In essence, base oils (also known as carrier oils)are a medium in which essential oils are diluted before application to the skin.
To bring you into the world of Aromatherapy Products & Base Oils, a good starting point is to learn about the most common base oils, how to use, and store them.
Let’s begin with understanding what a base oil is. In essence, base oils (also known as carrier oils)are a medium in which essential oils are diluted before application to the skin. While pure vegetable and nut oils are an excellent source of nutrients for the skin, mineral oils should never be used as a massage oil because they aren’t naturally absorbent and block pores. Below we will go through the most common (and nourishing) base oils that can be used in massage blends:
???????Virgin Almond Oil
Prunus Amygdalus var. Dulcis
A perfect hydrating all-purpose massage oil that works with most hair and skin types due to its non-allergenic properties. It can also be used for children. It can be specifically applied to relieve dryness/ itchiness on the skin. Virgin Almond oil is also a natural sunscreen and has been known to filter up to 25% of the sun's UV rays. Suitable for most skin and hair types, readily absorbed by the skin & an excellent body massage oil for glowing skin.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Prunus Armeniaca
???????Naturally high in Vitamin E & C, linoleic acid (omega 6), oleic acid (omega 9) and minerals, Apricot Kernel Oil clarifies the skin’s tone and complexion, promoting a natural glow and shows visible reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Being a light oil it is suitable for applying to the face and other areas of delicate skin.
Avocado Oil
Persea Americana
Avocado oil is Vitamin A, B and D rich - highly absorbent oil that is excellent to heal sun damage and repair your skin barrier. Since it contains essential fatty and oleic acids it is also very effective in promoting collagen synthesis that can regenerate dry and ageing skin bringing a natural elasticity to the skin. Finally, avocado oil is an excellent hair oil to reduce dandruff, and relieve a dry, flaky scalp
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olea Europaea
Rich in alpha-linolenic acid, extra virgin olive oil is a highly moisturising oil that can not only prevent stretch marks during pregnancy but can also treat rheumatism, and muscle soreness. Similar to avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil can be applied to treat dry scalp conditions.
Grapeseed Oil
Vitis Vinifera
A light and odourless oil, rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E useful for oily skin.
The moisturising and mild astringent properties make it useful for treating acne as well as tightening & toning the skin.
Jojoba Oil
Simmondsia Chinensis
Sometimes mistaken for oil, Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is actually a liquid wax that mimics our skin's sebum. This makes it especially versatile so it can be used to reduce skin dryness but also reduce the overproduction of oil that leads to acne. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good treatment for psoriasis and eczema.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Cocos Nucifera
Rich in nourishing fatty acids, linoleic acid (vitamin F), and lauric acid, Virgin Coconut oil for skin helps retain moisture and protects the skin barrier which is especially beneficial as a body oil for dry skin. It can also be used as a hair massage oil and baby massage oil.
Wheatgerm Oil
Triticum Vulgare
Extremely rich in Vitamin E, wheatgerm is suitable for dry, damaged, ageing or scarred skin. It helps prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
Since it is far too sticky to use by itself, it is preferable to dilute it (10-20%) with another lighter base oil.
How to use and store Base oils:
Always store your base oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
Make sure you are closing the lid tightly before and after use because open-air can spoil or make oils rancid
Remember to use only 1-3% of essential oil or essential oil blend in your base oil i.e for 100ml base oil use only 3ml essential oil.
Disclaimer: Our primer on base oils is not meant to act as medical advice for healing skin conditions, please visit a doctor to make sure that you are using products best suited for your unique situation
