Carrier Oils 101: Helpful Tips for Choosing Carrier Oils
Carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that nourish and improve the skin, treating conditions like acne and eczema, and reducing wrinkles and scarring. With so many options, choosing the right carrier oil can be daunting. While you may know the importance of selecting all natural, 100% pure and additive free products, it can still be confusing to understand the differences between popular carrier oils and how to decipher which is the best fit for your and clients’ needs. Many carrier oils are interchangeable and can be mixed together. Use is often based upon individual preference, but this article will provide tips for using specific oils for particular scenarios.
Nut derived oils are not commonly allergenic but if you do have a sensitivity, it’s generally advised to perform a skin patch test. Simply place a drop of carrier oil on the inside of your wrist and leave uncovered for 24 hours. If there is no reaction, itching, redness, or swelling, it should be ok for you to use the oil. For clients with nut allergies, it’s best to stick with carrier oils that are not derived from nuts like Grape Seed Massage Oil and Sunflower Massage Oil. While allergic reactions to carrier oils are rare, it’s certainly better to be safe than sorry.
Except for Lavender Essential Oil, essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without first being diluted with a carrier oil. All of the carrier oils we offer are great for aromatherapy and can easily be mixed with your favorite essential oils. Many have a mild sweet, nutty or herbaceous aroma. If you or your clients prefer completely unscented oils, we recommend sticking with our Grape Seed Massage Oil as it is nearly odorless.
Are you performing body or facial massage? Looking for an oil that is great head to toe? If you need oils that are versatile and can be used for body and face, Apricot Kernel Massage Oil and Almond Massage Oil are great choices because both are light and absorbed easily. Camellia Massage Oil is a beneficial selection for the face because it’s rich in antioxidants, improves complexion and restores balance. It is commonly found in anti-wrinkle serums and anti-aging formulas. Sesame Seed Massage Oil is a staple of Ayurveda and excellent for use all over the body including conditioning the hair and scalp, and as a gargle to cleanse the mouth.
What type of skin are you working with? Sunflower Massage Oil is especially recommended for mature skin as it is protective, detoxifying and deeply nourishing. Delicate and sensitive skin should opt for Apricot Kernel Massage Oil as it is non allergenic and high in vitamin E to soothe and revitalize. Coconut Massage Oil is pH balanced for all skin types, light, silky and highly nourishing.
Common skin problems can be relieved with specific carrier oils. Sesame Seed Massage Oil, Almond Massage Oil and Apricot Kernel Massage Oil are excellent for eczema, highly emollient, restoring the skin’s barrier function and blocking irritants, allergens and bacteria. Grape Seed Massage Oil is great for preventing and treating acne as it is high in linoleic acid which balances the skin’s natural sebum, keeping pores clear and unclogged. Bruises, ulcers or skin disease? Sunflower Massage Oil has a protective effect and many healing properties when applied directly to the skin.
Allergies, scent, area of use, skin type and common problems are just a few factors to consider when choosing a carrier oil. Integrating our above recommendations are a good place to begin when experimenting with different oils to find your favorites for various scenarios. Have fun!
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