For normal, oily, dry, aging skin, acne, after exposure to the sun, sun burn, and cellulite.
As I promised, here are recipes for blends of essential oils for the bath for the purpose of skin care. In the recipes there is also a list of essential oils for each skin type. The essential oils need to be added to 1- 2 tablespoons of emulsifier; such as vegetable oil, milk, cream, buttermilk, or honey. The positive effects on the skin will skyrocket. You will also find emulsifier recommendations for the basics. Before bathing, I recommend you read the article, “AROMATHERAPY APPLICATION METHODS’ GUIDE”. It contains basic information on the rules of application methods of aromatherapy, including baths with essential oils. To select a suitable oil base, see ““IMPORTANCE OF CARRIER OILS“. Remember, essential oil of citrus: bergamot, lemon, orange, tangerine, etc. are phototoxic. Phototoxicity is a reaction caused when essential oils on the skin are exposed to UV light – whether from the sun or from a tanning bed. It is best to avoid exposure for 12 -24 hours after a massage.
For normal skin
Base:
1) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of honey;
2) 1 cup whole milk and 1 tablespoon of honey;
3) 2 tablespoons of almond oil, 15-20 drops each of oils of wheat germ and vitamin E.
Essential oils: bergamot, geranium, cedar, lavender, neroli, chamomile, rose, rose tree
Blends:
1) 5 drops each of lavender and bergamot oils;
2) 5 drops each of lavender and chamomile oil (a good foundation with vitamin E);
3) 4 drops each of lavender and chamomile oil and 3 drops geranium oil;
4) 4 drops of neroli oil and 2 drops of rose oil (rose oil can be replaced with oil of geranium or palmarosa) – it is better to use with a base of whole milk.
For oily skin
Base:
2 cups apple cider vinegar
Essential oils: orange, basil, bergamot, geranium, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, cedar, cypress,
lavender, frankincense, lemon, juniper, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree.
Blends:
1) 2-3 drops each of juniper, lemon and mint oils;
2) 6 drops of grapefruit oil and 2 drops each of tea tree and rosemary oils;
3) 6 drops basil oil and 2 drops lemon oil;
4) 2-3 drops each of bergamot, cypress and geranium oils.
For dry skin
Base:
1) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of honey;
2) 2 tablespoons coconut oil (warm slightly in a water bath before use).
Essential oils: geranium, jasmine, ylang-ylang, cedar, lavender, frankincense, carrot seed, neroli, chamomile, rose, rose tree, sandalwood
Blends:
1) 5 drops of carrot seed and bergamot oils;
2) 3 drops of rose, neroli and sandalwood oils;
3) 3 drops of carrot seed oil, 2 drops sandalwood oil, 1 drop of rose oil (rose oil can be replaced with oil of geranium or palmarosa);
4) 2 drops each of lavender, geranium, mandarin, orange and sandalwood oils;
5) 1-2 drops each of lavender, geranium, mandarin, orange, sandalwood and frankincense oils.
For aging skin
Base:
2 tablespoons avocado oil and 2 tablespoons of honey
Essential oils: geranium, vetiver, jasmine, cypress, lavender, frankincense, myrrh, carrot seed, neroli, patchouli, rose, chamomile, sandalwood, fennel, sage.
Blends:
1) 4 drops each of lavender and neroli oils;
2) 3 drops each of frankincense, neroli and rose oils,
To cleanse any type skin
Blend:
Mix 3 drops each of basil, lemon and rosemary oils to stimulate circulation and cleanses pores.
For tired skin with defects
Base:
2 cups apple cider vinegar
Blends:
1) 6 drops of sage oil and 2-3 drops of lemon oil (the lemon has a bleaching effect);
2) 6 drops each of lavender and tea tree oils.
For acne
Blend:
5 drops of juniper and tea tree (hot tub)
After exposure to the sun
Base:
1) 2 tablespoons of almond oil or jojoba oil and add 1 tablespoon of honey;
2) tablespoons coconut oil (warm slightly in a water bath before use).
