Rejuvenating Skin Oils

Rejuvenating Skin Oil

Many oils can be applied to your skin. Therefore try using a variety of different oils. Focus on buying unrefined and fresh oils. Whenever possible, contact the manufacturer and enquirer about origin and production methods. It is vital to know where the products you consume or apply to your skin are made - as most countries do not regulate these products. Keep in mind, buying certified organic ensures that certain toxins and chemicals can not be found in the product.  Avoid buying finished oil blends when possible, as it is very difficult to trace back the origin of the individual ingredients.

What are carrier oils?

Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and “carry” them to your skin. That’s because essential oils are potent and can cause irritation when applied directly to your skin.

Most carrier oils are unscented or lightly scented and don’t interfere with an essential oil’s therapeutic properties. They may be used alone or with other oils to nourish your skin.

Keep reading to learn more about choosing the right carrier oil, some of the different carrier oils available, and more.

How to select the right carrier oil?

There are many carrier oils available. Most are suitable to use with any essential oil, but you should also consider a few things before choosing one.

Considder

• Odor: Carrier oils may have a distinct odor. When added to an essential oil, it may alter the aroma.


• Absorption: Your skin can absorb some carrier oils better than others.


• Skin type: Depending on your skin type, some oils may irritate skin or worsen a skin condition such as acne.


• Shelf life: Fresh carrier oils can not be stored for ever without going bad.


• Storage: Carrier oils should be fresh and unrefined. Store cool and out of direct sunlight.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an edible oil made from the meat of mature coconuts. It ought to be unrefined and fresh when consumed or used for your skin.

Unrefined coconut oil is less processed. It’s not processed with chemicals and retains its pure coconut aroma and flavor.

Uses: Coconut oil contains skin-nourishing fatty acids and polyphenols, which make it a great carrier oil for massage oils and skin care.

Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil should be bought raw and unrefined. It has a mild, marzipany aroma. It’s an edible oil made from raw almonds. The oil is lightweight and absorbs very easily in your skin. Therefore is also a great moisturizer for dry skin.

It’s also used in general aromatherapy, as its light scent allows essential oil’s aroma.

Uses: Raw almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for skin care. It’s great in massage oils, bath oils, and soaps.

Black Cumin Seed

Black Cumin Seed Oil is made from Nigella sativa seeds. Although it’s lesser known than other carrier oils, it’s rich with unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Source. It’s also thought to have anti-inflammatory abilities.

Uses: Black Cumin Seed Oil is often used as a folk remedy to soothe skin conditions including eczema, acne, and psoriasis. With this in mind, it’s a great choice for facial care, massage oils, and general skin care oil.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is also an edible oil extracted from sunflower seeds. It has a neutral odor and light color.

The oil is said to act as a skin barrier against toxins and germs that cause infection, making it a great choice for irritated skin.

Uses: It’s thought to help soften skin, moisturize skin, and soothe irritation, so add this carrier oil to your massage oils or use for general skin care.

Borage Seed Oil

Borage Seed Oil is one of the richest sources of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) containing up to 25%  Clinical trials have shown that GLA may  encourage healthy, mobile joints.  As well as in skin care it can provides excellent moisturizing and revitalizing properties.

Its regenerative qualities can be used to fight the loss of skin elasticity as well as tone and revitalize tired, dull, dry complexions. When used regularly, Borage Oil greatly improves the general condition of the skin helping to improve its texture and softness, which makes it an ideal overnight facial treatment.

Borage Oil is quite rich, so add 15% to 20% of Borage Oil to another lighter textured carrier oil such as almond oil to make it easier to work with in massage. For intensive night-time skin care treatments use it undiluted, so that your skin gets all of the nourishment and regenerative power from this great oil. Buy fresh and store cool or best refrigerated.

Sesame Seed Oil

Raw Sesame Seed Oil isn't as widely available , hence less often mentioned in any articles.

Raw Sesame Seed Oil is a good choice for massages. It should ideally be blended with other carrier oils. Otherwise, it may potentially overpower a blend. When shopping for Raw Sesame Seed Oil for use as a carrier oil or for use in topical formulations, strive to purchase certified organic, cold pressed, unrefined oils. Avoid oils that are produced from toasted sesame seeds.

How to mix carrier oil with essential oils

Whenever possible, purchase fresh organic, raw, cold-pressed carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Although most carrier oils don’t cause an allergic reaction, you should always do a patch test prior to using. Make sure the oils are edible, this ensures freshness as well as confidence that the product meets food standards. Cosmetic oils are not regulated by the FDA or other agencies, in most countries.

Perform a test:

1. Add a small amount of carrier oil to the inside of your wrist or just below your ear.


2. Cover the oil with a bandage.


3. Check back on the area after 24 hours.


4. If irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, and avoid future use.

If you are allergic or have a sensitivity to tree nuts, you shouldn’t use oils derived from tree nuts.

When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it’s important to follow these dilution guidelines.

For adults:

• 2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil


• 3 percent dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil


• 5 percent dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil


• 10 percent dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

For children:

• .5 to 1 percent dilution: 3 to 6 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil

Always store carrier oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. You should also buy and keep them in a dark glass bottle.

Summarizing

Fresh carrier oils make it possible to use essential oils safely. They also help nourish, rejuvenate and moisturize your skin. Not all oils make for good carrier oils.

Whatever oil you choose, avoid using it on your lips, eyes, or other sensitive areas after it’s been mixed with an essential oil. However, you may safely apply carrier oil alone to these areas.

 

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