 |
 |
news and offers 
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils (base oils, vegetable oils) are the means by which essential oils may be diluted so they can be applied to the skin. Essential oils themselves are far too potent to be used neat, so they have to be diluted in water, in creams, or more usually in carrier oil.
The advantages of carrier oils are:
- they act as a lubricant for massage
- they facilitate the absorption of the essential oil into the skin
- they are light and non-viscous, offering no impediment to absorption
- they are virtually odourless
- they do not evaporate
- they have specific properties that are beneficial in their own right
We generally pay great respect to the value of essential oils, but we often forget the therapeutic benefits of the carrier oils themselves. Their vitamin content and their essential fatty acids are an invaluable aid in softening and enriching the skin. Some carrier oils help with skin irritations (e.g. eczema and psoriasis). They can also be used to reduce scar tissue and wrinkles.
When buying carrier oils for aromatherapy, it is important to choose quality oils from a reliable supplier. The best nut or seed based oils are cold pressed, and where there is a choice between refined or unrefined, it is always better to choose the latter, as this will ensure the highest concentrations the oil’s particular vitamins and fatty acids. Of course, not all oils can be cold pressed or unrefined – Grapeseed is pressed but involves the use of higher temperatures, thus losing some of its potency, Calendula and St John’s Wort are infused, and Coconut is fractionated.
Of course, the carrier has to complement the essential oil. So for use on the face, for instance, Sweet Almond or Peach Kernel are light, gentle and odourless. Oils with a stronger odour, such as Avocado, are more suitable for use overnight. You can, however, blend a lighter with a heavier oil to avoid problems such as odour or even cost. The possibilities are endless and exciting.
In our product pages we offer more in-depth information regarding a wide range of carrier oils, with suggestions as to their appropriate uses.
£3.00
|
£3.00
|
£4.00
|
£4.50
|
£3.50
|
£2.50
|
£5.50
|
£3.50
|
|
£5.50
£6.60
inc. VAT
|
£2.50
|
£3.50
|