Blend:
6 drops of lavender oil and 4 drops of carrot seed oil
Sunburn
Base::
2 tablespoons of jojoba oil and 1 tablespoon of honey
Essential oils: lavender, lemon, peppermint, chamomile, sage, eucalyptus.
Blends::
1) 6 drops of lavender oil and 4 drops peppermint oil;
2) 4 drops each of lavender and eucalyptus oils;
3) 3 drops lavender oil and 2 drops chamomile or peppermint oil.
For cellulite:
Essential oils:: grapefruit, ginger, cypress, lemon, lemongrass, rosemary, juniper,
fennel, black pepper, sage.
Blends::
1) 5 drops juniper oil and 3 drops of cypress, lemon and orange oils;
2) 5 drops of fennel oil and 3 drops each of juniper, cypress and orange oils.
Now, choose what problem area you want to work on, buy the necessary ingredients for the desired formulation and enjoy the pleasure of a wonderful aroma bath.
Success!
Tag Archive | basic oil
Importance of Carrier/Basic Oils
CARRIER OILS
Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are used in aromatherapy to create bath oils, massage blends prior to topical application and skin and hair care blends. The choice of carrier oil depends on the therapeutic benefits being thought. Base oils have lots of vitamin E and are often used from 10 to 25% with other carrier oils for longer shelf life of the blend.
COSMETIC OILS
Almond: Recommended for all skin types, including very dry, sensitive, aging or itchy skin. Cold pressed oil is especially rich in nutrients. The consistency of the oil is very light, with a delicate scent. Relatively inexpensive. Recommended for home kits. Can cause allergies and it is recommended to test for allergy before using. Buy unrefined oil.
Apricot: Made from crushed apricot kernels. It is recommended to use for the care of all skin types; including, dry, aging, delicate, sensitive and inflamed. It is very light with a mild fragrance and easily absorbed by the skin. It is quite expensive.
Avocado: Used to treat dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles and sunburn. Not recommended for oily skin. Easily absorbed. It is recommended for use in blends or mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 25%. Rich with nutrients, especially vitamin E. Cold-pressed avocado oil is unrefined and produces a rich emerald color and aroma of the fruit. If the oil is pale yellow, it means it has been refined, usually odorless and low in nutrients.
Borage Seed: Expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It is used in a variety of skin disorders including eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Coconut: Promotes tanning and is used in products for both skin and hair care. Soothes and nourishes dry skin. Especially useful for the treatment of hair and scalp. Gives the hair a beautiful shine. Due to its thick consistency it is recommended to warm in a water bath before mixing with other components for blending. It is recommended to test for allergy before using.
Evening Primrose: Recommended for dry and aging skin. Also used for dermatitis, allergic rashes, eczema and psoriasis. It has a very fine texture. Recommended for use in blends with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 10%.
Grape seed: Recommended for all skin types, especially for very oily skin. The oil is light with almost no scent and has a mildly astringent and antiseptic quality. It can be used alone as the carrier oil or mixed with other more nutritious oil in smaller amounts up to 10%.
Hazelnut: It is well absorbed and has a slightly astringent action. Usually mixed with a lighter oil such as almond in equal proportions.
Jojoba: Recommended for normal, dry and oily skin. Penetrates deep into the skin. It has an anti-inflammatory effect if the skin is irritated or inflamed due to acne or eczema. Good tool for hair care. It has a thick consistency and is recommended to warm in a water bath before mixing with other components for blending. Expensive.
Macadamia: Excellent skin moisturizer. Recommended for dry, premature aging skin and to promote healing following sunburn. Originating from Australia. Unrefined it has a light golden color.
Passion fruit: Used as a nourishing moisturizer in skin care and is particularly beneficial for those with aging, acne-prone, or mature skin to improve skin elasticity. Usually added to a blend or mixture. It has a delicate sweet fragrance.
Peach: Made by pressing the pits to produce a very light oil with a delicate sweet aroma. It has a penetrative consistency and well suited for the treatment of facial skin. It is quite expensive.
