Essential Oils 101 – Quick Guide to Carrier Oils

Posted on November 13, 2017 by thecompletebook

Today:

Quick Guide to Carrier Oils

Carrier Oil	Viscosity	Information
Apricot Kernel SPF 2-6	Medium	Good for all skin types, including mature skin, to moisturise oily skin, balance hormone reactive skin and sensitive skin of babies and children Recommended for oily skin Rich, nourishing and soothing Absorbs easily into the skin Does not leave an oily residue on the skin Light nutty scent Good shelf life (1year) if refrigerated after opening
Avocado SPF 4-15	Heavy	Good for many skin types including skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, sensitive, irritated, severely dry, mature or aged skin Deeply nourishing and soothing Slightly thick consistency Leaves a sticky, waxy feel on the skin especially when used in large areas Typically mixed with other carrier oils Good shelf life (1year) if refrigerated after opening
Coconut Fractionated SPF 4-8	Light	Good for all skin types including mature skin Good for applications for the hair and head Absorbs easily into skin Odourless Does not leave oils residue on skin Does not clog pores Restores skin’s pH balance Very good shelf life (18 – 24 months)
Evening Primrose	Light	Good for all skin types including psoriasis, eczema, damaged, and wrinkled aged skin. Soothes inflammation Used for PMS Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and Menopause Strong odour compared to other carrier oils Dilute to a maximum of 10% of the blend due to its oily residue Leaves an oily residue on the skin Shelf life (6 months) if refrigerated after opening
Grape Seed SPF 4	Light	Great oil for acne prone and oily skin Non-allergenic: It is great for sensitive skin types Astringent Heals wounds quickly with fewer scars Absorbs easily into the skin Odourless One of the lightest carrier oils Does not stain sheets Good shelf life (1year) if refrigerated after opening
Hemp Seed SPF 6	Medium	Good for acne, minor abrasions, psoriasis and eczema Great for dry skin and hair Helps prevent premature aging Effective in maintaining moisture balance Earthy, Nutty scent Absorbs quickly into the skin Good shelf life (1year) if refrigerated after opening
Jojoba SPF 4	Heavy	Good for all skin types, from dry or mature to oily, acne-prone skin Heals acne, warts and mouth sores Deeply moisturising to help with dry, chapped, and cracked skin Reduces the appearance of pores over time Reduces superficial wrinkles and stretch marks Carrier oil with the closest properties to the skin’s natural oils; helps to balance skin’s oil production Anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant Does not clog pores Does not leave a greasy feeling on the skin Absorbed easily into the skin Pleasant, soft odour Excellent shelf life. It is high stable and is often used to prolong the shelf life of other carrier oils
Rosehip	Light	Good for dry, weathered, dehydrated skin, aged, damaged skin Ability to regenerate skin cells Reduces scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, UV damage, sun spots, premature aging Considered a “dry oil”, low viscosity, light texture, easily absorbed, non-greasy Penetrates skin layers to hydrate and lock in moisture Can be used straight from the bottle as a moisturiser Good shelf life (1year) if refrigerated after opening
Sweet Almond SPF 5	Heavy	Great for all skin types including dry, irritated, wrinkled and aging skin Popular all-purpose oil Soothing and reconditioning for skin Normal absorption into the skin Leaves a slight oily residue on the skin Very little scent May stain sheets if used for massage Good shelf life (1year) if refrigerated after opening

DISCLAIMER

Information provided is for personal information and interest only, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and does not offer medical advice or treatment for any condition. It is recommend you consult your doctor or aromatherapist if you are pregnant, nursing, take medication, have any health/medical conditions and want to include using essential oils.

Essential Oils 101 – Carrier Oils – Hemp Seed – Sweet Almond

Posted on October 9, 2017 by thecompletebook

As mentioned last week, by no means is this an exhaustive list of carrier oils, they are the ones I chose because of my sensitive and now maturing skin.

Today:

Carrier Oils
- Hemp Seed
- Jojoba
- Rosehip
- Sweet Almond

Hemp Seed (SPF 6)

Hemp seed oil is composed of omega-3, omega-6, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are important for healthy cell creation and skin wellness. Hemp seed oil closely matches our skin’s lipids, and the essential fatty acids are easily absorbed into the skin, preventing skin aging and also maintaining a healthy moisture balance. Hemp oil has a light, non-greasy texture, making it ideal for use in facial oil blends for all skin types and can also be taking internally.

Not only does it contribute substantially to younger looking skin and creates a moisture barrier, it relieves psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, acne and minor abrasions, osteoporosis, arthritis, rheumatoid, poor circulation, PMS, irregular hormone levels, menopause, cancer, multiple sclerosis, immune deficiency, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, low energy levels, low metabolism, weight loss, Crohn’s disease, cardiovascular disease, gallstones, kidney degeneration, HIV virus and Tuberculosis.

Jojoba (SPF 4)

Jojoba oil is one of the most popular carrier oils, although it isn’t an oi, it is a liquid wax and is the least oily carrier oil. Jojoba oil is an incredibly stable, resilient material, and will not easily deteriorate or turn rancid because it consists of wax esters. It is rich in vitamin E and contains vitamin C, E and B complex, cobalt, copper, iodine, sulphur and zinc. It contains a high percentage of iodine making it one of the most powerful natural healers. Jojoba oil may go cloudy in cool temperatures and will return its clear state with heat.

