A good base oil or carrier oil is essential for massage and skin care. They can be used in their pure form or you can add essential oils to give them an aromatherapeutic value and a great, relaxing scent.
Base oils, unlike essential oils, don’t contain a concentrated aroma but most of them have a mild distinctive smell and don’t evaporate. Almost all base oils are derived from nuts or seeds and mostly contain fatty acids. They are easily absorbed by the skin and contain a lot of healing benefits.
But watch out, some of them can induce allergic reactions! Although this is not a common thing, some people experience itching after receiving a massage. So it is important to choose the right base oil for your skin type.
When you have a sensitive skin or are sensitive to allergic reactions, try to avoid the nut-based oils and oils where a lot of chemicals are added. Before applying the oils all over your body you can put some on a small part and wait for half an hour. If nothing happens the oil can safely be used to your whole body.
Choose the right oil for you!
Cold-pressing is the best process to produce carrier oils of high quality. The oils you use should be as natural and unadulterated as possible. So using organic oils are the best option to avoid a lot of chemicals. A wide range of oils exist, each with their own therapeutic values.So when making your choice of a good oil consider the area being massaged, the presenting conditions and the person’s sensitivity and requirements.
Viscosity is also one of the major consideration. Grapeseed oil is a very thin oil, while olive oil is much thicker. Sunflower and sweet almond oil are a good midway between these extremes. Feel free to experiment and blend some of them together to combine their properties of viscosity, acceptability, lubrication, absorption and health benefits.
You can also use infused oils. Those are a combination of a carrier oil, often sunflower, and plant material. If you like you can make them yourself. The base oil is placed in an airtight container with the appropriate plant material for a while. Calendula and carrot oil are two examples of infused oils
ALSO READ: How To Make Homemade Flavored Oils
How to store your oils
Almost all carrier and essential oils must be kept cool and away from bright light to prevent rancidification or oxidation. Correct storage is the key to getting the most out of your oils. If not they will lose their therapeutic properties. They do not like extreme or repeated changes in temperature. If possible store them in dark-colored glass bottles, this will filter out the sun’s ultraviolet light. Choose a cool, dark place to keep them safely away from heat and direct sunlight. You could store them in the refrigerator if you have
You could store them in the refrigerator if you have space, especially in summer. But a cellar or any other cool place will do the trick. Don’t have the refrigerator setting too cold, anywhere between 5 – 10 degrees is fine. Keep in mind that not all oils, such as avocado oil, can be stored in the refrigerator. Just give them a nice and slightly warmer and dark place in your house. Cold oils may appear cloudy but they’ll become clear again when
Cold oils may appear cloudy but they’ll become clear again when at room temperature. Some oils, such as Rose Otto, Star Anise, and coconut oil may solidify at room temperature, so allow them to warm up before use. If you blend a larger amount, keep in mind that some oils have a short shelf life, so don’t make too much of them and label them well with a date.
Find the best carrier oils for skin below!
These are the carrier oils for skin that I prefer to use
- Sweet almond oil is a light yellow oil with soothing and softening benefits. It contains high levels of minerals, vitamins, and proteins. It is commonly used in cosmetic products due to the healing properties. They are an excellent choice for dry, sensitive and irritated skin types. It soothes, refreshes and nourishes the skin and has a good consistency that makes it easy to spread over your whole body. It’s an excellent emollient for your skin. Sweet almond oil is not only my number one but also of a lot of massage and aromatherapists. It is well absorbed by the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling after the massage. This is one of the best carrier oils for skin care!
- Jojoba oil is actually not an oil but a liquid wax produced in the seed of the jojoba plant. It closely resembles our skin sebum. At room temperature, it appears as a clear and golden liquid with a nutty scent. Jojoba oil is relatively shelf-stable compared to the other base oils. It has a soft, silky texture and is able to penetrate deep into the skin. It can be used for all skin types. Aroma and massage therapist love this oil due to its moisturizing and emollient character. Jojoba oil is quickly absorbed and more pricey than sweet almond oil, therefore you can consider to mix it with one of the other oils listed. But as my second favorite oil, I prefer to use it as it is. Due to its deeply penetrating properties, the benefits of the essential oils and the jojoba oil itself will go deeper and show better effects.
- Avocado oil has a dark green color and has a slightly nutty aroma. It is a rich, nourishing and heavy oil that is also able to penetrate deep into your skin. Avocado oil is always used in a blend when used for massage. It makes a great combination with sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil. Never use more than 30 percent of the avocado oil. Avocado oil is great for dry and mature skin types and can have a positive effect on eczema or psoriasis. It is often used for its moisturizing, softening, and regenerative properties. Due to its moisturizing benefits, it’s a great option when treating sun or climate damaged skin that is dehydrated and undernourished.
- Calendula oil is one of the infused oils. This tropical oil is an excellent base for salves, facial creams, massage oils and many other natural cosmetic products. It is a great option for dry, sensitive and damaged skin. It can be used to ease rashes, inflammations, sunburns and other skin disorders. In some cases, it can be carefully applied to varicose veins by a specialist.
- Apricot Kernel oil has more or less the same texture and color as sweet almond oil. This soft and silky oil is well absorbed by the skin and can be used for the whole body as for facial massages. It is an excellent oil to use on the more mature, dry, sensitive and inflamed skin. It has a long shelf life due to the high levels of vitamin E. Apricot kernel oil is a great alternative for sweet almond oil when allergic reactions to nuts occur.
There are so much more good base oils. Feel free to experiment with them. It is so much fun to make and combine your own massage oils. Every person is unique and has different needs. Here are other oils worth a try: carrot oil, coconut oil, evening primrose oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil and rosehip oil.
Feel free to share your comments and experiences in the comment box below!
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
