What are carrier oils?
A vegetable oil extracted from the fat-rich portions of plants is called a ‘Carrier Oil’ .Carrier oils are very lightly scented or unscented, and have distinctive therapeutic properties. Carrier oils are used for the process of dilution of essential oils.
What is the need for carrier oils?
Direct application of essential oils to the skin, makes it more prone to evaporation. It evaporates quickly and fails to work to its potential. When used by diluting with a carrier oil, evaporation is prevented hence enhancing their usefulness.
That carrier oil should be chosen, which complements the essential oil’s therapeutic properties for complimentary benefits.
There is a vast assortment of carrier oils in the marketplace. Each carrier oil has its therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the very best ones-
Avocado Oil
Avocado fruit is one-thirds oil and is one of the fullest, most rich oils. Avocado oil is also an excellent oil to use for anti-ageing as it contains palmitoleic acid, a type of fatty acid that is found naturally in human fat tissues just under the skin.
Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids. It shows remarkable anti-inflammatory anti oxidizing properties. The abundance of A, D & E, makes it ideal for irritable skin conditions.
Avocado oil has a high viscosity, hence dries slowly making it an excellent carrier oil especially for massage.
Sweet Almond
Rich in Vitamin E, helps repair damaged collagen layers, making the skin supple and more younger-looking. It nourishes the skin, reconstructs new skin cells and locks in the moisture, making it the right choice for people with dry skin.
The active oxidizing action of Sweet Almond helps protect the skin against the harmful radiations of the Sun. Towering consistencies of both oleic and linoleic acids help to relieve inflammations.
It is non-greasy and hypoallergenic, and this attribute makes it a great for massages (especially for infants).
Argan Oil
Loaded with luxurious, nourishing properties and healing benefits, Argan Oil is known for its anti-ageing properties, hair growth stimulation and repairing of damaged hair.
Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A and E, makes it useful in healing inflammation and damage caused by the Sun, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
Jojoba
Jojoba Oil mimics natural oil secretions in human beings. This property makes it the most suitable choice to use as a moisturizer on exposed areas.
The seeds of the jojoba tree are used for the extraction of jojoba oil, and it has a slight nutty fragrance. The natural antifungal property works well in combination with essential oils. It has a high rate of absorption, making it one of the best carrier oils out there.
It has one of the most extended chains of fatty acids, making it better than any other carrier oil. It carries the unique ability to resist oxidation, making it hold a long shelf-life.
Coconut
Coconut oil is used very popularly as a carrier oil for the dilution of essential oils, and there is a very valid reason behind it. Coconut oil is like a super oil; it is power-packed with antioxidants and shows remarkable anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
Coconut Oil is 50% lauric acid which helps it maintain healthy and long shelf life. The lauric acid-rich coconut improves good cholesterol (HDL). It is excellent for dry skin and treats skin conditions effectively owing to its deeply moisturizing properties.
Unrefined coconut oil is even better as it does not go through the process of chemical extraction. This allows the coconut oil to retain its natural scent and essence along with the essential nutrients, fats and vitamins.