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

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

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

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 seeds.

There are countless seeds that are used 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 attentive to which vegetable oils are for use in natural cosmetics and which cannot and are harmful to the human body”, guides Camila.

The difference between vegetable oil and mineral oil is, therefore, exactly at the origin. “Vegetable oil is extracted from plants; and mineral oil is derived from colorless and odorless petroleum. Both have hydrating power, however, each with specific qualities”, explains the dermatologist.

Types of vegetable oil and their benefits

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

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

rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is highly appreciated for the benefits it offers, both when it comes to consuming it and applying 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, being even an ally to help fight 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 neutralize wrinkles, sagging and blemishes, maintain collagen levels, kill bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin. They also help to treat stretch marks and cellulite.
• Improved brain functions: Camila comments that research even more recently shows that rosemary vegetable oil can increase the potential for nerve growth, aiding in the healing of neurological tissue and improving brain functions.
• Better digestion: when inserted in food, it can help in the digestive process, bringing relief from symptoms such as flatulence, stomach pain, constipation, bloating.
• Oral hygiene: due to its antiseptic properties, rosemary oil can, among other benefits, improve oral health, preventing cavities.
• Pain relief: with analgesic properties, rosemary oil can help treat muscle pain, cramps, in addition to being used in aromatherapy to relieve headaches.

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

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 acids, as well as vitamin A. “In other words, it helps a lot to reduce stretch marks, keloids, scars and wrinkles, as well as expression lines”, he says.
• More firmness for the skin: dermatologist Camila adds that the oil is able to reinforce the synthesis of collagen and elastin, strengthening and giving firmness to the skin.
• Nutrition and hydration: the oil nourishes the skin and is ideal for use on dry or flaky skin. “The use is made with the application of a few drops on the skin, always massaging afterwards in circular movements, for about 5 minutes, letting the skin absorb as much of the oil as possible”, guides Camila.

It is not by chance that rosehip oil is widely used for cosmetic purposes, and is even indicated in post-operative processes to help heal the skin.

avocado oil

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

• Disease prevention: Camila explains that avocado oil can help ward off cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes.
• Helps in weight loss: avocado oil can be an ally in the slimming process, especially by providing satiety, when inserted in a balanced diet. In addition, because it is stable at high temperatures, it can be used in a variety of 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 growing hair, also reducing hair loss.
• Skin beauty: Camila remembers that the oil is rich in vitamins A and E, potassium and lecithin. “It smoothes blemishes, helps prevent wrinkles and premature aging, and relieves itching,” she says.

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

jojoba vegetable oil

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

• Hydration: dermatologist Camila explains that the oil serves both for hair and skin hydration (fighting dry skin).
• Healing wounds and inflammation: Camila adds that the oil accelerates the wound healing process, helping to treat injuries, and has antioxidant action, reducing inflammation.
• Hair beauty: in addition to hydration, the oil, according to Camila, is beneficial for the structure of the hair, treating dry scalp and fighting dandruff. It also helps to eliminate frizz naturally.

Camila points out that this product cannot be ingested, as it contains a compound called erucic acid that can cause adverse reactions, such as heart damage. “It’s only for application with drops to the skin and hair, massaging for five minutes,” she 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 for the skin with the aim of hydration and nutrition, and has a repairing effect on the tissues, helping in the healing process.
• Skin beauty: prevents premature aging, treats dry skin, protects against solar radiation and works as a “cleansing oil”, fighting acne, explains dermatologist Camila.
• Hair hydration and nutrition: sunflower oil can also be used to hydrate the hair and is rich in nutrients for the hair, providing more disciplined, shiny and healthy-looking hair, as Sara comments.

“Sunflower oil is quite rich in minerals such as copper, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. Its difference to 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 oil for skin and hair care, as well as being used for massage. Discover its main benefits below:

• Prevents stretch marks: dermatologist Camila comments that this is an oil widely used by women during pregnancy because it helps prevent stretch marks; It can also be used for this purpose by women who are not pregnant.
• Beauty and health of the skin and hair: reduces inflammation in the skin, helps in the hydration of the 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 traditional massage, comments Camila, sweet almond oil can be used in moisturizers or with just a few drops on the skin. “It can also help when removing makeup. In the hair, leave a few drops and massage lightly; after 30 minutes, wash with shampoo and conditioner as usual”, she guides.

Grape seed oil

The grape that is used for wines, juices and foods 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” and aged look of the skin.
• Hair health and beauty: in addition to providing hydration, Camila explains that grape seed oil acts to prevent hair loss and prevents the strands from becoming brittle.
• Good for massages: Sara comments that, as it is thin, the oil is quickly absorbed by the skin, without creating greasiness. Exactly for this reason, it is a good choice of oil for massages.
• Health ally: when ingested, in the midst of a balanced and healthy diet, grape seed oil helps to lower cholesterol, improves heart health, is anti-inflammatory and antiviral.

Dermatologist Camila comments that, to use the oil on the body, just drip a few drops and massage. “In the hair, you can apply a teaspoon along with a cream or shampoo, always massaging the scalp”, she adds.

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

Experts clarify more doubts 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 the skin to breathe and absorb sunlight well. They also help with cracked skin that needs restoration, normalizing the structure of the tissue. They are biodegradable, do not pollute or harm the environment. Some have bactericidal, antiseptic and…