How does mineral oil help dry skin?

Mineral oil is an occlusive, meaning it forms a coating that slows water evaporation from skin. Dry skin needs water, not simply more oil. Oiliness and hydration are not the same thing, despite how confidently a shiny finish can pretend otherwise. Applying an oily product without first supplying water can leave skin greasy but still dry.2

How should you apply mineral oil?

  1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and warm, not hot, water.
  2. 2Gently pat your skin dry, leaving it damp. Apply your moisturizing product ideally within three minutes of bathing.
  3. 3If you use a lotion or cream, apply it to the damp skin first. A humectant such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid attracts and binds water.
  4. 4Apply mineral oil over the moisturizer to help retain that water. This order follows general guidance for layering an occlusive, rather than directions for a particular mineral oil product.
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Emollient products without active ingredients can generally be reapplied whenever skin feels dry. For eczema, apply a moisturizing body lotion or cream twice daily. If you use prescription creams, follow your clinician's instructions about layering; the prescription product sometimes needs to go on before the emollient.13

Do you need mineral oil as a separate step?

No. A moisturizer can do the water supplying and sealing in one product, so your bathroom does not need a separate department for each job. Creams and lotions typically combine water with substances that hold it in. Mineral oil is one option for that sealing role; petrolatum holds water in more effectively. Choose a texture you like enough to use regularly.2

Who should be careful?

Mineral oil is an occlusive option for eczema, but the rest of the formula matters: choose a simple, fragrance free product. For sensitive skin, introduce only one new product at a time. If you are prone to acne, occlusive oils can aggravate breakouts; look for a product labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.13

Contact a healthcare provider for irritation, redness, a rash or wounds that will not heal. If eczema remains uncomfortable despite moisturizing, a dermatologist can help you choose other treatment options.13

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Emollients: Creams, Soaps, Moisturizers, Ointments, Benefitsmy.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2Moisturizers: Do they work?health.harvard.edu
  3. 3Best Creams and Lotions for Eczemahealth.clevelandclinic.org