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Carrier oils |
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Almond- practically odourless, provides good "slip and glide" for massage. Helps to relieve itching, irritation and inflammation, and soothes dry skin. It lubricates the skin well, but does not penetrate it quickly, which again makes it good for massage and for protecting the surface of the skin. However, it goes rancid quickly; it is helpful to blend it with 10% of wheatgerm or jojoba oil for storage. Relatively cheap. Apricot kernel- particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature, or sensitive skin; soothes inflammation and has a high vitamin A content. Has a lighter consistency than almond and characteristic smell. Its cost is also comparable to that of almond. Suitable for body oils and lotions. Avocado- rich, heavy, deep green, with lots of skin-nourishing vitamins (A and E). Good for dry and mature skin, and also helpful in eczema and psoriasis. Best blended with other oils. Borage - high in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) which stimulates cell activity, assisting in the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin. Good for skin which is dry and/or mature, or damaged by exposure to sunlight. However, it is quite expensive and goes rancid quickly. Calophyllum Inophyllum - rich and thick, with spicy smell. Stimulates cell regeneration. Antiseptic. Helps wounds to heal, soothes inflammation, relieves pain, good for broken capillaries, eczema, burns, rashes, insect bites. Quite expensive, though. Camellia - very light, with just a touch of delicate flowery aroma. Good for preventing the thickening of skin in scar tissue. The Japanese use it for hair care. Evening Primrose - another oil with a high gamma-linoleic acid content, good for dry and mature skin. Soothes inflammation, good for eczema and dermatitis. Goes rancid quickly. Flaxseed - rich, yellow in colour, smells a bit like butter. High in vitamin E, stimulates cellular regeneration, useful for preventing scarring and stretch marks. Goes rancid quickly. Grapeseed- light , odorless, easily absorbed , mildly astringent , tightens and tones the skin, which makes it useful for acne. It is always solvent-extracted, causing sensitivity in some individuals. Hazelnut- light, easily absorbed, with a delicate aroma. Tones and tightens the skin, strengthens capillaries, assists in cell regeneration. Might be adulterated (beware of "good bargains"!) Jojoba- similar in composition to the skin's own oils, it is quickly absorbed. Good for dry and mature skin and inflamed conditions. Helps to control acne, oily skin and oily scalp. It is an antioxidant - does not become rancid and can prevent rancidity in other oils. Kukui- very thin, very light , with a strong smell; high in linolenic and inolenic acids, quickly absorbed into the skin. Very expensive. Olive- has a strong, "foodsy" smell, but also good medicinal properties, soothing and healing the skin, especially when it is dry. Does not go rancid easily and can be stored without refrigeration for a year. Rose Hip seed- another oil high in GLA, which helps the skin to heal and regenerate. It can prevent the thickening of skin in scar tissue and is helpful in healing burns, scars and stretch marks. However, it can aggravate acne and it goes rancid quickly. Sesame Seed- thick, with a heavy odor. Good for eczema, psoriasis and mature skin. Soy- light and lightly scented. Contains linoleic acid, can be used for all skin types and is easily absorbed. However, it is often solvent-extracted and goes rancid quickly. Wheat germ- very thick, honey-coloured, smells strongly of dark bread. High in vitamin B, A and E, good for dry and cracked skin, mature complexions, eczema, psoriasis, scars, stretch marks. I use it - with good results - in hair care. It is antioxidant and will extend the shelf-life of other oils.
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