Peanuts: Extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. The oil has a thick texture with the scent of nuts. It is recommended for use in blends or mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 25%. Peanuts contain allergens and it is recommended to test for allergy before using.
Rosehip seed: Has rejuvenating and wound-healing effect. It quickly absorbs into the skin replenishing moisture and creates a protective barrier on the skin to help prevent dehydration. It is commonly used for a variety of skin conditions. It is also helpful in reducing scars and fine lines. Golden-red color.
Safflower: Used for all skin types. The oil is a potent hydrator and ideal for dry, itchy skin. Its hydrating properties promote elasticity and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is a light yellow color with a faint nutty aroma. Has a short shelf life. Best purchased unrefined.
Sea Buckthorn: Has rejuvenating and wound-healing effect, affecting the regeneration of skin cells. The oil can be applied directly to the skin for preventing sunburn; healing wounds including bedsores, burns, and cuts; for acne, dermatitis, dry skin and eczema.
Sesame: It is recommended for care of all skin types. Used in the compositions for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. In India this oil is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a pale yellow color and mild nutty aroma. Interestingly, sesame oil has a similar effect as a sunscreen cream with a SPF factor of 4. Do not use the flavored dark brown oil used in Chinese cuisine.
Soybean: The oil can restore the luster and the glow of one’s skin. It can aid in healing the damage that is done to skin by pollution and by sun exposure.
Wheat germ: Recommended for dry, cracked, aging, itchy or sun-burned skin. Used for stretch marks and to reduce scarring. Natural antioxidant, rich in nutrients, especially vitamin E (greater than avocado oil). The oil has a rich orange-brown color and strong scent. The oil is thick in consistency and recommended for use in mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 10%. Contain allergens and it is recommended to test for allergy before using.
VEGETABLE OILS
Corn: Recommended for all skin types. Has a light yellow color, fine texture and little aroma. Use only refined oil.
Olive: Particularly used for dry and dehydrated or inflamed skin. Good to use for dry and brittle hair. Taken orally as a means of disease prevention. The oil is best cold pressed. Quite thick and has a characteristic deep olive odor. Usually blended with lighter base oil. For example; with almond oil at a 50/50 ratio. Best to buy high quality or organic.
Sunflower: Used for any skin type. It is a very versatile oil, light in texture with little aroma. Contains vitamins A, B, D and E. Inexpensive. The best oil is cold pressed and organic.
OIL, INFUSED WITH HERBS
Oil, described below, is prepared by the infusion method under direct sunlight. Crushed parts of the respective plants and placed in vegetable oil (e.g., olive) for brewing.
Recipe for oil brewed with herbs or seeds:
1. Half fill a glass bottle with crushed parts of freshly picked plants or seeds.
2. Fill it with pure olive (or other) oil, preferably slightly heated.
3. Shake bottle vigorously.
4. Keep the bottle in direct sunlight either on a windowsill or outside for 7-10 days.
5. When the oil is ready, strain it through a filter made of cloth (cheesecloth or fine nylon mesh) and pour into a bottle made of dark glass for storage. You can add a little wheat germ oil to extend shelf life.
Calendula: It is recommended for chapped, inflamed, itchy skin, burns and other skin problems. Usually added to the base mix in a ratio of up to 25%. Applied topically the oil’s antifungal action is also great for treating athlete’s foot.
Carrot seed: Commonly used as a supplement. Carrot seed oil is extracted from wild carrot seeds by steam distillation. It has a rejuvenating effect and is great for aging skin. It is known for its ability to alleviate skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Added to the carrier oil mixture at a ratio of up to 10%. Carrot seed oil is an amber-colored oil with a soft earthy smell.
St. John’s wort: Commonly used as a supplement to treat neuralgia, or pains in muscles and joints. The oil made from St. John’s wort can be applied topically to relieve symptoms associated with minor wounds and skin irritation. Often it is mixed, 50/50, with calendula oil. It is recommended to test for allergy before using. St. John’s wort can also make the skin overly sensitive to sunlight when applied topically.
