and smooth, and what not. It is a super efficient and beneficial ingredient to season to your food and a great addition to your skin and hair Having argan oil at hand is a great thing. Not only is it safe for you, but it can improve your health.

What is an essential oil?

An essential oil is a product, which is extracted from the bark, flowers, leaves, roots, stems or other parts of a plant, usually be means of water or steam distillation. The name implies that a plant’s true essence is contained in a given product. Hence, the liquid is highly concentrated. Although the name also says oils, most essential oils are not oil-like at all. They usually are transparent or, in some cases, yellow or amber.

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy due to their therapeutic benefits. Of course, they should be used with care and in small quantities. It is best if they are diluted with another liquid, preferably a carrier oil like a vegetable oil. Undiluted, an essential oil may irritate or harm your skin.. Usually, a few drops of an essential oil are enough to obtain the desired results.

However, keep in mind that not all essential oils can be blended. In fact, there can be some dangerous combinations, so make sure to search for more information before you decide to take an adventure. Lastly, know that pets and essential oils don’t usually go together because the latter can be toxic to animals. And also, if you are pregnant, do consult with your healthcare provider about whether you can use these products around the home.

What is a mineral oil?

The name mineral oil is quite imprecise, but this is how this type of oil is called around the world. It is extracted from petroleum distillates, which are mineral sources, hence the name, so it is not a natural oil The liquid is odorless and colorless. It is also pretty inexpensive. It is also known as liquid petroleum, liquid paraffin, white oil, and others. Neither of the names is precise, though.

Despite some of the concerns regarding mineral oil, it is used in cosmetics, ointments and even in baby lotions. It is claimed to clog the pores and prevent toxins from leaving the body through the skin. To recap, there are three basic groups of oils: vegetable, essential and mineral oils.