Carrier Oils in Aromatherapy
Essential oils in aromatherapy are highly concentrated and
potent. Essential oils have adverse effect on skin if used
undiluted. Though there are some essential oil exceptions that
can be used directly on the skin. It is ideal to dilute
essential oils with carrier oils.
Carrier oils are of a vegetable origin possessing highly
therapeutic properties. Extracted from nuts and seeds by cold
pressing as this process does not destroy the essential fatty
acids & vitamins content.
Carrier oils provide much needed lubrication allowing hands to
move freely over the skin, helping with the absorption of
essential oils into the body. Carrier oils are light, non sticky
and effectively penetrate the skin. They should be 100% pure,
unrefined and cold pressed.
1 drop of essential oil = 1 tsp of carrier oil for 1% dilution.
2 drops essential oil to 1 tsp of carrier oil = 2% dilution and
so on.
Commonly used carrier oils - Apricot Kernel Oil - light, easily
absorbed and moisturizes both the body and face well. Contains
vitamin E. Extracted from the kernel of apricot fruit, it is
pale yellow in colour. Vitamins A & B help in healing and
rejuvenating skin cells. Good for all skin types especially for
sensitive, inflamed and dry skin. Excellent oil for facial,
leaving the face soft and supple.
- Avocado Oil - Rich in lecithin, vitamins, A, D, & E. Easily
penetrates the skin, acts as sunscreen and helps in cell
regeneration. Mix zinc oxide in half bottle of avocado oil and
apply on skin that is exposed to the sun. Delays anti aging as
it is rich in essential fatty acids. For intensive facial
treatment for mature skin, refined Avocado oil is preferred as
it lacks odor.
- Grape seed Oil - Odorless unlike most oils, it is light and
good for skin not absorbing other oils. No greasy feeling after
application. Slightly astringent, it tightens, tones the skin
and alleviates acne. An ideal carrier for body massage.
- Jojoba Oil - One of the best oils for hair and skin.
Penetrates the skin quickly, excellent for skin nourishment.
Heals inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, or any sort of
dermatitis. Controls acne, oily skin or scalp as excess sebum
dissolves in jojoba. Good for all skin types, but clogs pores
sometimes. Good base oil for treating rheumatism and arthritis.
Promotes healthy, glowing complexion.
- Rosehip Oil - Called the queen of carrier oil. Good oil for
cosmetic, cell regeneration prevents premature skin aging and
softens wrinkles. Good for eczema, psoriasis, PMS and menopause.
When combined with calendula oil, it treats stretch marks, burns
or scars. Cold pressed from the seeds of rose hips, it pale
yellow light texture. Wonderful carrier oil for skin care.
- Sweet Almond Oil - Popular carrier oil in body massage.
Lubricates and moisturizes the skin. Good for all skin types,
especially eczema. Quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving your
skin to feel soft and non greasy. Provides relief from itching,
soreness, dryness, inflammation. Rich in proteins and vitamin D.
- Calendula Oil - infusion of marigold flowers, renowned for its
soothing properties. Balances excessively oily skin, can be used
alone or blended with almond or grape seed oil for body massage.
- Evening primrose oil - Perfect skincare oil for moisturizing,
softening and soothing to dry and irritated skin.
- Wheat germ oil - highly nourishing oil with vitamin E. Perfect
oil for dry, mature and lifeless skin.
- Sunflower oil - Used for facial treatments and body massage.
Has good softening and moisturizing properties.
- St. John Wort oil - Infusions from the Hypericum bush; it is
excellent for all types of sensitive, red and sore skin.
- Coconut Oil - Perfect moisturizer for body and hands. Light,
easily absorbable into the skin giving smooth satin effect.
Moisturizes and conditions brittle, dull or dry hair.