Carrier Oils For Skin Types. Which one are you?

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Carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA), and many of them soften and improve the condition of the skin. Some of them are also highly effective in treating irritated, sensitive conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as helping to reduce wrinkles and scar tissue.

What EFA’s

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid or omega-9

Linoleic acid (LA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Important for cell membranes.

Linolenic acid. There are two forms:

Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid. These are closely related to omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, which are called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Helps to reduce plaque build up in arteries.

For Oily, Acne Prone Skin

-Grapeseed

This oil is highly moisturising and is light for use in skin care. Contains Linoleic acid. Ideal for acne or oily skin. Suitable for those with nut allergies.

-Jojoba

A liquid wax which resembles the skins sebum. It will not block pores. Excellent rejuvenating and anti-wrinkle properties, known for treating ageing and inflamed skin. High in Vitamin E.

For Sensitive Skin

-Apricot Kernel

Easily absorbed by the skin without leaving it feeling oily. Rich in both oleic acid and linoleic acid. Good for all skin types, especially sensitive, dry and dehydrated skin.

For Combination Skin

-Sunflower

It’s main components are linoleic acid and oleic acids with high amounts of Vitamins A, D, and E, also has beneficial amounts of lecithin and Carotenoids. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants.  Also, an important source of gamma alpha linolenic acid (GLA) which helps in preventing thinning of hair and alopecia.

For Normal Skin

-Sweet Almond

High in oleic and linoleic acid. Sweet Almond is an excellent massage oil, and is especially suited to dry, sensitive and irritated skin. It is softening and nourishing to the skin.

For Dry, Mature Skin

-Avocado

Rich in essential fatty acids and very nourishing for dry, ageing skin.

-Olive

Composed mainly of oleic acid and palmitic acid. Olive oil has the exceptional ability to penetrate the skin and lock in the natural moisture of the skin.

For Scars and Damaged Skin

-Rosehip Seed

Excellent for treating tissue regeneration and many skin conditions including scars, burns, stretch marks, eczema and psoriasis.

-Calendula

A valuable infused oil from the marigold flower, used for treating wounds, scars, burns, inflammation and other injuries as it aids in tissue regeneration.

Carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA), and many of them soften and improve the condition of the skin

 

Top 5 Aromatherapy Carrier Oils for the Winter

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Cold winds, frost and rain all contribute to drying out the skin. As the weather gets colder, it is important to pay more attention to our skin through a natural, moisturising beauty regime, which will leave your skin looking radiant and feeling hydrated in the harsh winter months.

What are Carrier Oils?

A carrier oil or vegetable oil is derived from the fatty portion of the plant usually the kernel, seeds or nuts.

How Do They Work?

Carrier oils are particularly effective for protecting the skin from drying out and nourishing the skin in the cold winter months. Many carrier oils simulate sebum, which is the skin’s natural moisturiser. Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for dry skin and particularly for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It supports the natural PH level or acid mantle of the skin, protecting the skin and body from bad bacteria. The acid mantle is vital to our health as this is the first line of defence. A diet rich in omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids and using carrier oils on the skin will significantly nourish and improve the skin’s appearance.

How Do You Use Them?

Carrier oils can be used up to twice a day in the winter. Only use small amounts. To prevent over production of sebum, avoid using harsh products on your skin, alkaline soaps and over cleansing. This will stimulate the sebum to produce more oil leaving you with oily skin and possibly further problems.

 

Carrier Oil

Top 5 Carrier Oils

Apricot Kernel Oil

A smooth light oil. Good for skincare especially for the face and mature and sensitive skin. Contains oleic acid. Rich in vitamins A & D.

Calendula oil

Excellent for eczema, damaged, itchy or dry skin, wound healing. Has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in wound healing. Good for dry, mature skin and eczema. Contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 & Vitamin E.

Jojoba Oil

Is actually a wax. It’s texture is light and silky. It simulates the skins sebum and so is not likely to block pores. It is able to dissolve into skin oils and help soothe damaged and irritated skin. Good for fine lines and wrinkles. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. It does not contain triglycerides, unlike most other vegetable oils and as a result,  it does not oxidize easily and will not turn rancid like some other vegetable oils.

Rosehip Oil

Rich is alpha linolenic acid. It has a light texture. Contains vitamin C & E. A highly effective anti-oxidant. Excellent for wound and burn healing, premature ageing, regeneration of scar tissue and various skin disorders. Use for dry, irritated or weather damaged skin.

Olive Oil

It’s texture is heavy and oily. It has disinfecting properties and is very healing. Good for burns, sprains and bruises. It is high in oleic acid and vitamin E & A. It also contains the natural moisturiser squalane as well as chlorophyll, which can help the skin’s natural healing processes.