Vegetable, nut, and seed oils are called “carriers” because they are used to “carry” or transport a substance, such as an essential oil, to another location. In this case, the essential oil is added to the carrier oil in order to apply the essential oil directly to the skin. The most used oils are Sweet Almond, Sunflower and Olive.
Lotions, which are water based, can also be used as carriers and are often preferred because they are not as oily. Although oil and water do not mix, sprays can be made using essential oils with distilled water as another way to transport the oil. Other types of carriers include alcohol, vinegar, or herbal oils.
Many vegetable, nut, and seed oils can be found on the shelves of your local grocery store. They are often highly refined and may contain petroleum residues and preservatives. HAS oil trail It is a fatty oil that is often used to extend or dilute essential oil to make it last longer. Most of the molecules in these carrier oils are very large and therefore cannot be diffused and are usually too large to penetrate the skin, but they glide smoothly over the skin and are able to retain moisture and protect her. Carrier oil will slow down the absorption rate of the essential oil. Some carrier oils contain therapeutic properties in the form of smaller molecules.
Essential oilsOn the contrary, they have smaller molecules and are usually obtained through the distillation process, so they are highly concentrated. Since much of the original product such as flowers, bark, leaves, resin, or plant products is needed to produce the small amount of essential oil, these precious drops are very valuable and expensive. They do not have the oily feel to the touch like carrier oils. Essential oils have wonderful and varied scents, while carrier oils usually don’t have a particular scent until they are heated. Essential oils, if cared for properly, can last for years, while carrier oils tend to go rancid relatively quickly. For this reason, it is recommended that carrier oils be refrigerated for storage to help extend their shelf life.
For skin care, raw, organic, and cold-pressed carrier oils are most valued by aromatherapists and massage therapists.
Examples of popular carrier oils are:
1. Sweet almond oil (sweet prunus) A favorite of massage therapists, sweet almond oil is one of the most widely used carrier oils and is particularly effective at relieving itchy, dry skin. It is considered safe for cosmetic use, is high in vitamin E, and has a relatively long shelf life. It is more expensive and harder to find since it is not a cooking oil.
two. Avocado oil (Persea Americana) it is made from the large seeds of the plant; this oil is also good for dry skin. It contains vitamins A, D and E and is known to restore and maintain skin tone and elasticity and help prevent wrinkles.
3. coconut oil (Cocos nucifea) it is squeezed under high pressure and filtered from the coconut. It is actually solid at room temperature, but melts easily at body temperature. It is relatively expensive and can cause skin irritation in people who are allergic to nuts.
Four. Grape seed oil (Vitus vinifera) it is expressed from the grape seed, which is often a byproduct of winemaking. It is very lubricating and contains antioxidants. It is slightly astringent and is often used in massage, but it has a very short shelf life.
5. kukui nut oil (Aleurites moluccana), from the state tree of Hawaii, it is very light and so non-greasy that it is suitable even for oily skin. It is high in vitamins A and E, and has been used for centuries to help skin damaged by the sun or salt water.
6. olive oil (European wave) It is rich in chlorophyll, which is very healing. Its shelf life is twice that of most other carrier oils. Extra virgin oil has a strong smell, so a lighter version is often used in aromatherapy.
7. Rosehip seed oil (Rosehip or Rosa rubiginosa) It is high in vitamin C and is very rejuvenating and healing. It is useful in repairing scar tissue and treating damaged tissue cells. It is noted that it is good for age spots. It is relatively expensive.
8. sesame seed oil (Indian sesame) It is made from pressing the seeds. It is a soothing light oil rich in vitamin E, minerals and lecithin. It can accelerate healing, prevent drying, and has a sunscreen effect. It is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for skin preservation. It has a short shelf life.
9. sunflower seed oil (Helianthus annuus) It is rich in vitamins A and E and in lecithin. This lightweight oil leaves what some call a second skin after it dries, making it especially useful in winter. This oil is often found in body lotions.
Other carrier oils include apricot kernel oil, arnica infusion oil, borage oil, calendula infusion, canola oil, castor oil, cocoa butter oil, corn oil, evening primrose oil, hazelnut oil, mineral oil (a synthetic byproduct of petroleum that is not recommended), mullein infusion, peanut oil, peach kernel oil, pecan oil, rosehip seed oil, safflower oil, St. John’s wort infusion, soybean oil, squalene (shark oil), vitamin E oil (from various vegetables), walnut oil and wheat germ oil. There’s others. These are the most used.
Three substances used as carrier oils that are actually waxes are: lanolin obtained from sheep’s wool, shea buttera wax from the shea nut tree in South Africa and jojoba that is extracted from the kernels of a desert bush. jojoba (Symmodsia chinensis) it is very similar to the protective sebum produced on human skin and is probably the best moisturizer of all. It also has a very long shelf life. Therefore, it is a very popular vehicle for aromatherapy.