Oils and their uses
Essential oils are too strong to be applied neat (by themselves) onto the skin. So when used in a massage they should be mixed with a carrier or base oil, usually a cold pressed vegetable oil which has its own beneficial properties.
To obtain the correct proportions for a massage blend, add a number of drops of essential oil equivalent to half the number of milliliters of carrier oil. For instance, for an average body size, pour 10mL of carrier oil and 5 drops of essential oil.
Store the massage blends in a blue or amber glass, away from sunlight to keep the essential oil fresh. Vegetable oils should be used within 6-8 months before they turn rancid.
Almond:
The vaguely aromatic oil is gentle and rich in proteins and vitamins. It is nourishing, light and softening for dry hands, eczema and irritated skin. It is a good lubricant, so blends well with other oils as an excellent massage base.
Avocado:
This is a rich, heavy oil with high vitamin content. It is often blended for a velvet-like consistency. It is also considered a mild sunscreen.
Coconut:
Traditionally, this was the main carrier oil in tropical Asia because of it's abundance. It is a thick saturated oil with its own distinct smell. It remains stable for a long period and is particularly nourishing in hair treatments.
Grapeseed:
This is an extremely fine and pure oil, so light it absorbs immediately into the skin. It is good for helping the essential oils penetrate quickly. It leaves a satiny, not sticky, coating.
Jojoba:
This is a natural fluid wax rather than an oil. It has a fine consistency (similar to collagen) which effectively penetrates the skin. It reputedly nourished hair and prevents hair loss.
Macadamia:
The acids in this oil are natural components of skin sebum. It has a rich nutty aroma and consistency. Its emollient qualities make it a good all round moisturizer, particularly for dry and mature skin.
Olive:
Rich in proteins and vitamins, this oil is rapidly absorbed by the skin although it has a strong aroma and is often blended with other oils. It is a naturally warming oil, so it is good for a massage in cold weather or in treatments for muscular pains.
Wheatgerm:
This is a rich, dark oil, high in vitamin E but sometimes thought too heavy and aromatic to use alone. It is an antioxidant; it stabilizes essential oils and other carrier oils, making them last longer. It also helps with scarring.
So these are a few essential oils and their benefits which you may or may not have known. Use this information wisely and you can have amazing skin minus the price tag.
