Essential oils have become part of many beauty regimen these days as they should because they have numerous benefits to offer. However, not all essential oils can be applied directly on one’s skin especially on those who have sensitive skin which is why carrier oils are needed.
Carrier oils are basically vegetable oils that are created from the nuts, kernels, or seeds of plants. They can help carry essential oils so that they can be applied topically without any harmful side effects. Essential oils are often combined with carrier oils whenever they are used in lotions, sugar scrubs, savles, balms, and even lip balms. Keep in mind that carrier oils don’t have smells much so if yours smell bad, it’s probably rancid and must be disposed of immediately. Coconut oil, on the other hand, has a nutty smell to it which won’t affect the scent of your essential oil.
So what are the benefits of carrier oils anyway? Well, it depends mostly on what carrier oil you are going to use. Here is a list of options for you to consider.
Avocado oil. Avocado is a nutritious fruit that is packed with essential fatty acids including fat soluble vitamins that, when transformed into oil, can be good for your skin especially the sensitive ones. The oil can help you deal with eczema and other skin problems which is why it is a good choice when you need a carrier oil that is appropriate for sensitive skin.
Argan oil. When it comes to hair care solution, argan oil is definitely on top of the list. There are many benefits linked to this carrier oil such as reducing frizz and even repairing split ends. Aside from treating damaged hair, Argan oil can also be used on your nails and skin. You can use this carrier oil to repair brittle nails and to soften callused feet too.
Coconut oil. One of the best carrier oils that you can choose is coconut oil. Apart from its amazing smell, coconut oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that makes it a good ingredient for lotions as well as lip balms. It is usually solid when in room temperature which means that it can harden any recipe when it is added. Go for unrefined coconut oil as it has the best smell.
Castor oil. Castor oil has been around for centuries and is often used in many beauty regimens during the ancient times. Since it is considered as a low comedogenic oil, it can be applied directly on the skin to lock in the moisture minus clogging the pores. You can also use it to treat sunburns as it can soothe any areas that are affected by too much sunlight. It can also be used as a natural lip balm when you have chapped lips. You can also use this carrier oil to strengthen and grow your nails and hair.
Grapeseed oil. This oil, on the other hand, is a bit dry which means that it won’t leave your skin feeling greasy when applied topically. Grapeseed oil is often used in many skin and hair recipes. The natural astringent properties of grapeseed oil makes it a good choice for those with oily skin and are prone to acne breakouts.
These are just a few benefits of carrier oils that you can use depending on your current needs. You can either use them as is or combine them with essential oils like lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang, and the like before using on your hair, skin, and nails just to name a few.
