Aromatherapy has been a constantly rising trend. However, in the more recent years, it’s come to the forefront for many people. Essential oils for anxiety have become quite helpful over the years.
There are quite a few things that go into aromatherapy. Read on to find more about one of the core components, carrier oils.
What are carrier oils?
As the name suggests, carrier oils are a helpful piece of the aromatherapy process. In some cases, they are also referred to as base oils. Usually, they’re sourced from plant segments, specifically the kernel, nut or seed. They primarily serve as a means for essential oils to be diluted before skin application. They’re highly concentrated, and having them diluted allows a tiny amount to get spread over a bigger skin area.
All aromatherapy diffusers probably have some type of carrier oil in the mixes placed in them. They are crucial for essential oils since they shouldn’t get applied to the skin directly.
The dilution depends largely on:
- A person’s health and size
- The intended area/s where the essential oil will be applied
- What type of essential oil is involved
That said, for adults, it’s usually a ratio of 0.5 to 5 per cent.
Aside from its use for aromatherapy massages and such, carrier oils also get mixed into essential oils for:
- Bath oils
- Body oils
- Creams
- Hair oils
- Lip balm
- Skin lotions
What are the different types of carrier oils?
It should be noted that jojoba oil is more liquid wax than it is oil. However, it’s used as carrier oil as well. There are several ones available out there in the market, but quite a number have been more popular than others:
- Apricot kernel oil
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Hazelnut oil
- Hemp oil
- Neem oil
- Olive oil
- Safflower oil
- Sesame oil
- Sunflower oil
- Sweet almond oil
It’s key to remember that the oil could go rancid if exposed to direct sunlight and heat. A good way to avoid this is to go for cold-pressed oils.
What’s the best way to pick a carrier oil?
Skin type makes a huge difference in which carrier oil will be best. Allergies need to be taken into consideration, as well as the area of oil application. Experimenting should be done cautiously; a patch test will be helpful.
If it’s going on someone’s face, especially when it’s one that’s prone to acne, sunflower seed oil or grapeseed oil will be best. As long as it’s an oil that’s on the thinner side, it’s the best choice to go with.
When it comes to aromatherapy massages, it’s key to get the kind of oil which has certain staying power. That way, the massage therapist will have no issue with their hands over the person’s skin.
Conclusion
Carrier oils, sometimes known as base oils, are generally used to diffuse essential oils since they’re highly concentrated. A number of popular ones include apricot kernel oil, hemp oil and sesame oil. They are crucial for anyone that uses essential oils for aromatherapy massages and more.
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