Think of the word mint. What comes to mind? Maybe the crisp mouthwash you use daily that leaves you feeling squeaky clean? The smell of peppermint that envelopes you as you grab your soap or gum from your gym bag? Either way, peppermint is most known for its smell and taste. Beyond that, there are a ton of peppermint oil skin benefits to take note of. Many men are even claiming it feels so cool and refreshing as an ingredient in skincare that they’re comparing it to an ice bath for your face. Intrigued? I know we are.
Keep reading to dive deeper into the energizing peppermint oil skin benefits we use here at MOX that men everywhere can’t stop raving about:
What Is Peppermint Oil? Are There Types of Peppermint Oil?
The peppermint plant grows best in shady locations that have a lot of moisture (think Europe and the Middle East), but the plant is slowly spreading all over the world. In fact, for those in Australia, New Zealand, and the Great Lakes region of the US, peppermint plants are a nuisance as they spread rapidly and choke out other plants and herbs.
To reap the peppermint oil skin benefits, though, you’ll need more than just the peppermint plant. Peppermint oil comes from the leaves of the peppermint plant, scientifically known as Mentha × piperita. It’s a hybrid plant that’s a cross between watermint and spearmint and is widely used in aromatherapy, cooking, and medicine.
Peppermint oil is extracted through steam distillation, where the volatile compounds (particles that give things their smell or taste) from the peppermint leaves are collected and condensed into a potent, concentrated oil. The main active compound in peppermint oil is menthol, which is responsible for its characteristic minty scent and cooling sensation.
There’s a few types of peppermint oil to take note of:
- Essential Oil: A liquid extracted from the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and bark of the peppermint plant; it’s super potent and should be used with care.
- Peppermint Extract: A diluted form of peppermint oil that’s commonly added to food to give it a minty flavor.
- Peppermint Capsules: This form is usually taken as a dietary supplement.
Peppermint Oil Skin Benefits with MOX: The History
Pictured: Ancient Egyptians Documented Their Use of Peppermint Oil
Along with lavender, peppermint is one of the oldest herbs ever recorded for cooking and medicine. In ancient Egypt – around 1550 B.C. – there’s evidence in Egyptian medical texts that say peppermint was used to ease stomach issues (think nausea and aches).
During this time, peppermint was valued so high that it was even used as a form of money, which is why in current times we often use the word “mint” as a place where money is made. The Bible also mentions the use of peppermint as money in the Gospel of Luke.
In the Middle Ages, peppermint was used by monks to clean their teeth. Because of its strong smell, it was also used to repel rodents away from storerooms. Fast forward to the mid-1700s and peppermint is listed as a medicinal agent for treating everything from diseases to migraines.
Peppermint – in Greek mythology – was thought to be masculine and associated with the planet Venus and the element of air. In the Victorian Era, mint symbolized virtue; royals even hired someone to toss fresh mint around the royal chambers daily and during ceremonies
MOX Peppermint Oil Skin Benefits to Take Note Of and the Importance of Patch Testing
While the peppermint oil skin benefits are plenty, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin reacts to things differently, which is why it’s always vital to do a patch test. If you’re side-eyeing us thinking that you have no idea what a patch test is, no big deal; MOX has your back.
To perform a patch test, simply put a small amount of product on your wrist or inner elbow. Wait for a few minutes to see if you have any negative reactions (AKA red skin or a rash). If you do, make sure to wipe the product off immediately, stop using it completely, and give your doc a call.
Here are some peppermint oil skin benefits to remember:
- Cooling Sensation: Peppermint oil contains menthol (as we mentioned above), which can provide you with a cooling and soothing sensation when applied to your skin. This can help relieve discomfort from itching, redness, and irritation.
- Antibacterial Properties: Peppermint oil may have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which means it can help prevent or manage bacterial growth on your skin. This might especially be beneficial for men dealing with acne-prone (or oily) skin.
- Pore Cleansing: Peppermint oil's cleansing properties may help unclog pores and control excess oil production on your skin (peppermint oil is non-comedogenic!), reducing the amount of annoying blemishes and blackheads you have to deal with.
- Astringent Effects: Peppermint Oil’s astringent properties (a substance that draws water out of tissues causing them to shrink) may tone and tighten your skin, giving it a young-looking appearance. This means that anyone dealing with skin changes associated with aging can incorporate peppermint oil into their face care routine.
