In this blog, I’ll be sharing with you which carrier oils are the best ones to choose to support your health and well-being. Some of you may be familiar with some of these oils already and some of you may want to consider swapping your usual oils . These oils are not just make great massage bases but can be used to treat a specific condition as well.
Carrier oils are natural products obtained from seeds, kernels, nuts or plants. They are fatty oils that are cold pressed. Some are odourless or have a very mild scent and don’t evaporate quickly.
Here are a few base oil you may want to consider to support your health and well-being.
Calendula Macerated Oil
Calendula Macerated Oil is an infusion of Marigold flowers and Sunflower Oil. It really makes a rich soothing oil with great healing properties as it repairs the skin, can be used to ease sunburn, irritated and itchy skin and a good addition to your first aid box as it can speed up healing time when mixed with hypercal cream. A great choice for a massage oil as the oil spreads more easily.
Coconut Oil
Coconut is one of my favourites as it’s light, very moisturising, very nourishing. It helps heal rough irritated skin, has anti-inflammatory properties that helps heal wounds, blisters and rashes. It can soothe razor burn too. It’s Brilliant for chapped lips, eczema and dermatitis and also good for people who have Vitiligo.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower is another favourite of mine. I use this oil a lot in my therapies as it’s affordable and great for all skin types and blends really well with essential oils. It’s very high in Vitamin E which helps repair and protect the skin, improves the barrier function of the skin, helps retain moisture and even fights off infection and easily absorbs into the skin. Very hydrating and healing and very good for treating acne and sun damaged skin.
St John’s Wort Macerated Oil
This oil has sedative effects. It also has pain relieving properties and anti-inflammatory. It’s very calming for red, sore or inflamed skin conditions. It makes a great massage base as it is very grounding and has an earthy smell. Add this to your self-care massage routine and it will boost the effects of relaxation. It’s excellent for eczema, psoriasis and some types of lupus. Also good for cold sores and viral lesions.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed Oil also known as Linseed Oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, making it a wonderful rejuvenating oil that’s good for tired, dry or mature skin. It also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties so it’s good for treating arthritis. If you choose to use this oil just mix a little amount 30ml with your choice of essential oils as this oil can go rancid quite quickly.
Almond Oil
Quite a popular choice for most people. It’s light, cold pressed from seeds from the sweet almond tree. It’s very vitamin rich, suitable for all skin types especially if you have sensitive skin and gentle enough to use in children. Soothes dry irritated skin and prevents moisture loss and absorbs slowly into the skin.
Apricot Kernel
Apricot Kernel is light, cold pressed oil and very rich in Gamma Linoleic Acid or GLA’s which helps the skin to maintain it’s moisture balance. It’s non-greasy, easily absorbed which makes it a great base for a massage blends. If’s cost effective as a little goes along way. Very good to use if you have Vitiligo.
Sesame Oil
This oil is packed with nutrients including Vitamin E and potassium, which helps rejuvenate and protects the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties so it’s very good for healing dry skin conditions. This oil produces a calming and warming effect even without adding any essential oils and boosts circulation and aids detoxing while relieving stress and promotes restful sleep.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed Oil is another one of my favourites that I use in my therapies as it’s light, odourless and very cost effective as it’s so inexpensive and makes a great all-purpose oil that is high in antioxidants. It’s very mild, but very nourishing and has good emollient properties and a gentle toning effect that is beneficial for mature and acne prone skin. It’s a non-greasy base oil for massage blends and has an added benefit of dispersing in water so it’s perfect choice for bath oil blends.
Always opt for organic cold pressed oils. For Coconut oil raw, unrefined unbleached brands are best to ensure the highest amounts of beneficial properties are retained.
