Why You Should Always Use a Carrier Oil with Essential Oils
Essential oils are powerful, concentrated plant extracts that can offer incredible benefits for your body and mind. But did you know that applying them directly to your skin—without diluting them—can often do more harm than good? This is where carrier oils come in.
Carrier oils, like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, are gentle plant-based oils that “carry” essential oils safely onto your skin. They help dilute the potency of essential oils, reducing the risk of irritation, while also making it easier for your skin to absorb their nourishing properties. Using a carrier oil isn’t just about safety—it’s also about enhancing your aromatherapy experience and getting the most from your favorite blends.
In this post, we’ll explore why carrier oils are essential, how to choose the right one for your needs, and the best dilution ratios for safe and effective use
When using essential oils topically, I prefer to blend with fractionated coconut oil. FCO is odorless, non-greasy, absorbs easily and doesn’t go rancid quickly. I use roller bottles for essential oils I use often; this gives me oils with a carrier and helps to stretch out my oils over time.
Why use a carrier?
Although essential oils are readily absorbed, there are many ways to increase absorption. Using a light massage will increase the blood flow to the area of application, in turn improving distribution throughout the body. Also, use of a carrier oil can also increase absorption, especially in skin that is dry or flaky as it helps moisturize the skin and slow evaporation of the oil. Giving the essential oil a carrier to “grab” onto will also prevent the molecules of the EO to evaporate before going deep into the skin for benefit.
To decrease the likelihood of developing a skin sensitivity, especially on young or sensitive skin, it is advisable to use a carrier oil to dilute more potent oils and when trying an oil for the first time. The recommend dilution ratio is typically one drop of essential oil to three drops of carrier oil.It’s always advisable to use several small doses throughout the day rather than a single large dose. Start with the lowest possible dose (1–2 drops). A topical dose can be repeated every 4–6 hours as needed. Because every individual is unique, the dose will vary for each individual based on size, age, and overall health status.
Beneficial Areas You Can Apply Essential Oils:
•Neck
•Forehead and temples
•Chest and abdomen
•Arms, legs, bottom of feet.
Be cautious and avoid some facial areas, such as the skin around the eyes, and broken, damaged, or otherwise injured skin.
Interested in learning more? Check out this handy guide.
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