A carrier oil is usually a plant-based oil extracted from a nut or a seed used to moisturize and heal the skin. It can be used alone or in combination with other oils to find just the right formula for your skin type. High quality essential oils are often added to carrier oils to provide specific therapeutic effects for the skin. These carrier oils are a wonderful way to keep your face looking healthy and hydrated because they give your skin exactly what it wants: healthy oils. Natural oils (because they do not contain any added fillers or chemicals) absorb easily into the skin, protecting the skin’s lipid barrier and preventing moisture from evaporating out of the skin. The top layer of your skin, called the stratum corneum, is composed of dead skin cells held together by lipids (or oils.) Keeping this layer constantly supplied with healthy oils will protect your skin from the elements and will help your skin to have a beautiful healthy, moisturized glow.
Finding the best oil combination for your skin type can help balance oil production, improve the texture of your skin, and help reduce the signs of aging. With the correct oil for your skin type, clogged pores and oily skin is not an issue. Clogged pores are a result of synthetic oils or oils that are too heavy for your skin (comedogenic.)
7 BEST CARRIER OILS FOR RADIANT SKIN
1. JOJOBA OIL:
The most common oil that I recommend is jojoba oil because it is healing and moisturizing for all skin types. Even though it looks and feels just like an oil, it is actually a liquid wax ester made from cold-pressed jojoba seeds. Jojoba oil is very similar to the sebum in human skin, and the oil can dissolve sebum and carry ingredients deep into the skin. It is very light-weight absorbs quickly into the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
If you struggle with oily skin, jojoba oil is a good option as it will help to dissolve sebum and will carry healing essential oils deep into the pores without leaving our feeling oily or greasy.
2. ROSE HIP SEED OIL:
Rose Hip Seed Oil is one of my favorite carrier oils. It is good for dry, aging skin because it is deeply nourishing and regenerating. It is known for it’s firming properties and may improve skin elasticity. Rose hip seed oil is high in essential fatty acids and softens and smooths out the skin beautifully. It improves the texture of your skin and calms redness and inflammation. It can also help reduce scarring.
3. ARGAN OIL:
Argan oil is pressed from the nut of the fruit of the Argan Tree, which is only found in Morocco. Because of the high levels of vitamin E /tocopherols (antioxidants) and saponins (skin-softening agents), argan oil is a wonderful oil for anti-aging. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by restoring the skin`s hydro-lipid layer. It has also been shown to have a tightening effect on the skin. I love this oil because it absorbs so nicely into my skin and does not leave an oily residue.
4. TAMANU OIL:
Tamanu Oil is the oil I recommend for acne-prone skin. It is rich in fatty acids and has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is incredibly healing for irritated/inflamed skin, sunburns, scars, and stretchmarks. A little of this oil goes a long way.
5. EVENING PRIMEROSE OIL
Evening Primrose Oil is a wonderful oil suitable for several skin types. It contains a high concentration of a fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid.) Linoleic acid been shown to reduce clogged pores by dissolving sebum and other impurities in the pores. This makes it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin. The fatty acids in evening prime rose oil also contain anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce redness and irritation.
Evening prime rose oil can be used on dry aging skin as well. The gamma-linoleic acid and other nutrients in this oil are essential for cell structure and improve the elasticity of the skin. It is extremely moisturizing, reduces wrinkles and dryness, encourages regeneration of skin cells and keeps skin soft. It has also been used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
6. AVOCADO OIL:
Avocado Oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E and can be used as a wonderful overall moisturizer. Rich in antioxidants, it can be wonderful for soothing inflammation. It has a high sterolin content. Sterolins are compounds which are anti-inflammatory making avocado oil helpful in healing sun damage and age spots, as well as inflammatory skin conditions like blemishes and eczema.
7. OLIVE OIL:
Olive oil is a no-brainer as most of us already have some in the kitchen. I have used in many times in my face oils. Olive oil is high in oleic acid (a monosaturated fatty acid), making it perfect for drier skin. It is a heavier oil that dries a bit more slowly. Just be aware that 2/3 of olive oils tested in the US market were found to be adulterated. Be sure to use only a trusted, good quality olive oil.
ARTICLE BY
KATJA HEINO
