Benefits of Carrier Oils

Carrier or base oils are used in Aromatherapy to ‘carry’ the for use in a massage treatment. Carrier oils are plant based oils from vegetable, nut or seeds. Essential oils are highly concentrated and used undiluted can be toxic and cause adverse affects. Used safely, correctly and in the right dilution I believe essential oils can help enhance our wellbeing and there are a variety of carrier oils to choose from to use with essential oils.

Carrier oils provide the ‘glide’ during a massage treatment and I personally love to combine a selection of the oils when I use them in my treatments giving a smooth massage. Each oil can be lighter, thicker or denser so the final consistency can be altered depending on which oils that you choose to use. I find this means that I am able to offer a more personalised blend depending on the clients requirements. By combining luxurious Jojoba to Apricot Kernel oil it can completely change the quality of your carrier oil, Jojoba would be too expensive to use on its own but it makes a wonderful addition to your blends to offer a more luxurious experience and leaving the skin feeling really nourished.

In my opinion carrier oils are often overlooked and I believe they offer very valuable properties when used in skincare and in a massage treatment. They are rich in vitamins and can help to moisturise and nourish the skin. I feel it is definately worth taking the time to research the various carrier oils that are available. The following are a few of the popular carrier oils and their properties.

Top Tip: Each carrier oil has a different absorption rate, the faster the absorption rate means the skin will feel less oily after application.

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©Nikki B 2020 Benefits of Carrier Oils

Apricot Kernel Oil Cold pressed and used for skin care Apricot kernel oil is a softening and stable oil which is especially suitable for sensitive and dry skin. Apricot oil is a mild oil, which is tolerated by most people, and is especially good for sensitive, inflamed, dry or mature skin. It enhances skin elasticity and has a soft and smooth quality on the skin. Apricot oil works well in anti-wrinkle and skin rejuvenation products. An excellent addition to skin cleansers for sensitive skin.

Avocado Oil Nutrient rich, full of vitamins, this oil is both easily and deeply absorbed by the skin as well as used to freshen and revitalise dull and tired skin. shares all of the same nutritious benefits of the avocado fruit in an easy-to-spread, nourishing oil. It also provides a distinct softness and shine. Avocado oil can be used to treat sun- damaged, dehydrated or undernourished skin, as a rich moisturiser, and in products formulated for mature skin.

Top Tip: Download the Nikki B Comedogenic Rating Of Carrier Oils Printable to see which carrier oils are good for acne prone and sensitive skin

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©Nikki B 2020 Benefits of Carrier Oils

Castor Oil is wonderful for use on skin. Castor oil is so rich that you have to use very little to see results. Castor oil can be used neat or within products for sunburn, acne, dry skin, stretch marks and as Castor oil is naturally antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral it is very useful to help with infections such warts, boils, athletes foot and itching. Castor oil is used as an ingredient in many wrinkle and anti-ageing skin preparations. As it draws dirt to itself, it is excellent in any cleansing products.

Evening Primrose Oil Evening primrose oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the evening primrose flower it is a dry, thin oil that is easily absorbed by the skin. The oil is a good source of omega 6 fatty acids and contains a very different ratio of fatty acids. Evening Primrose oil has rejuvenating powers, helping sagging and wrinkled skin, tone up, and look more youthful.

Top Tip: Try blending 2 drops of your favourite essential oil into 5ml of your chosen carrier oil.

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©Nikki B 2020 Benefits of Carrier Oils

Jojoba Oil Unlike many other oils, is chemically very similar to human sebum. The oil makes for excellent skincare products which moisturise, nourish and protect and it is used in skin and hair care products for its protecting and moisture-retaining qualities. Jojoba can be used for all skin types and leaves a non-sticky feeling on the skin. It is easily absorbable by the skin, non-greasy and great for skincare products. A luxurious oil.

Olive Oil has a long history of being used as a home remedy for skincare. The Egyptians used it alongside beeswax as a cleanser, moisturiser, and antibacterial agent since the times of the Pharaohs. Cleopatra was said to use olive oil as a skin treatment. It offers skin nourishing, softening & protective qualities.

Top Tip: Jojoba is one of my favourite oils and it is actually a liquid wax that closely resembles the natural oils the skin produces. It is nourishing and protective to skin, making it an excellent choice.

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©Nikki B 2020 Benefits of Carrier Oils

Rosehip Oil Rosehip oil’s potent natural actives make it an effective oil for cell and tissue regeneration with a natural vitamin content; it also reduces fine lines around the eyes, wrinkles and scars. Rosehip oil is a source of vitamin E known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which also calms and hydrates dry and sensitive skin. Rosehip oil offers a range of beauty benefits and is a remarkable oil to use in skincare.

Sweet Oil Sweet almond oil has a long ‘surface time’ which means that it is slowly absorbed by the skin and is therefore an excellent lubricant. It spreads well and makes the skin soft, smooth and supple. have a way of trapping moisture in the skin keeping it moisturized at all times. The good thing about using this skin care product is the benefits derived from its vitamins such as E, A and D. Sweet almond oil is known to give the skin a more youthful appearance.

Top Tip: “Cold pressed” oils means that little to no heat is used in the process, thereby preserving all the naturally occurring chemical compounds within the oil, so that they can directly benefit the skin.

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©Nikki B 2020