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Most essential oils are
too powerful to use neat for massage, so
they must first be diluted in a carrier.
Other carriers such as cream can be used,
however oils are the most commonly used
massage medium due to their versatility.
They provide the necessary lubrication to
allow the hands to move freely over the
skin and not drag or pull whilst massaging.
At the same time they carry the essential
oils into the body. For this penetration
to be effective carrier oils should be light
and non-sticky, and preferably have very
little odour.
Many carrier oils are nutritious
and nourishing in their own right, as they
contain essential vitamins and fatty acids.
They soften and improve the condition of
the skin, and some can be used to treat
skin conditions such as eczema, acne, dermatitis,
and psoriasis. Carrier oils, therefore,
complement essential oils and provide additional
benefit to a treatment. Here is a summary
of a few of the most popular carrier oils. |
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Avocado:
Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin
D, therefore very nourishing for dry, ageing,
or lacklustre skin. It is quite heavy and
has a medium odour so should be used blended
with lighter oils such as Sweet Almond. |
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Calendula:
Takes on the wonderful healing properties
of Marigold, which makes it an effective
oil for treating sensitive skin and skin
conditions. It is mild enough to be used
on young children and babies. It can also
help in maintaining joint mobility later
in life. It can be used neat to treat skin
conditions, or diluted in carrier oil for
massage. When considering using it neat
the properties of the oil the Marigold flowers
have been infused into should be taken into
account (e.g. Olive or Sunflower). |
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Evening
Primrose: A wonderful skincare
oil, strengthening, soothing, moisturising
and softening. This is because it is very
rich in essential fatty acids, including
GLA. It is good for treating various skin
conditions, as well as regulating menstruation
and blood/cholesterol levels. Evening Primrose
Oil is expensive so is often diluted in
cheaper carrier oils such as Sweet Almond.
It goes rancid rather quickly. |
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Grapeseed:
One of the most commonly used oils as it
is reasonably priced, nourishing, and can
be used on all skin types. It has a light
pleasant aroma, which will not interfere
with essential oils. It is easily absorbed
so the client won’t feel greasy after its
use. However, traces of the chemical solvent
used to extract it have been found in Grapeseed
oil, so it is not recommended for high quality
products and blends. |
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Jojoba:
High in vitamin E and mimics the action
of Sebum, the skins own natural lubricant,
which makes it excellent for treating ageing
or inflamed skin. It is known for its rejuvenating
properties and assists in fighting wrinkles.
Jojoba Oil is expensive and more like a
liquid wax, so is usually blended with cheaper
carrier oils. It has a very long shelf-life,
which will also extend the life of any blend
it is used in. |
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Macadamia
Nut: High in essential fatty acids,
in particular Palmitoleic Acid, which makes
it very good for promoting young looking,
soft, and supple skin. It has a long shelf-life,
which can extend the life of a blend. |
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Peach
Kernel: High in essential fatty
acids and vitamins A and E, making it an
excellent anti-inflammatory, protective
and moisturising oil. It is a light, fine
oil and a favourite for facial massage,
as it feels pleasant and encourages skin
suppleness and elasticity. Peach Kernel
Oil is expensive and care must be taken
when sourcing to ensure you get the genuine
article. It can be helpful in a blend due
to its semi-oily texture. |
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Sweet
Almond: An excellent popular oil
for aromatherapy as it is reasonably priced,
wonderfully nourishing for the skin, and
can be used on all skin types. It has a
light marzipan-like aroma, which will not
interfere with essential oils. It is good
for treating many skin conditions. |
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Wheatgerm:
Rich in vitamin E and very nourishing for
all skin types, in particular dry, ageing,
or damaged skin. It is quite heavy and has
a strong odour so should be used blended
with lighter oils such as Sweet Almond.
It is also good for use on tired muscles. |
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Bibliography
The following book was referenced for this section
and is available (via the link) in association
with Amazon.co.uk:
Aromatherapy
– A Practical Approach by Vicki Pitman
See our full range of Aromatherapy
books in the Further Exploration
section.
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