Embarking on the essential oils journey can be, at times, overwhelming. There will be many decisions to make like what essential oils to start with, how to use them, and even how they can benefit your body and mind. Of course, with a little research and lots of patience, you can make your experience with essential oils a lot easier and much less stressful.
One of the first things you'll learn is that there are a few ways you can use essential oils, but probably the most common method is applying them topically. To use this method, you'll want to dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil.
What is the difference between essential oil and a carrier oil, you may ask? Essential oils are extremely highly concentrated plant extracts. To give an idea, one drop of peppermint oils is equivalent to about 25-75 cups of peppermint tea, depending on the concentration. Technically speaking, essential oils themselves aren't even really oils - if you add it to a paper and let it dry, there won't be a trace. This means that not only are essential oils extremely potent, they evaporate easily too. Using a carrier oil helps to ensure that the essential oils don't irritate your skin and also ensure that they are able to be absorbed, rather than evaporated so that you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
How to Use Carrier Oils
A carrier oil's main purpose is to simply dilute the essential oil's potency. Experts recommend adding 3-5 drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil that you use. When using a blend for your face or for your kids, consider diluting it a little bit more. The end result should still smell like the essential oil you are using but offers a safer application that really reduces the risk of skin inflammation or the essential oil evaporating before you can benefit from it.
Which Carrier Oil to Choose
Once you start shopping for essential carrier oils online, you'll find out that there are numerous types that you can use. Keep in mind that it's best to use a carrier oil that is 100% pure. This guarantees that the essential oil's chemical profile is preserved and the oil is easily dissolved. Otherwise, the carrier oil may have the potential to change the results or specific benefits you are looking for. Substances like vegetable shortening, butter and petroleum jelly should NOT be used as a carrier oils for skin as they don't absorb into the skin at the required level. Here are some good essential carrier oils for you to consider.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is packed with Vitamin E and antioxidants. However, the thick, unrefined coconut oil found at grocery stores isn't suitable for aromatherapy purposes as it doesn't readily absorb into the skin. For aromatherapy, you need to get fractionating coconut oil. The fractionating process separates the fatty acids from the coconut oil, leading to a liquid consistency. Nothing is added to the oil during the process to achieve this result. The fractionating process also gives the oil a much longer shelf life and creates an oil that is non-greasy, light, and easy to absorb.
Sweet Almond Oil
Almond oil is absorbed by the skin pretty well and is great for all skin types and topical applications. Although it has a slightly nutty smell to it, it's nothing overwhelming. Sweet almond oil is a great old to use in face care due to its moisturizing properties. However, those with nut allergies need to be careful with this oil as it is often produced in the same factories as peanut oil.
Jojoba Oil
Despite being called an oil, jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax that is golden yellow in colour and odourless. It is a popular carrier oil option due to its ability to leave the skin hydrated without a lot of heavy shine. Because it's very similar to the oil that our skin produces naturally, it can a good option for oily skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, this oil is very moisturizing and especially suitable for delicate skin. It's a common ingredient in many cosmetics. It's clear in colour and its aroma is light and sweet. Consider using this oil for occasional blemishes.
Olive Oil
This oil can be oily, heavy and have a stronger odour when compared to the other carrier oils, but it offers the benefit of being rich in both vitamins and minerals. It can also overpower the scent depending on the quantity and how diluted you need the essential oil to be.
Before you buy your essential oils and carrier oils you should know that unlike prescription and OTC medications, these oils aren't regulated by the FDA. The ingredients and concentration of the oil in each product vary, so you must read the fine print. Some producer even dilutes oils with other ingredients, so be aware of what you are getting.
Also, instead of applying a huger amount of diluted oil all over your skin, start slow with a test spot. Wait 24 hours to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin before using it more broadly.