It closely resembles sebum, a natural moisturising factor (NMF) of the skin. The role of NMFs is to maintain skin hydration which decrease with age. Products that are NMFs will help attract moisture from the environment drawing it into the skin. Using an NMF helps prevent dry cracking skin, helps irritated skin, increases elasticity, promotes skin repair and regeneration.

Jojoba oil is great for all skin types. Similar to grapeseed oil, it is not a nut oil so suitable for anyone with sensitive skin. It does not clog the pores or aggravate acne and with regular use it will minimise fine lines and wrinkles, decreases pore size, reduce stretch marks and enhance skins suppleness. It also helps treat eczema, psoriasis, cuts and athlete’s foot. It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal helping to destroy many common skin bacteria’s.

Rosehip Seed

Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the musk rose. Not to be confused with the rosehip fruit, rosehip seed oil all-trans retinoic acid, a natural form of vitamin A, as well as vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D and B-carotene, a form of vitamin A, which are all antioxidants which help fight free radicals. It’s rich in essential fatty acids, but more specifically oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (vitamin F), also known as an essential fatty acid (EFA), and when absorbed through the skin, these fatty acids convert to prostaglandins (PGE), which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration. Rosehip seed oil corrects dark spots and hydrates dry, itchy skin, all while reducing scars and fine lines.

Sweet Almond (SPF 5)

Almond oil is pressed in the mature, shell-free seeds of the almond tree. The kernels consist of 40–50% fatty oil, protein, vitamin E and B and vital minerals. They contain fatty acid omega-3, which enhances brain function and circulation. The nutritional content has made it a dietary source of these ingredients. Almond oil is exceptional for the skin as it slows down the skin’s aging process.

Almond helps with skin irritation, including swelling and itching making it beneficial for very dry or irritated skin and is suitable for all skin types and those with nut allergies. Almond oil is wonderful for sun damaged skin, sunburns, wrinkles and other signs of damage related to aging, along with skin cancer and is a favoured massage oil.

DISCLAIMER

Essential Oils 101 – Carrier Oils – Apricot Kernel – Grape Seed

Posted on October 2, 2017 by thecompletebook

By no means is this and next weeks post an exhaustive list of carrier oils, they are the ones I chose because of my sensitive and now maturing skin.

Today:

Carrier Oils
- Apricot Kernel
- Avocado
- Evening Primrose
- Grape Seed

Apricot Kernel (SPF2-6)

Apricot kernel oil is chemically similar to sweet almond oil, however, has an incredibly light consistency and bouquet making it particularly ideal for treatments. It absorbs quickly and has a very fine texture which makes it suitable for use on oily skin. Due to its texture, and also for its anti-aging qualities, apricot kernel oil is a perfect carrier for facial massage and moisturizing blends.

Apricot kernel oil is rich in gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which comes from essential fatty acid omega-6. The GLA content helps the skin to stay moisturised and plays a role in toning and firming skin. Apricot kernel oil contains vitamin E and A which slows the aging process of the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect and soothes eczema and other skin irritations.

Avocado (SPF 4-15)

Avocado oil has a slow drying time and is good for mature skin which tends to be thinner with a much slower rate of cellular regeneration and also rehydrates and nourishes damaged sun-dried skin. Due to its slow drying time and thick consistency, it makes it a good base for aromatherapy massage oil blends.

Avocado oil is high in sterolins and sterols. Sterolin is extremely moisturising and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It contains vitamin A, D and E which is effective in fostering collagen production as well as in treating age spots. With its advanced level of vitamin E, avocado oil can be beneficial on cracked skin, reduce itching as well as inflammation of the epidermis.

Evening Primrose

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which nourish the skin. It also soothes inflammation and can be used in dandruff applications. Small amounts are often added to other carrier oils for fortification.

Evening primrose (unrefined) oil helps nourish the skin and hair, reduces signs of eczema and psoriasis, fights the effects of aging, is used to help with symptoms of many debilitating health issues and hormone imbalances and acne. Unrefined means the oil is left in a virgin state after being pressed. The oil is not filtered or processed, therefore has a stronger fragrance but maintains more health benefits.

GrapeSeed (SPF 4)

Grapeseed oil is one of the lightest carrier oils and is extracted from the seeds of grapes. The dried grape seeds are pressed and extracted. It is the preferred carrier oil because of its smooth glide and light, satin like finish and will not stain sheets. It also has some astringent qualities and is good for oily, acne prone or sensitive skin.

Grapeseed oil soaks into your skin quickly, and does not leave an oily coating on your skin and helps the body repair wounds faster on the skin with fewer scars. It actively combats acne and itchy eczema helping to fade the appearance of sun damage and deep wrinkles. Working on the cellular level, grapeseed oil’s powerful antioxidant properties protect against tissue damage, yet remarkably gentle and is rich with vitamin E and other nutrients.

DISCLAIMER