The Art of Mixing Carrier Oils for Healthy, Glowing Skin

There are four broad categories:
■ Basic oils. These can be used with or without essential oils for body massage and are generally pale in color, not too viscous, and have very little smell. They include sweet almond, apricot kernel, peach kernel grapeseed, and sunflower.

Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera)
Grape seeds cannot be cold pressed and the oil is produced commercially by hot extraction. If it can be ‘rescued’ before it is refined, it is suitable for aromatherapy as refining includes chemical processing. The oil is tasteless, almost odorless and as it is very fine (it is used to lubricate watches) it is a very suitable oil for aromatherapy. It is a gentle emollient and leaves the skin with a smooth satin finish without feeling greasy

■ Special oils.

These tend to be more viscous, heavier, and more expensive. They include avocado, sesame, rose hip, and wheat germ. The extra-rich oils such as avocado and wheatgerm are seldom if ever, used on their own. It is more normal to use them as 10–25% of a carrier oil blend.

Avocado oil (Persea gratissima, Persea americana) Lauraceae
True cold-pressed avocado oil (from the dried pears) is a deep green color and is comparatively rare.
Avocado oil is a good, penetrating emollient – useful for massage, where 10 to 25% is used in a base carrier oil. It is valuable in muscle preparations, has skin healing, moisturizing, and anti-wrinkle properties, and is recommended for dry skin. As far as is known, avocado oil is non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

■ Macerated oils.

As these have certain additional properties to the oils above, because of the way they are produced, they can be used on their own, although it is preferable to add one or two drops of appropriate essential oils to increase the effect on health conditions. Chopped plant material is added to a selected fixed oil (mostly sunflower or olive), agitated gently for some time, then left for a few days, before filtering. All the plant’s oil-soluble compounds (including any essential oil compounds which may be present) are transferred to the carrier oil, giving them an extra therapeutic effect

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula oil is obtained by macerating chopped plant material in sunflower oil and the normal orange-yellow color of the calendula flowers is reflected in the color of the oil. Although calendula is sometimes referred to as a ‘marigold’ it is a very different plant from Tagetes patula and Tagetes minuta [tagetes, French marigolds], which are also known as marigolds. Calendula extracts have been used to promote healing and reduce inflammation, and it is the most effective on broken veins, varicose veins, bruises, etc.

Essential Oils
The following essential oils are traditional to Southeast Asia. Best-quality oils are extracted from plants (usually the leaves, flowers, roots, or berries) through a process of steam distillation. As French aromatherapist, Danielle Ryman points out: “Extraction is a painstaking process as the amount of oil present in plants is minute.”

The powerful properties of essential oils are best absorbed through the skin or through inhalation. Their aroma can eliminate blocks and restore body balance. They are great companions for the emotions they can ignite and help they can bring in promoting health and harmony in our modern lifestyles.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

• The best sandalwood comes from plantations in Mysore, India. The oil is extracted from the roots and the center of the slender trunk when the sandalwood tree is 50 years old.
• Syrupy, sweet, thick, and heady aroma.
• Of all aromatics, sandalwood plays a supreme role in Eastern religious ceremonies, symbolizing spirituality. It is a major cosmetic ingredient, particularly in oriental perfume. Use it in massage oil to treat dry skin, in baths to relieve cystitis and infections, and in burners to calm the nervous system and promote clarity of thought. This is particularly grounding and balancing oil.

A Guide to Popular Carrier Oils for Your Beauty Routine

Carrier oils, also known as base oils or vegetable oils, are essential components in beauty and skincare routines. They serve as a base for diluting essential oils and can be used on their own for various skincare purposes. Different carrier oils offer unique benefits and are suitable for various skin types and concerns. Here are some popular types of carrier oils for beauty:

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it suitable for most skin types. It is non-comedogenic and helps balance oil production. Jojoba oil is known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a versatile oil with moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It is especially beneficial for dry skin and can be used for oil cleansing. However, it may not be suitable for very oily or acne-prone skin.

Argan Oil: Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It is known for its nourishing and anti-aging properties. Argan oil is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Sweet Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin. It is rich in vitamins and is excellent for softening and smoothing the skin. This oil is suitable for most skin types.

Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil that is rich in antioxidants. It is beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin as it helps regulate oil production and reduce inflammation.

Rosehip Seed Oil: Rosehip seed oil is prized for its anti-aging properties. It is rich in vitamin C and essential fatty acids, making it effective at reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants. It is suitable for dry and mature skin and can be used for oil cleansing.

Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is deeply moisturizing and rich in vitamins A, D, and E. It is beneficial for dry and mature skin and can help improve skin texture.

Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps balance oil production and soothe inflammation.

Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is commonly used in Ayurvedic skincare. It is suitable for most skin types and provides nourishment and a natural sunscreen effect.

Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is a lightweight and non-comedogenic oil that is rich in vitamins. It is suitable for most skin types and helps retain moisture.

Evening Primrose Oil: Evening primrose oil is known for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin and can help soothe skin conditions like eczema.

When choosing a carrier oil for your beauty routine, consider your skin type, any specific skin concerns you have, and your personal preferences. You can also blend carrier oils to create custom formulations that address multiple skin needs. Always perform a patch test before using a new carrier oil to ensure it agrees with your skin.

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DEVELIXIRS& TEAM