Essential oils need to be diluted before use as they are highly concentrated and cannot be applied directly on the skin in their pure state. Seeing as they do not dissolve in water they need to be dissolved in a neutral vegetable oil or carrier oil allowing the essential oils to retain their properties. There are other substances however that may be used to dissolve essential oils; these include vinegar, honey, milk, cream, clay, salt, egg yolk, and others. Although most carrier oils are solely used to dilute the essential oils, some may have therapeutic properties themselves. The best and most suitable carrier oils are vegetable oils extracted from fruits and seeds of oily plants as these have a natural affinity with the skin, do not cause irritation, moisturise the skin and do not block the skin pores
Some of the most used carrier oils are:
- Sweet Almond Oil: very popular carrier oil as it is quickly absorbed into the skin .It has moisturising and protective properties.
- Avocado Oil: excellent carrier oil that blends well with wheat germ oil. The drawback is that it deteriorates rather quickly.
- Jojoba Oil: a great moisturiser, recommended for all skin types especially mature skin 
and to control excessive sebaceous secretions of the skin and hair. It has anti-oxidant properties which helps keep essential oils from deteriorating.
- Wheat Germ Oil: a nourishing regenerative moisturiser that protects the skin from sun damage. It is frequently blended with other carrier oils to prolong its shelf life.
- Maise or Corn Oil: a superb carrier oil. Its high level of unsaturated fatty acids makes it ideal for making soap.
- Sesame Seed Oil: a great toner preventing flaccidity of the skin and protecting from the suns harmful rays. It is often blended with other oils to enrich them.
- Hazelnut Oil: suitable for oily skins and effective against acne. A nourishing and penetrating oil that also helps close the skin pores making this an excellent carrier oil.
- Coconut Oil: excellent carrier oil especially suitable for tired and debilitated skins.
- Peach Kernel Oil: extremely nourishing and versatile oil that can be used for all skin types.
- Soya Oil: a nourishing oil that is easily absorbed into the skin, recommended for acne problems
Essential oils should be used with extreme caution as they may have a toxic effect or cause nausea when used carelessly (see Precautions).
For your own sake please be sure to dilute the essential oils by following these general guidelines:
Massage:
15-20 drops of essential oil to 60ml (12 teaspoons) of carrier oil.
7-10 drops of essential oil to 30ml (6 teaspoons) of carrier oil.
3-5 drops of essential oil to 5ml (3 teaspoons) of carrier oil.
Bath:
8-10 drops of essential oil (maximum), previously diluted in milk.
Inhalation:
5-8 drops of essential oil in a vaporiser or in a bowl with hot water
Compress:
3-5 drops of essential oil in a bowl with hot or cold water depending on the treatment
Foot bath:
3-5 drops of essential oil in a basin with hot water, leave your feet in the water in until it turns cold.
The information presented here is purely informative and introductory.
Before starting any treatment we strongly advise you to consult your doctor or qualified practitioner.
