Oil for Dry Skin: Benefits & Uses of Baby Oil

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of oils, particularly baby oil, for managing dry skin. Participants explore various aspects including the effectiveness of topical oils versus dietary oils, the nature of skin absorption, and personal experiences with skin conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Personal experience sharing

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether applying oil truly reduces dry skin or merely masks its appearance.
  • One participant suggests that the type of oil used should depend on its absorption properties, cautioning against using inappropriate oils like motor oil.
  • Another viewpoint proposes that dietary oils, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, may be more effective for treating dry skin from within.
  • There are claims that applying oil may only temporarily improve the appearance of dry skin by flattening loose skin cells without repairing damage.
  • Some participants express frustration over the lack of permanent solutions for dry skin, sharing personal anecdotes about their experiences with various treatments.
  • Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of topical treatments like cortisone creams, with some participants describing their limited success and side effects.
  • Allergies to certain emollients, such as lanolin, are mentioned, highlighting the variability in individual responses to skin treatments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to managing dry skin. Multiple competing views exist regarding the effectiveness of topical versus dietary oils, and personal experiences vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express dissatisfaction with temporary solutions and seek permanent remedies, while others emphasize the importance of individual skin responses and potential allergies to specific ingredients.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals dealing with dry skin, those exploring various treatments for skin conditions, and anyone curious about the efficacy of different types of oils for skin care.

jobyts
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Does putting oil on the skin helps to reduce the dry skin? Or, it just looks better because under oil, the dry skin is temporarily invisible? What is baby oil for?
 
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Hi there,

I am not an expert on baby oil, or any type of oil as a matter of fact, but the type of oil you will put on your skin (dry or not) will defenitely depends on the absorption coefficient. I discourage you to put motor oil, thinking that it will help your dry skin.

A bit more info could be useful. Your skin is not a static material like plastic. On the macroscopic scale, your skin looks like a tissu with multiple holes (poors). When you apply stuff on it (hopefully good stuff, like good skin oil or cream), it will get absorbed through the holes in your skin, therefore with a favorable effect of regenerating your skin tissue.

Therefore, when oil is applied, it definitely sinks into your skins.
 
I moved this from S&D but wasn't sure about the best place for it.
 
I believe its better to apply oils from the inside. Add some fish oil or flaxseed oil to your diet, and dry skin will all but vanish.
 
rubbing olive oil on your skin can help.
 
Applying oil to the top of the skin is only going to paste the loose skin cells down and make it look less flaky until the oil comes off.
 
Oil or moisturizers aren't going to repair skin that's already damaged or dry. What it *might* do, though, is to help add a layer of protection to that already damaged skin to prevent further loss of moisture.
 
I have a very dry skin especially my hands, though I can’t handle the oil on it feels , but I like to clean them and put vaseline on, it first looks oily but it absorb it within a min or two and feels great
 
Moonbear said:
Oil or moisturizers aren't going to repair skin that's already damaged or dry. What it *might* do, though, is to help add a layer of protection to that already damaged skin to prevent further loss of moisture.



does that mean I have to live with my dry skin:cry::cry::cry:
 
  • #10
i suggest either this: http://www.appletonbarbersupply.com/store/shopexd.asp?id=628

or this: http://www.medshopexpress.com/049900.htmlthe first you can probably find at a local barber supply, and the second at an apothecary type drug store.
 
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  • #11
cheers man but I don’t like the fact that I have to keep drugs and medicine around, is there a cure like once and for all kidna thing, other than that I’m ok with water & vaseline





like hell I am


I know, I just had this [psoriasis] when I was 12 and it lasts for 2 years, I used every kind of medicine and I get sick of them and decided not to put any on my hands, I just keep them wet and thank god it has gone, since then I don’t like to use lotions and alike, it would be great if there is a treatment to get rid of skin dryness
 
  • #12
wtf? drugs? one is sheep fat and mineral oil. the other is sheep fat and water. it's not going to be nearly as greasy as vaseline. if the fougera doesn't do it for you, i doubt you will like much of anything.
 
  • #13
what gets on your nerves:confused:, I look for permanent healing [if there is] to dryness and I didn’t say that what you linked was greasy or bad



by the way cheers=thanks
 
  • #14
drizzle said:
I know, I just had this [psoriasis] when I was 12 and it lasts for 2 years, I used every kind of medicine and I get sick of them and decided not to put any on my hands, I just keep them wet and thank god it has gone, since then I don’t like to use lotions and alike, it would be great if there is a treatment to get rid of skin dryness
Go to a dermatologist, if it is a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema, a topical cortisone cream can help alleviate the symptoms, but should not be used without a doctor's advice.

Proton, a lot of people are allergic to lanolin, and it's just another emollient.
 
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  • #15
that’s what happened I’ve been to one, and he described a cortisone cream and a special soup but it was like a moment cure and once it dried I have to apply it again, it was only calming the pain I mean the itchiness, my hands were bleeding sometimes and I can’t stretch my fingers I just keep them bended, can’t believe it last for 2ys:bugeye:, but as I said I’m cured now [thanks to water], maybe that is why I hated to go and bye any cream to my hands anymore like I don’t trust them, right now my hands get dried once I do the cleaning or carry things etc, I just keep washing them a lot, sometimes I think I should’ve been an amphibian creature :biggrin:
 
  • #16
Evo said:
Proton, a lot of people are allergic to lanolin, and it's just another emollient.

seems that everything is allergic to someone. and i don't see what's so bad about "emollients', they seem rather necessary as most of us secrete more than we need.
 
  • #17
hypatia said:
dry skin will all but vanish.
Meaning your skin will do everything but what you want it to do? :-p
 

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