How To Choose Carrier Oils

Knowing how to choose the right carrier oil can be somewhat bewildering for newcomers to aromatherapy because specialist suppliers usually offer such a wide range. Very little is written about this subject in most aromatherapy books, so unless you enroll on a training course knowing how to select them can seem like a bit of a black art.

But actually, it is exactly the same as selecting an essential oil, - you just choose the carrier oil that contains the properties that you need for your particular requirements. Therefore, all you need to do is decide how and where you want to use them, and then look up the properties, actions and viscosity of carrier oils and the choice becomes really easy.

Body or face?

For example, if you need a carrier oil for a simple body massage then Sweet Almond oil would be an ideal choice, but it would not necessarily be the very best carrier to use for a facial treatment.

Why? Because some carrier oils contain more of the essential fatty acids and vitamins which are needed to nourish to the skin and keep wrinkles at bay. Moringa and Jojoba contain large amounts of essential fatty acids and therefore make great facial oils, - but you would not use them alone for massage since they are little too heavy.

Mix and blend

Carrier oils like unrefined Avocado and Wheatgerm are packed with nutrients too, but they are also too rich to use alone in massage and they also have a strong odour that some people do not like. But you can still use their therapeutic qualities in massage.

Simply dilute these heavier oils in a lighter carrier that has no fragrance such as Almond, Apricot or Peach oil at around 15% or 20%, and then you can enjoy all of their benefits in both body massage and revitalizing facial treatments too.

This same tip also applies to other richer and more costly oils such as Black Seed, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Rosehip. All of these vegetable oils are the very finest that you can use for intensive facial treatments, but it is usually better mix them with a lighter carrier if you want to use them in a body massage.

Amazing benefits

Carrier oils are often mistakenly thought to be of less importance than essential oils, but it would be foolish to think this. Typically, an aromatherapy treatment typically consists of 2% essential oil and 98% carrier oil, and in facial treatments that ratio falls to around 1% essential oil and 99% carrier! Think about that for a minute.

Carrier oils provide some amazing benefits for your skin - especially when a synergy is formed between the essential oils and the carrier. When blended correctly the results can be spectacular, softening wrinkles and bringing softness, suppleness and radiance to your skin.

Here are some of the best and most versatile carrier oils;-

• Almond Sweet oil
With its smooth feel and nourishing properties, this is often the oil that aromatherapists prefer for body massage. Sweet Almond is both protective and nourishing to skin when used regularly.

• Apricot Kernel oil or Peach Kernel oil
Almost identical in constituents, these two oils are ideal for facial applications and leave the face feeling beautifully soft and supple.

• Avocado oil (unrefined)
Deeper penetrating than most other carriers, unrefined Avocado conditions, moisturises and softens dry and mature skin. Add Avocado to another carrier if you find the smell a bit too strong, or use it undiluted to enjoy its full-powered benefits.

• Black Seed oil
Black seed oil is particularly rich in unsaturated and essential fatty acids which makes it perfect as a skin food, and despite its deep moisturising qualities it does not leave skin feeling greasy. When used in massage it delivers an energising boost and excels with everyday muscle and joint aches.

• Borage oil
Borage oil is the richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) containing up to 25%, and clinical trials have shown that GLA helps to encourage healthy, mobile joints, and used regularly on facial skin it helps to soften fine lines and wrinkles. Mix with a lighter carrier for massage.

• Coconut oil
Perfect for moisturising both hands and body, Coconut oil is light and easily absorbed into the skin leaving it satin smooth. It can also be used as an intensive treatment to moisturise and condition brittle, dull or dry hair. Although you do not read about it very often, it is a great massage oil.

• Evening Primrose oil
This is another great facial oil that moisturises, softens and soothes dry and irritated skin because it contains high levels of linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid. These vitamin-like substances can not be manufactured by the body and are essential for healthy cell function and also appear to have a beneficial effect on the immune system and the brain. Mix with a lighter carrier for massage.

• Jojoba oil
Due to its molecular structure, Jojoba oil mimics the action of sebum, which is the skins own natural lubricant. This versatile oil deep cleanses blocked pores, moisturises and promotes a healthy, glowing complexion, making it another ideal facial oil. Dilute in a carrier for massage.

• Macadamia oil
This highly nourishing oil is rich in palmitoleic acid which promotes young looking, soft and supple skin. As we get older our bodies produce less palmitoleic acid, so regular use of Macadamia oil may help in the fight to prevent premature aging skin. Another excellent facial oil.

• Moringa oil
Rich in Palmitoleic, Oleic and Linoleic acids, Vitamins A and C, Moringa oil has excellent moisturising and nourishing qualities. It is a very stable carrier which is highly nutritious to the skin and similar in composition to olive oil but much lighter. Moringa is a powerful natural antioxidant with excellent skin smoothing properties.

• Rosehip oil
Studies have shown Rosehip oil to be a powerful skin cell regenerator that also helps to actually prevent premature skin ageing whilst softening wrinkles. Produced from the seeds of Rose hips, this oil is excellent for use with stretch marks, scar tissue or problem skin types. Unbeatable overnight treatment to soften wrinkles and scars.

• Sunflower oil
Both softening and moisturising, Sunflower oil can be used for facial treatments and body massage. This is the ideal oil to use if you have any concerns about nut-allergy reactions since it is extracted from the seeds of the flower.

• Wheatgerm oil
A highly nourishing oil containing vitamin E which makes it the perfect oil for dry, mature and lifeless skin. Wheatgerm oil is too heavy to use as a massage base, so add it at 15% to your massage blends to nourish the skin.

When you are applying a facial treatment remember to avoid the delicate under-eye area and don’t apply too much oil - a little goes a long, long way in aromatherapy. Gently work the oil into the skin until it has all been absorbed, and your skin will be left feeling soft and silky smooth all year round.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

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