 
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Aroma Blend Preparing Guide
Before you start making blends find a comfortable workplace away from sunlight in a well ventilated room so essential oils are not concentrated in the room. It is better that you work on a surface where you will not be worried about spills. Place a special plate or a thick towel on the surface before you start to catch any accidental spills. You should have easy access to hot water. Prepare equipment and material for mixing. Equipment should be washed in hot soapy water, sterilized and allow to cool and air dry. I usually wash all the equipment to mix my own formulations in the dishwasher.
Components of mixtures:
1. Essential oil: It is the basis of any blend as it is the essential oils that have an impact on psycho-emotional sphere and the body. It is essential in the sense that it contains the essence of the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived. If you are not engaged in professional aromatherapy, buy essential oils in small quantities. Essential oils can oxidize, deteriorate and gradually lose their therapeutic value and aromatic quality over long periods of time. The shelf life of essential oils is usually 18 to 24 months from the date of manufacture unless the label specifies a shorter period. Keep them tightly sealed in a cool dark place. Essential oils should be mixed cautiously and sparingly. The usual measure is by drop(s). Open only those oils that are required for the recipe for the preparation of the blend. Essential oils are flammable and safety precautions should be followed for any type of blending.
2. Carrier (base) oils: Most essential oils must be diluted with carrier oil before use so they will not damage the skin. You can dissolve one or more oils in a carrier oil or blend. Base oils are usually sold in bottles from 50 ml to 400 ml. In the article IMPORTANCE OF CARRIER OILS this topic will be covered in more detail. The main carrier oils are: domestic vegetable (olive, sunflower, corn, etc.) and herbal cosmetic (sweet almond, grape seed, jojoba, wheat germ, avocado, peach, apricot, etc.). Do not use mineral oil.
3. Bases for creams and lotions: They do not contain any fragrances and are used to prepare creams and lotions for the desired skin structure. Buy them for adding to the recipe of essential oils to make your own creams and lotions with natural aromatics and essential components.
4. Salt: Sea or Epsom salt is an excellent base for bath salts mixed in equal portions. For exfoliating facial skin, use only fine salt.
5. Distilled water: Used to make pink or lavender water. It is also used as a component for lotions.
Try to stick to the simple recipes at first when preparing a blend of oils at home. Recommendations for the preparation of blends differ depending on the author. However, there is a general recommendation to use 3 to 5 essential oils for therapeutic blends (some authors recommend no more than 3) and 4 to 7 oils for perfume compositions. Start with simple combinations. Preparation of the blends require not only time, diligence, and experience, but also intuition. Remember that often a simple combination is more effective than complex composition of oils.
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids. Do not sniff the undiluted oil from the bottle. Apply a drop to the wall of a glass and act as a true connoisseur. Sniff the aroma, evaluate, and take notes.
The shelf life of natural products can be extremely difficult to predict and it is recommended to mix the ingredients of the blends in small amounts. If you want to apply the oil on a small patch of skin 10 ml of the composition is adequate. For a complete massage use 20 ml. If you decide to try a new blend prepare 5 ml to make sure that it suits you.
It is recommended to consider the time needed to prepare your compositions and have everything at hand before you start. Make sure you have the following:
1. The desired number of bottles for the compositions you plan to make.
2. Consider the number of compositions that you will prepare and have the recipes on hand.
3. The necessary herbal and essential oils for making blends.
4. Containers for mixing, measuring cups, beakers, pipettes, stirrers and funnels.
5. Prepare labels. Make sure the exterior of your bottles are clean and free from oil or the labels will not stick.
6. Notepad and pen for notes to record the amount and proportion of essential oils used.
7. Carefully check the name of the oil and observe the dose.
Don’t forget to check yourself, family members or friends for any allergy of the oils you plan to use for yourself or them.
Start the creation of your own blends with the lowest dosages and adding essential oils by a few drops. Take notes about their successes and “failures”. The best way to learn is to prepare the blends according to the recipes or your notes in small quantities and use them. It is good doing this together with interested friends; “one nose is good and two noses – better.”
