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"There are multiple different reasons why mineral oil should not be used on aging skin," Dr. Michael Somenek, board certified facial plastic surgeon from Washington, DC, told SheFinds. "First of all, mineral oil often contains carcinogens that increase the risk of developing cancer when used in high amounts."
And if you are prone to acne, you definitely want to stay away from mineral oil.
Dr. Somenek said, "Additionally, mineral oil easily clogs pores. Although mature skin is not as prone to acne breakouts, when pores are clogged, it’s still possible for a breakout to occur. Mineral oil has also been shown to slow down the rate of cell renewal, which causes collagen to break down. Collagen plays a significant role in maintaining skin strength, so the breakdown of collagen can lead to premature skin aging.
Plus, there is another reason why mineral oil can prematurely age the skin.
As Dr. Somenek added, "Another reason I do not recommend using mineral oil is its ability to increase the risk of sun damage. Since mineral oil is derived from petroleum, its molecules are too large for the skin to absorb.
"Subsequently, the mineral oil remains on the skin's surface, which is likely to reflect sunlight and can lead to sun damage and skin discoloration. In general, many other moisturizing ingredients provide additional benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
