Have you had enough of dry skin?
Well, fear not, because help is at hand.
The best carrier oils listed below are great to use with essential oils to keep your skin looking moisturized and healthy.
And they can even help to protect you from the ravages of time.
What more can you ask for?
Let’s take a look:
My Favorite Carrier Oils For Dry Skin
Sweet Almond Oil
Extracted from the seeds of the almond tree, sweet almond oil is one of the most popular oils for using on the skin.
It’s light and easily absorbed. And has a good reputation as a deep and long-lasting moisturizer that keeps skin looking soft, smooth, and beautiful.
And its benefits don’t stop there.
Because it contains high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin E, it also helps to protect your skin from photoaging.
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun plays a major part in the development of lines and wrinkles on your skin as you age.
So the regular use of almond oil has anti-aging benefits. But, it’s not sufficiently protective for you to stop using sunscreen.
Most people find it to be a good oil for sensitive skin. And it’s also gained popularity as a massage oil.
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Avocado Oil
Most people know avocado oil as a healthy oil that’s used for cooking food.
But, did you know that it’s also increasingly used for skincare?
Pressed from the flesh of the avocado fruit, it contains high levels of the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid.
This is a big part of the reason for its popularity as a carrier oil.
You see, not only is oleic acid absorbed very quickly by your skin.
But it also has fantastic penetration. Which helps to carry essential oils and other active ingredients across the skin barrier. Allowing them to have the most effect.
It’s very effective as a moisturizer. And it contains many antioxidants that help to protect the skin from aging, including vitamin E.
But that’s not the best part.
Because there’s also scientific evidence to suggest that using avocado oil on the skin increases the production of collagen.
Why is this important?
Well, collagen provides structural support for your skin. So increasing its amount can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
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Coconut Oil
Almost everybody’s heard of the wonderful beauty properties of coconut oil.
Endorsed by a range of models and celebrities, it has enjoyed widespread coverage of its skin enhancing benefits.
And there’s an increasing amount of scientific evidence to support the claims.
It’s high in fatty acids that are absorbed across the skin. Forming a layer that improves barrier function.
And studies have proved its hydrating powers by showing the improved condition and appearance of itchy, dry, and scaly skin after use (1).
It also contains a number of powerful antioxidants that are often used in expensive anti-aging skin care products. Including P coumaric acid and folic acid.
But this isn’t the limit of its protection against photoaging.
It also directly protects the skin from the sun’s rays by blocking ultraviolet light.
In fact, it’s been estimated that it has an SPF of about 8.
And there are more benefits to be had:
Scientific studies have shown that it can reduce the severity of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Grapeseed Oil
If you’re looking for antioxidants in an oil, then this is the one for you.
Grapeseed oil contains high levels of vitamin E and linoleic acid which are well known for their skin protection.
But grapeseed oil has got something even bigger up its sleeve.
It also contains a special class of phytochemicals called oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs for short (yep, don’t worry about trying to say it).
These powerful antioxidants are 50 times stronger than vitamins C and E.
And the linoleic acid is also useful if you suffer from outbreaks of acne or pimples.
Furthermore, with this being a very light and easily absorbed oil, it has a low risk of clogging your skin pores.
The OPCs also have a powerful anti-inflammatory action that’s great at reducing redness, swelling, and pain. Also helping to relieve rashes and skin irritations.
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Argan Oil
Argan oil comes with a big reputation.
Not for nothing is it described as ‘liquid gold’.
It’s most commonly known for its fantastic benefits for hair.
But, it’s also been used on the skin for thousands of years in its native Morocco.
it’s become a common ingredient in cosmetics because of its anti-aging and moisturizing properties.
And its ability to regulate sebum production has given it a reputation for being good for acne and oily skin.
It absorbs easily without leaving an oily residue.
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Rosehip Oil
The rose is one of the most famous flowers in the world. Renowned for its sweet scent and beautiful appearance.
But it also produces a fruit that’s been used for health and beauty for thousands of years.
Called rosehips, this fruit is used to extract an oil that’s seen a surge of interest in recent times.
It’s been publicized by famous celebrities such as Miranda Kerr. And is well-known as a part of the beauty regime of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Middleton.
This is a light oil that’s full of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that are proven to help the skin.
It also contains linoleic acid which helps your skin barrier retain moisture. And antioxidants such as phenols and carotenoids to protect your skin.
But it’s another of its ingredients that’s most interesting.
Rosehip oil contains trans-retinoic acid, which helps to stimulate cellular regeneration and the production of collagen in your skin.
This fights photoaging and the visible signs of aging by improving your skin texture and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
There’s also evidence it can reduce scarring and inflammation.
Tamanu Oil
Known as ‘green gold’, tamanu oil has been an important part of medicine in Polynesia for thousands of years (2).
Traditionally used for healing wounds, It’s also known for its ability to help skin conditions.
And its proven anti-inflammatory and antibacterial powers make it a great choice if you struggle with acne.
Its high level of antioxidants helps to protect your skin from aging. And it’s another oil that can absorb UV light.
What’s more, it has the power to regenerate the skin. Helping to reduce the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and existing Lines.
It’s also easily absorbed. increasing the hydration of your skin, leaving it smooth and soft.
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Vitamin E Oil
As a natural part of your skin, vitamin E plays an important role in protection from harmful UV radiation.
And many studies have proved that applying vitamin E oil increases this effect.
This oil can be a little bit thick on its own. But it makes a great addition to other carrier oils.
Both for its benefits and its ability to increase the shelf life of your homemade blends and skincare preparations.
It also acts as a highly effective moisturizer. It has an important role in maintaining your skin barrier function that helps your skin to retain water.
Improving the texture and appearance of dry and rough skin.
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Final Thoughts
Not only are these oils excellent for dry and aging skin, but they’re all quite affordable as well.
When choosing a carrier oil don’t compromise on quality.
It’s going on your skin, and any impurities in the oil might be absorbed.
So, try to make sure it’s organic, cold-pressed, 100% pure, and unrefined.
These are the hallmarks of high quality. You’ll also see some of the oils, such as coconut oil, described as ‘virgin’.
Have fun mixing them with essential oils. And remember, keep the concentration of essential oil to 2% or under at first to avoid irritation.