Welcome to our blog post all about the wonderful benefits of carrier oils!
Carrier oils play a crucial role in diluting potent essential oils, ensuring that they can be safely applied to your skin without causing any irritation.
Typically unscented or with a subtle fragrance, carrier oils won't interfere with the therapeutic properties of essential oils, and can even be used on their own or mixed with other oils to keep your skin feeling nourished and pampered.
Stay tuned as we dive into the ins and outs of selecting the perfect carrier oil, explore the variety of carrier oils available, and discover even more fascinating facts on this topic.
While most carrier oils pair well with any essential oil, there are a few things to keep in mind before making your choice.
Let's dive into some key factors:
- Odor: Some carrier oils come with their own unique scent. Keep in mind that this might change the aroma of your essential oil blend.
- Absorption: Not all carrier oils are created equal when it comes to your skin soaking them up. Choose one that's compatible with your skin type.
- Skin sensitivity: Speaking of skin, be aware that certain oils may cause irritation or exacerbate issues like acne, depending on your skin type.
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Shelf life: Lastly, consider the oil's longevity. Some carrier oils have a longer shelf life, meaning they won't go rancid as quickly as others.
Carrier oils play a crucial part in ensuring that essential oils don't evaporate too quickly. Why does this matter? Well, essential oils are made up of tiny volatile particles that can evaporate off the skin very quickly, even before it has time to absorb them.
Carrier oils are derived from a plant's fatty parts and don't evaporate as swiftly. By blending them with essential oils, you can slow down the evaporation rate, allowing for the skin to absorb the molecules and resulting in a more powerful and longer-lasting effect.
Read on to find out how each of the carrier oils that we recommend compare to the points above.
FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL
Fractionated coconut oil is really great as a carrier oil because it's got a low molecular weight, making it super easy for it to soak deep into your skin. Plus, it's packed with saturated fats that keep your skin moisturised and help give you a smooth, even complexion.
Coconut oil also has these antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which means it is a good choice for soothing skin problems like acne, eczema, and cold sores.
It is also totally fragrance free, so doesn't not interfere with your essential oil aroma and is a very stable oil, lasting at room temperature for up to 2 years.
JOJOBA OIL
Jojoba oil is fantastic as a carrier oil because it doesn't have a strong scent and works as an emollient, meaning it soothes your skin while unclogging pores and hair follicles. Jojoba oil isn't just a carrier oil – it has a ton of benefits for your hair and skin on its own.
Interestingly, jojoba oil is actually a plant wax, not an oil. It's perfect for moisturising, protecting and cleaning your skin, preventing razor burn, and boosting your hair health. Plus, it's packed with vitamins E and B that help treat sunburns and wounds, and it has antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties along with three fatty acids.
Incorporate jojoba oil into your homemade moisturizer for oily skin as it balances oil production, ensuring you don't feel greasy. If you're allergic to coconut, just swap it out with the super versatile jojoba oil.
Fun fact: using jojoba oil might actually help decrease oil production for those with acne-prone skin because it tricks the skin into thinking it has produced enough oil already.
GRAPESEED OIL
Grapeseed Oil is a lightweight carrier oil that is easily absorbed into the skin. It is a popular choice for massage oils. It is suitable for all skin types. Its virtual lack of aroma makes it an ideal base for essential oils.
Grapeseed Oil is rich in Vitamin E and omegas and antioxidants to soothe & nourish your skin and it does not aggravate acne.
AVOCADO OIL
Avocado oil is a natural wonder when it comes to nourishing your skin. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, avocado oil can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.
First and foremost, avocado oil is great for moisturising. The fatty acids in the oil penetrate the skin easily and help to keep it hydrated. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as prevent dry, flaky skin. Avocado oil is also rich in oleic acid, which can help replenish the skin's natural oils and keep it soft and supple.
Avocado oil is also rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from free radical damage.
Another benefit of avocado oil for skin is its ability to soothe inflammation. The oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds like phytosterols and carotenoids, which can help calm redness and irritation. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
ROSEHIP OIL
Rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acids that help with cell and tissue regeneration. Plus, it's got a good amount of vitamin C and can actually slow down aging when you put it on your skin. Some studies even show it can help with age spots caused by sun damage, give you a better skin tone and texture, ease eczema, treat scaring and fight off skin infections.
Even though it is very moisturising, rosehip oil is considered a dry oil. That means it soaks into your skin super fast and doesn't leave any greasy feeling behind. So, it's perfect for you if you have normal to dry skin.
You can use rosehip oil on its own as a natural moisturizer, or you can mix it with essential oils.
SWEET ALMOND OIL
Sweet almond oil is ideal for aromatherapy treatments, relaxing massages and all-natural skincare. Loaded with vitamin E, light in colour and silky to the touch, sweet almond oil is a wonderful skin moisturiser.
The high vitamin content and delayed absorption time makes sweet almond oil ideal as a massage medium when used together with your favourite essential oils.
Sweet almond oil is also an excellent home remedy for lightening dark circles around the eyes.
SUMMARY
Carrier oils make it possible for people to enjoy the benefits of applying essential oils to their skin without experiencing irritation and other skin symptoms.
Many carrier oils have their own therapeutic properties. This means that different combinations of carrier and essential oils can have unique health benefits.
Use carrier oils with your essential oils in roller bottles, dropper bottles or larger glass bottles for massage oils.
Happy blending, everyone!