- Improve Blood Circulation: When applied to your skin, peppermint oil can enhance your blood circulation, which means you’ll be left feeling refreshed and looking healthy. Plus, good circulation keeps your skin nourished with oxygen and essential nutrients.
- Exfoliation: When combined with other ingredients (like sugar) peppermint oil can act as an exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother skin. If you’re not sure how often to do this, check out this in-depth article on bad skincare habits.
- Sun Protection: Listen, guys – applying SPF daily (no matter the weather) is vital for healthy skin and a healthy you. While just using peppermint oil won’t completely keep the sun’s damaging UV rays at bay, it does provide a small amount of protection.
- Refreshing Scent: While there are a ton of physical peppermint oil skin benefits, it also can provide you with a revitalizing experience through its calming scent. Its aroma can easily envelop you, reducing stress, while also refueling your skin and mind.
Peppermint Oil Health Benefits
Beyond just the peppermint oil skin benefits we discussed above, peppermint oil is also known for what it can do for your entire body and health. Here’s a rundown of the health benefits of peppermint oil you need to know about:
- Digestive Relief: Peppermint oil is often used to help soothe digestive issues like indigestion, gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort. It can relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, easing the passage of gas and promoting better digestion.
- Headache and Pain Relief: The cooling sensation of peppermint oil, when applied topically, can help kick headaches and muscle aches to the curb. It may also provide relief from tension and discomfort, especially after hitting the gym hard for leg day.
- Respiratory Support: Inhaling peppermint oil vapor may help open up the airways and ease congestion, making it useful when you’re trying to tackle a cold or respiratory discomfort (AKA the network of organs and tissues that help you breathe).
- Mental Clarity and Alertness: The refreshing scent of peppermint oil can have invigorating effects on mental clarity and concentration. Inhaling it might help improve focus and boost alertness, meaning it'll get you ready to take on your day.
- Nausea Relief: Peppermint oil has been used traditionally (as we mentioned above) to help reduce nausea and motion sickness. Inhaling the scent or applying diluted peppermint oil to your pressure points (middle of back or shin) might provide relief.
- Improved Exercise Performance: Listen up, guys: In some studies, peppermint oil has been shown to enhance exercise performance, possibly by increasing oxygen intake and alertness. So basically, it may help you get a good sweat-inducing workout!
- Hair and Scalp Health: Peppermint oil is sometimes used in hair care products for its potential to promote a healthy scalp and provide a cooling sensation. It might help with dandruff and various studies have said it may promote hair growth.
Potential Drug Interactions With Peppermint Oil
While we mentioned above that it’s always important to chat with your doc before using anything new, make this a necessity if you’re taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines as peppermint oil could have a negative reaction when mixed with them.
For example, scientists have found that peppermint oil may affect the rate at which your body breaks down cyclosporine: A drug given during the organ transplant process to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. Peppermint oil can cause it to stay in your blood for too long.
Other medicines not to mix with peppermint oil are:
- Simvastatin
- Lovastatin
- Ketoconazole
- Antacids
- H2 blockers like Famotidine
- Proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole
In general, people who should avoid or stop using peppermint oil include:
- People with G6PD deficiency
- Children and babies
- Pet owners (peppermint oil used in aromatherapy can be toxic for them)
Experience the Ultra-Cool Peppermint Oil Skin Benefits With MOX
At MOX, we believe that you deserve high-quality skincare that’s as strong as you are. This is why our products are formulated by a Pharmacist and Nutritionist, who uses his expertise to infuse each product with vitamins and other good-for-you ingredients like peppermint oil, Squalane, electrolytes, and lipids to exercise and refuel your skin cell-deep. It’s what makes MOX different from other brands on the market; we don’t use anything your skin doesn’t need.
The MOX Daily Face Care Kit (which men everywhere are digging so says the plentiful five-star reviews) features the Invigorating Peppermint Cleanser and Multi Nutrient Serum. The Invigorating Peppermint Cleanser removes surface dirt without disturbing your skin’s good-for-you natural oils and energetically braces your skin like an ice bath for your face, while our Multi Nutrient Serum is clinically proven to build collagen, improve strength, and increase moisture.
Check out this five-star review from an elated MOX customer who’s been using the Daily Face Care Kit regularly:
Grab the MOX Daily Face Care Kit here to experience skin-fueling face care. And don’t forget – these peppermint oil skin benefits are next-level, so cash in on them now and your strong, healthy skin will thank you.
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