Essential and carrier oils - differences, mixing and recipes for home care
14 April 2021What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is the oil extracted from the saturated parts of the plant - seeds, nuts, pits by pressing. It is usually used as a diluent oil for essential oils, which can irritate or redden the skin with their concentration. Carrier oils have a structure very close to human fatty tissue and therefore penetrate very easily. They help the skin absorb otherwise difficult-to-absorb essential oils. They can easily penetrate the epidermis and have the ability to give the skin softness, elasticity, smoothness, nourishment and moisturizing. Carrier oils are active biostimulants of both physical and chemical and biological processes - they normalize cellular metabolism, promote normal blood circulation, restore the structure and function of cells, regulate metabolism, contribute to deep nourishment and hydration of the skin.
The most common carrier oils:
Almond - It is an affordable, nourishing oil, very suitable for massage. Provides ideal slipperiness and softness.
Apricot Oil – Extracted from the kernel of the apricot pit. Suitable for body oils and lotions.
Avocado Oil – Deep green in color and rich in nutritional vitamins, this thick oil is very rich, but also combines perfectly with other oils. Very suitable for dry skin.
Cocoa Oil – Similar in consistency to coconut oil, cocoa is obtained from cocoa beans and has a great chocolate aroma. Therefore, it suppresses the scent of most essential oils, but in small quantities it can be used as a thickener in lotions and creams.
Grapeseed Oil – Light and odorless, this oil has a slight astringent effect and is suitable for acne and oily skin. It is easily absorbed by the skin.
Jojoba – Since jojoba is very similar to the sebum produced by human skin, it is very suitable for the face and body, and is recommended for the scalp and hair. It is obtained from the seeds of a shrub that grows in the desert.
Macadamia – Light oil, an ideal base for face and hair products
What is an essential oil?
Essential oils are extracts from the root, bark, stem, leaves or other aromatic structures of a plant. In English - “essential”, because they capture the essence, the soul of the herb/tree. There are different methods of extraction such as steam distillation, cold pressing and extraction with a solvent agent. Essential oils are light in texture, with a strong aroma, very concentrated and volatile - they evaporate relatively quickly.
Due to their strong effect, essential oils are not applied directly to the skin, but are dissolved in base oils. You can also add them to your usual cosmetics - the rule is 2-3 drops per 10 ml. base.
Most common essential oils:
Rose oil - Rose has a tonic, soothing effect. It is used for liver detox, cleansing of mucous accumulations, toning the cardiovascular system. It acts as a regulator of female sex hormones and is the strongest antiseptic essential oil and is recommended for acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis.
Lavender- Accelerates the healing of burns, cuts, abrasions and other wounds. Its antioxidant powers help with sleep problems, anxiety and depression.
Peppermint- Treats stress, migraines, skin problems, acts as a calming and digestive aid.
Eucalyptus- Strong antibacterial, antispasmodic and antiviral agent.
Frankincense- Powerful anti-inflammatory agent, painkiller and immunostimulant.
Tea tree- Wound healing agent, acts as a local antiseptic for burns and lesions. It reacts with fungal infections, earaches, herpes, stuffy nose and respiratory infections, acne.
Melissa - It has a positive effect on female hormones, regulates blood pressure, has antioxidant properties, has a beneficial effect on the skin.
Ylang-ylang - Its action is extremely strong in the fight against depression, free radicals, inflammation, bacteria and fungi, insects and excess melanin, which can cause skin disorders.
How should they be mixed?
We all know that there are many different types of essential and carrier oils that can be mixed in all sorts of ways.
Here we will focus on three essential oils - Rose Damascena, Lavender and Melissa - and we will offer the most suitable combinations between them with carrier oils, as well as give several recipes for mixing depending on the desired effect.
Rose Damascena Essential Oil
The essential oil is suitable for hair care, improving mood and much more. Considered one of the most powerful essential oils for women's health, it helps regulate irregular cycles, reduces pain during menstruation and reduces anxiety during childbirth.
One of the most common combinations of Rose Damascena oil is with the following carrier oils: almond, avocado, apricot, grape seed, etc.
Recipes:
Face Cream
113 g. jojoba oil
85 g. distilled water
24 g. propolis
5 drops rose oil
10 drops lavender oil
The rose face cream is very suitable for sensitive skin. Applied to a freshly washed face, it tones, softens and gives the skin a pleasant aroma.
Rose and Honey Face Mask
1-2 drops rose oil
3 drops almond oil
1 spoon honey
1-2 drops, in the form of oil, vitamin E
Gently massage the face and neck with your fingers. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. This mask will rejuvenate and soften your skin.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is often used to improve sleep, for dry hair or treating dandruff, for beauty and anti-aging, to treat anxiety and many others. Lavender oil is a suitable combination with olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, almond oil, etc.
Recipes:
Pain Relief Body Oil:
10 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Peppermint essential oil
5 drops Melissa essential oil
30 milliliters carrier oil (e.g. coconut)
Massage aching joints or stiff muscles as needed.
Sweet Dreams Body Oil
4 drops Lavender essential oil
4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
4 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
60 milliliters carrier oil (e.g. cocoa)
Use for foot massage or as a body oil before bed for extra moisture and a very sweet sleep.
Melissa Essential Oil
Melissa essential oil soothes skin infections, dermatitis and insect bites. The aroma relieves insomnia, headaches and lowers blood pressure. calms the nervous system, eliminates melancholy, irritability, and increases concentration. The oil improves cerebral blood circulation, regulates metabolism, helps normalize digestive processes, lowers blood pressure, etc.
The essential oil is combined with the main base oils such as almond, apricot, grape seed oil, etc.
Recipes:
Hand Soap
Liquid Castile Soap Base
10 drops of Melissa essential oil (can also be another - Lavender, Rose), for every 30 milliliters of the mixture
aloe vera gel
You should get a consistency like that of standard liquid soap. Depending on the thickness of the aloe vera gel, you may need to add a little water.
Mosquito Repellent Spray
50 ml Lavender Floral Water
8 drops – Eucalyptus Essential Oil
8 drops Melissa Essential Oil
14 drops – Indriche Essential Oil
8 drops – Citronella Essential Oil
The combination of oils has an effect of about 2-3 hours.
Conclusion:
If we had to summarize: nourishing oils have a supporting effect, and essential oils have a healing effect.
Essential oils have numerous benefits for human health - physical and mental. Their use has been established since ancient times, when pharaohs and queens included them in their beauty rituals, and doctors made potions to reduce various ailments.
It is important to note that all essential oils must be diluted in a vegetable oil or other suitable base before use on the skin, as well as before adding to a bath. It is not recommended to inhale essential oils directly and intensively (e.g. steam inhalation) for more than 15-20 minutes. This does not apply to inhaling oils dispersed in the air through a diffuser or aroma lamp. It is always a good idea to do a compatibility test of the oil you are going to use. Apply a few drops to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 hours or at least overnight. Always check the expiration date and storage method. Base and essential oils should be kept in a cool, dry place. It is best if they are in dark bottles so that they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
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