Essential oils, undiluted, are very potent and can cause burns, allergic reactions or severe irritation if applied to the body “neat.” To dilute the essential oils, just prior to application, they must be mixed with a carrier oil.
Most carrier oils are vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant. The seeds or nuts of the plant may be used. Some, such as emu oil, are derived from the fat of the animal. The molecular structure of a carrier oil is much larger than that of essential oils and they do not travel in the bloodstream. They do, however, help to carry essential oils through the dermis to the bloodstream.
Emu Oil
Emu oil comes from the animal, which is raised on a farm and is rendered to produce oil and meat. Emu oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties, does not promote the growth of bacteria, is highly penetrating, does not clog pores and is non-greasy. It is often used on burns and rashes.
Evening Primrose Oil
This oil is high in gamma-linoleic acid (which is said to rejuvenate skin cells), vitamins and minerals. It is excellent for dry scaly skin, dandruff, psoriasis, eczema and wounds. It is also thought to protect skin from premature aging.
Grapeseed Oil
This oil contains vitamins including vitamin E, minerals, polyunsaturates, protein and linoleic acid, which is very important for the skin and cellular membranes. It is a penetrating, odourless, mildly astringent oil that is great for all skin types.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax commonly called the "skin’s twin" because it is very similar in structure to the skin’s natural sebum. Jojoba is excellent for all skin types and is used to treat eczema and psoriasis. It is easily absorbed by the skin and has a non-oily, softening effect. It contains protein, minerals, plant wax and myristic acid. It is hypoallergenic, pure and is not a nut base.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip seed oil moisturizes dry, mature, sensitive, allergic, aging and problem skin. It is said to reduce inflammation, regenerate scar tissue, help with wrinkles and age spots, and may help to prevent and fade stretch marks. It contains vitamins C, E and a derivative of vitamin A. Because of its high fatty acid content, rosehip oil is wonderful applied topically to the skin to reverse severely dry skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil contains vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and E and is rich in protein. It is great for general massage on all skin types. It is wonderful to help relieve itching, dryness, inflammation and burns. This oil is an all purpose carrier oil.
Using a good quality, natural carrier oil to safely apply essential oils to the body is not only very important but it increases the efficacy of the essential oil. All carrier oils have a shelf life and should be used within one year of purchase.
Barbara Greenwood - Barb Greenwood hails from England where she worked in Special Needs Health Care. Already a Registered Massage Therapist, she became ...
Join the Conversation