02/08/2020
Let’s talk Carrier Oils
The purpose of a carrier oil is to help dilute or spread out the smaller essential oil molecules over an area. Diluting an EO in carrier oil does not decrease the effectiveness of an oil, it simply helps the essential oil go further.
When shopping for carrier oils, select ones that are pure, raw, organic, cold pressed, and unrefined. Here are some of our favorites and why we love them:
Apricot Kernel oil is one of the best carrier oils for creating skin-healing oil blends. Rich in omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid, Apricot Kernel oil helps to hydrate and nourish skin while vitamins A and E contained in the oil encourage regeneration of skin cells and collagen production to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Apricot Kernel oil absorbs into skin relatively quickly and is considered non-greasy, so it can be used on virtually any skin type. However, this oil is especially helpful for hydrating and healing very dry skin.
Argan oil is comprised of roughly 80% fatty acids which work wonders to hydrate skin, restore elasticity, and fade fine lines and wrinkles making this another excellent carrier oil for serums.
Avocado oil is a very thick oil – probably too thick for most people to use on sensitive areas like the face – it is one of the healthiest carrier oils for skin. Avocado oil is rich with vitamins A and E, as well as collagen-boosting plant sterolins. Because avocado oil is so thick, it is recommended only using it in serums with this carrier at night or when you’re planning to stay home for the day. Also, try using avocado oil in combination with another carrier if you find that your serum is too sticky.
Castor oil is a very thick oil. It can actually dry skin out when used alone. Less is definitely more when it comes to this oil: when a small amount of castor oil is mixed with another, thinner oil (such a jojoba), the result is wonderful. Castor oil has awesome skin supporting properties, making it ideal for breakout-prone skin. It is high in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins, and minerals. In addition to helping reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation associated with breakouts, it can help heal discoloration and scars from acne.
Coconut Oil (either solid or fractionated) is full of awesome vitamin E, making it an excellent carrier oil for skin-healing serums. Coconut oil is also comprised mainly of medium-chain triglyceride lauric acid, known to be one of the healthiest oils for your skin and body. Coconut oil not only helps to reduce signs of aging, it’s also great for strengthening the epidermis against cellulite, fading stretch marks, and eliminating keratosis pilaris. Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen, so you can use it to guard your skin against sun damage without the use of harmful chemicals. It can even be used to prevent or treat skin infections.
Evening Primrose Oil is an oil suitable for several skin types. It contains a high concentration of a fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid.) Linoleic acid been shown to reduce clogged pores by dissolving sebum and other impurities in the pores. This makes it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin. The fatty acids in evening prime rose oil also contain awesome skin supporting properties which help reduce redness and irritation. Evening prime rose oil can be used on dry aging skin as well. The gamma-linoleic acid and other nutrients in this oil are essential for cell structure and improve the elasticity of the skin. It is extremely moisturizing, reduces wrinkles and dryness, encourages regeneration of skin cells and keeps skin soft. It has also been used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
H**p seed oil has a 0 comedogenic rating meaning it does not clog pores. I’ll say that again: this oil does not clog pores. The other oils on this list have a comedogenic rating of 1-2 out of 5, meaning that they may clog pores (but they won’t necessarily clog pores — it really depends on the person, and 1-2 is a low rating). H**p seed oil helps to reduce the size of pores by helping to eliminate blackheads and acne. It also protects the skin from free radicals and improves elasticity. Because of its awesome skin supporting properties it is often recommended for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema. It is made up of 80% essential fatty acids (EFAs) and is said to contain the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 EFAs, which allows it to pe*****te the layers of the skin. H**p seed oil is a very dry oil, and works best when mixed with a thick oil like castor oil or jojoba oil. The only thing about h**p seed oil is that it needs to be refrigerated after opening.
Jojoba oil is a light oil that is easily absorbed. It mimics the skin’s sebum, tricking it to produce less oil. While it does not feel that your skin has oil on it, I do not like wearing it alone during the day since it does give my face a slight sheen. That being said, I do mix it with Rosehip oil and apply during the day.
Olive oil is high in oleic acid (a monosaturated fatty acid), making it perfect for drier skin. It is a heavier oil that dries a bit more slowly. Just be aware that 2/3 of olive oils tested in the US market were found to be adulterated. Be sure to use only a trusted, good quality olive oil.
Rosehip oil is a dry oil that pe*****tes to the deepest layers of the skin where it regenerates cells, increasing collagen production. It is rich in vitamin C, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, all of which are known to help heal scar tissue. It is also high in retinoic acid, which studies show reduces the appearance of wrinkles and brightens skin. Rosehip oil is without a doubt an integral part of my skincare routine, but do find it too drying to wear alone. Also, from my research it seems as though there can be a large discrepancy in the quality of certain rosehip oils, and the prices do certainly range quite a bit. It seems that it is worth spending more on a higher quality oil.
Sweet Almond oil contains large amounts of vitamins E and K – meaning that this oil not only helps skin to regenerate and maintain elasticity, it also promotes better circulation. Additionally, Sweet Almond oil is a natural UV blocker, making it ideal for people who spend a lot of time in the sun. This carrier oil is only lightly oily (about the same consistency of olive oil) and absorbs relatively quickly.
Tamanu Oil is recommended for acne-prone skin. It is rich in fatty acids and has awesome skin supporting properties. It is incredibly healing for irritated/inflamed skin, sunburns, scars, and stretch marks. A little of this oil goes a long way.
*from Ginger & Joy
From YL Blog: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/getting-to-know-your-carrier-oils/?utm_source=oso&utm_campaign=carrier&utm_medium=fb&utm_content=031117
Carrier oils are usually overlooked because they don’t contain the therapeutic constituents of other essential oils, but they can play an indispensable companion of topically applied oils. Let’s take a closer look at these carriers and why they deserve a place on the shelf of anyone who uses and...