Which Oils Should I Use?

Happy Sunday everyone!  

I apologize for how late I'm making this post. I cut my finger earlier in the day and I'm having a hard time typing. LOL

I was inspired recently while watching a friend's YouTube video to make a blog about the different types of carrier oils you can use when making your own essential oil blends and body products, and the benefits of each.  Here, I will discuss a few of the more popular options that are relatively easy to find at most health food stores and online stores such as Mountain Rose Herbs .  

Grapeseed oil Grapeseed oil is my all-time favorite.  It's light, with a fresh scent, and is very good for people with sensitive skin (such as myself!) as it is naturally non-allergenic.  This oil can go rancid (read = spoiled) quickly, so it's best to use this in at least a partial mix with another carrier oil to extend the shelf life of your product, or make your product in small amounts that you can quickly use.   It has a mild green tint to it, a silky smooth texture, and great absorption rate, so it won't leave you feeling oily or slick. Made from the skin of grapes, it is full of powerful antioxidants which help to fight cancer-causing free radicals we come in contact with on a daily basis.  It also contains alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and is useful in helping to fade stretch marks. 

Apricot Kernel Oil Apricot kernel oil is another fabulous oil to use in blends.  It's ideal for people with sensitive and/or mature skin. The more golden the oil, the higher quality it tends to be.  I think it has a light, somewhat fruity odor (not strong, just a hint).  The apricot tree is the member of the rose family originating from Central and East Asia. The fruit, rich in vitamins is used to produce the pleasant smelling Apricot Kernel Oil. Apricot Kernel Oil is very mild natural oil, often used in baby products because of its gentle nature. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it's a good oil for mature, dry or irritated skin. The excellent softening & moisturizing properties make it great for the face, hands and hair.  It is also quite beneficial in soothing burns.

Sweet Almond Oil This is, hands down, one of the most widely used carrier oils today, due to its adaptability, neutral yet somewhat nutty scent, shelf life, and affordability.  It is great for all skin types, is best known for its ability to soften, soothe, and re-condition the skin due to its high content of fatty acids. With this said, it can be abit oily.  Normally, it is almost clear with a slight yellow tint.  This makes a perfect all-purpose carrier oil.  Almond oil application is the best therapy for conditioning the skin and reviving its natural glow. It is also known to improve the complexion and give a younger look to the person to whom this oil is applied.

Jojoba Oil This oil is the closest in chemical composition to the oils the human body products, and thus has the best absorption rate for use in body products.  Jojoba oil helps promote healing of the skin in many ways. It has antimicrobial properties, which means it actually discourages the growth of some bacterial and fungal microbes that attack the skin.  It's easy to find, very affordable, and extremely versatile.  Jojoba oil is actually not an oil at all, but rather a liquid plant wax!  This is good, because it acts as a natural barrier between the skin and environmental forces.  It also makes a great scalp cleanser ;)!

Olive oil Olive oil has been used for centuries in many cultures as nature's beauty cure-all.  It's wonderfully hydrating for the skin, and has many applications.   It should have a nice, bold aroma, and the color can range from a golden brown to almost green (generally found in extra virgin oils).  "Extra virgin" simply means it is the result of a single, simple pressing; it is considered the highest quality olive oil.  It is a great aid in preventing hair loss as well: Massage the scalp with olive oil every evening for eight days. Let it work overnight and wash it out in the morning. To help build strong fingernails & soften cuticles, soak your nails each night in a mixture of 3 parts lukewarm olive oil to 1 part freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Put on cloth gloves and let the oil penetrate overnight. Your nails will gradually become more resistant to breaking and chipping. 

This is not meant to be a complete list, just an overview.  I hope everyone has enjoyed learning about the differences, and hopefully this will help you decide which oils to use when making your own blends.  Visit again next Sunday to learn the difference between coconut oil and virgin/extra virgin coconut oil. Until then, Natural Blessings to all!

Candace

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