Carrier Oils

There are many different kinds of “Carrier” oils available, they can be used on there own or used in conjunction with 100% pure essential oils, or mixed with other carrier oils, depending on the desired result.

Mineral oils for example Baby oil, is not used in massage therapy as they tend to coat the skin and do not penetrate the upper layers of the skin. In this section I will share with you the different carrier oils, their properties, benefits and uses.

Sweet almond oil

Sweet almond oil is made by extracting oils from the kernals of nuts that come from the sweet almond tree which is usually grown in Mediterranean countries and some parts of America. It is an excellent skin nourishing and lubricating oil and is slowly absorbed by the skin. Sweet almond oil is rich in nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids, protein, it also contains vitamins A,B, D and E.

This oil is suited to ALL skin types, it also has a beneficial effect on eczema as it can help relieve symptoms of: Itching, soreness, dry skin, and even inflammation. Sweet almond oil is ideal for treating dry hair, dry skin and even brittle nails and helps relieve muscular tension and stiffness.

(Not suitable for people with nut allergies)

Apricot kernal oil

The apricot tree once grew only in and around China, but is now grown in various countries including America and France. Again the oil is extracted from the apricot nut, it is very similar in composition to Sweet almond oil but is a little more expensive.

Apricot carrier oil can help keep the skin soft and smooth, it is rich in mineral oils and also contains vitamin A. The oil has nourishing and re-vitalizing qualities, helping regulate and restructure the skin.

Suitable for dry and sensitive skins as it helps moisturise and calm itching.

(Not suitable for people with nut allergies)

Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil originated from France but is now harvested in Spain, America, and Italy. It is extracted from the grape vines which produce grapes. It is almost colourless in its appearance, and it does not leave a greasy residue on the skins surface.

Grapeseeed oil also contains non-allergenic properties, because of this it is often used in moisturisers. It is also useful for people who have nut allergies, it can also be mixed with other carrier oils, and is generally a good all round carrier oil.

Suitable for people with nut allergies, and for people who do not like their massage oil to leave a residue on the skin.

Peach kernal carrier oil

Peach kernal oil is rich in vitamin A and E, also it is high in fatty acids. It is commonly used for the face and neck area, as it helps promote healthy circulation and helps remove toxins from the skins upper surface.

The oil comes from a small peach tree which originated in China but now is found in Texas and California. The oil itself is extracted from the kernels by using cold pressing techniques.

It is nourishing and moisturizing to skin, it is again useful for use on dry skins and people suffering from eczema.

It can help relieve itching, so can also be used in the management of Psoriasis, and is good for sensitive skins.

Sunflower carrier oil

Sunflower carrier oil is found in the flowering heads and seeds of the Sunflower itself. The oil contains vitamins A, D and E, it also contains calcium and iron, Lecithin, inulin and is high in un-saturated fats.

It is suitable for ALL skin types and is especially helpful and beneficial for treating skin complaints and bruises. Sunflower is easily absorbed via the skin, and is also softening and moisturizing and light in texture.

Evening primrose oil

Evening primrose is a plant which originates from North America, the flower is yellow in colour and the oil is extracted from the seeds.

It helps soothe skin and also helps with skin regeneration, the oil is known to help reduce swelling and help skin heal quicker. It is also known to help reduce the symptoms of acne, impetigo, and dry eczema.  It helps dry scaly skin to improve in texture and appearance, it can help assist wounds to heal quicker, if used as part of an Indian head massage it can also help relieve dandruff.

As Evening primrose oil is an expensive oil it is usually mixed with other carrier oils like sweet almond oil at a dilution of 5ml Evening primrose to 15ml sweet almond oil, Using 100% Evening primrose oil would be far too rich for some peoples skin.