Preparation of the blend step by step
Method 1:
1. Calculate the quantity of base oil to the preparing blend, based on the volume of the bottle and the amount of essential oils. Calculate the number of drops of each essential oil, based on the amount of base oil.
2. Pour a measured amount of the carrier oil or water as required by the recipe to the blend in the mixing vessel.
3. Add essential oils to the base oil.
4. Stir well to ensure that essential oils are completely dissolved in the base oil before contact with the skin.
5. Place a label with information about the compound on the bottle.
6. Pour the blend into the bottle using the groove mixing vessel or funnel.
7. Close the bottle tightly containing the prepared mixture as well as the bottles of used essential oils.
Method 2:
1. Calculate the quantity of carrier oil or other base oil needed to prepare the blend based on the volume of the bottle and the amount of essential oils. Calculate the number of drops of each essential oil needed based on the amount of base oil.
2. Prepare and place the label on the bottle.
3. Measure out the calculated quantity of base oil and pour through a funnel into the bottle.
4. Measure the right amount of each essential oil in the bottle.
5. Close the bottle tightly and shake it for a few seconds. The blend may appear cloudy due to air bubbles buy will disappear over time.
Example.
Recipe for cleansing oil for face (any skin type): 15 ml of jojoba oil (you can add any oil pleasing to you, or a cosmetic oil for home cooking, the best of which is olive oil. Add 2 drops of rose, jasmine and neroli oils. The result will be a 2% blend.
Create the blend:
1. For example; you want to try this recipe and plan to store the mixture in a bottle with a volume of 5 ml. It is recommended to have a bottle with a slightly larger volume than is specified so you can use 5 ml of jojoba oil as a base. This means that the number for the mixture of this recipe should be less than 3 times (15 ml = 5 ml x 3). Unfortunately, 2 by 3 without a remainder is not divisible. In such cases, I just either increase the concentration or add a minimal amount of essential oils, where the minimum quantity is 1 drop. The prepared solution is more concentrated than the recipe – this will be a 3% solution instead of 2%. Or simply you can select the kind of oil that does not add to the blend – for example, do not add jasmine oil. Then get the 2% solution with rose and neroli oils.
2. Put a label with information about the compound.
3. Pour 5 ml of jojoba oil in a bottle.
4. Use 1 drop of rose, jasmine and neroli oils (3% solution) or 1 drop of rose and neroli oils (2% solution).
5. Close the bottle and shake it to mix and dissolve with the essential oils.
Note 1. Very carefully increase the concentration of essential oils in blends. In this mixture the essential oil is quite mild and not toxic, so the increasing concentration up to 3% of essential oils is acceptable.
Note 2. To reduce the amount of drops take a pipette with a minimum diameter of the hole and use it. The fact is that bottles with dispensers have different drops depending on the hole of the dispenser, temperature and surface tension of the oil.
Creating blends requires very specific knowledge and skills:
1. Knowledge of the properties of aromatic oils (light, medium or heavy; the properties of the oils – for example, bactericidal, etc.)
2. Methods of use
3. Selection of the most appropriate carrier (the type of cosmetic or vegetable oil, water, etc.)
The art of blending essential oils depends on the ability to find different but complementary flavors in the degree of volatilization and its healing properties or (for perfume compounds) scents. In the article “GUIDE TO THE SELECTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BLENDS” you will find information on the basic properties of essential oils for blending. In the article “AROMATHERAPY APPLICATION METHODS’ GUIDE” describes the main methods and recommended concentration for formulations depending on the methods. However, the different essential oils recommendations sometimes differ from the standard, so if you make up your own blend, be sure to read all available information about the oils you plan to use. For example, peppermint and lemon oils, if they are used for skin care must be dissolved in carrier oil and it’s concentration should be less than the standard. The article “IMPORTANCE OF CARRIER OILS” contains detailed information about the oils – the basics for massage and other styles of blends.