COMPLETE GUIDE TO DILUTION

In recent years, essential oils have become one of the more popular ways to take care of mental and physical health. They are used in different ways, from relaxing massages, nourishing baths, using diffusers, and often locally, that is, on the skin.

When using essential oils locally, i.e., direct application to the skin, one should remember that essential oils must not be applied directly. This is because essential oils are powerful and can cause reactions and irritations on the skin, thus defeating their purpose. So that such cases do not occur, please combine your essential oils with a carrier oil of your choice.

Carrier oils will ensure that solid irritations and undesirable reactions do not occur on the skin, and the combination of oils will only contribute to the effect you want to achieve. However, it is essential to achieve the correct ratio of each type of oil so that the "mix" itself is as good as possible. You will have to use intelligent devices or literature covering this area and learn, learn, learn.

However, to make that part more accessible, we provide a short guide to clarify how essential oils should be diluted with base oils and which are the most popular and, therefore, the best.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY CARRIER OILS?

By term carrier oils, we mean oils produced from plants that usually do not have a smell or are very mild. These oils dilute essential oils and "transfer" them to the skin precisely because they have a firm consistency and a higher risk of skin reactions.

These oils can be used in combination with essential oils but also independently. However, when the use of essential oils is questioned, the topic of base oils is almost always brought up. Currently, there are several types of base oils on the market, but before buying, you should take several things into account:

1. The smell of the base oil - although they are in the minority, a particular smell can be felt with several base oils. Therefore, when you combine a specific base oil with an essential oil, remember that the scent of the two oils can change the aroma of the resulting mixture.

2. Absorption into the skin - some base oils are more easily absorbed into the skin than others, which should be kept in mind depending on the purpose for which you want to use the base oil in question,

3. Skin type - most base oils are very light and gentle on the skin, but some of them can cause irritation and worsen the condition of the skin, which is why it is essential to be adequately informed before using any oil.

4. Shelf life - since these preparations are applied to the skin, it is essential to use the oil depending on its shelf life, primarily for safety and health reasons and potential skin irritations due to "old" products.

THE MOST POPULAR BASE OILS FOR USE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Several carrier oils can be used alone or in combination with a specific essential oil, but some are more popular than others. When we talk about popular base oils, the most common ones are argan, jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, rosehip oil and apricot kernel oil.

Argan oil is traditionally used for body care inside and out. It has a nutty smell and is rich in vitamins A and E and monounsaturated fatty acids. It can help treat dry skin and hair, making it an excellent base oil for general skin care, but also as an oil for a fantastic and relaxing massage.

Jojoba oil has a delicate and nutty aroma and can help reduce oil production in the skin of people prone to acne. It is easily absorbed into the skin and does not clog pores, and as a base oil, it is often used for massage, bathing, and moisturizing creams.

Sweet almond oil also has a nutty aroma, but the smell is strong, unlike jojoba oil. Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular skin care oils because it absorbs quickly into the skin and is a fantastic moisturizer for dry skin. It is excellent in massage oils, soaps, and bath oils. However, this is one of the base oils that has a scent, and you should be careful with the proportions so that the sweet almond oil does not mask the aroma of the essential oil.

Coconut oil is an edible oil obtained from the flesh of mature coconuts and is available in refined and unrefined varieties. Regarding skincare, coconut oil must be crude because refined coconut oil is not entirely natural and, therefore, not recommended for skin care. Coconut oil contains skin-nourishing fatty acids and polyphenols, making it an excellent carrier oil for massage and skin care products.

Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins A, and C. Vitamin A is a natural anti-aging retinoid. Both vitamins can help reverse the potential adverse effects of the sun on the skin. It is most used and functional as a base oil for dry skin remedies, massage oils, and moisturizers.

Apricot kernel oil is an emollient oil with a high content of fatty acids and vitamin E. It is easily absorbed into the skin and has a slightly sweet, nutty smell. When used as a base oil, it helps to soften and soothe irritated, itchy skin and is very useful as a base oil for making massage oils, bath oils, and hair care products.

Now that we have touched on the most popular base oils, you must wonder how to determine the correct essential and base oils ratio. Properly dilute a solid essential oil with a gentle and (most often) moisturizing base oil.

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY COMBINE BASE AND ESSENTIAL OILS?

Whenever possible, buy organic, cold-pressed oils from producers you trust. Although most carrier oils will not or will not cause allergic reactions, it is always good to be safe.

Therefore, we advise you to test before using the base oil and check the skin’s response to the selected oil (either the base or essential oil).

To do the test, add a small amount of ca oil to the inside of the wrist or just below the ear. Cover the oil with a bandage and check the oiled area after 24 hours. If you see any signs of irritation on the skin (i.e., redness, swelling, etc.), rinse the area thoroughly and do not use the oil. Also, it should be emphasized that it is better to avoid oils obtained from nuts if you are allergic to nuts.

When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it's important to follow these simple dilution guidelines:


1. Diluting the oil for adults

- 2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops of essential oil on six teaspoons of base oil
- 3 percent dilution: 20 drops of essential oil on six teaspoons of base oil
- 5 percent dilution: 30 drops of essential oil on six teaspoons of base oil
- 10 percent dilution: 60 drops of essential oil on six teaspoons of base oil


2. Diluting the oil for children

- dilution from 0.5 to 1 percent: 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to 6 teaspoons of base oil

Another helpful tip for using base oils is to always store them in a calm and dark place, preferably in a refrigerator and in a dark glass bottle, so the oil is better preserved.

The choice of essential oil and carrier oil usually depends on the individual and what he wants to achieve with the combination of oils. Still, we recommend that before any application and combination of oils, you should research the benefits and recommended purpose for each oil so that the result of using it is better.