Summary of CAM Aromatherapy Base Oils
Hello to you all, and thank you for viewing this post. I thought it would be good to provide a summary of all the base oils I use during your massage treatments and in your bespoke products, to give an idea of their benefits and how they can help with various skin problems or skin types. I often focus on the therapeutic benefits of my essential oils but the base oils have equally important benefits, boosting the (already many) benefits of your massage.
Apricot Kernel
Prunus Armeniaca
Skincare Benefits: nourishing, easily absorbed, emollient (softens/soothes), revitalising, anti-inflammatory, supports the protective barrier of the skin, good for massage and facials (absorbs slowly).
High in: vitamin K (helping to reduce dark circles), vitamin E, omega 6 fatty acids, oleic & linoleic acids.
Skin type: dry/sensitive/mature.
Avocado
Persea Gratissima
Skincare Benefits: Unrefined is dark green, thicker, strong aroma. Refined is lighter, thinner, minimal aroma. Both absorb easily and quickly. Nourishing, anti-wrinkle, skin regenerating, skin-softening properties, prevents water loss. Rich, long-lasting and well absorbed by the skin.
High in: rich in vitamins especially E and D. Very high content of oleic acid, and palmitic acid.
Skin type: ALL/dry/mature/eczema.
Almond (Sweet)
Prunus Dulcis / Amygdalus communis
Skincare Benefits: Loaded with nutrients, excellent emollient, softens & smoothes skin, has a warming effect helping to reduce muscle pain & tightness. Absorbs slowly making it wonderful for massage use.
High in: nutrients (unsaturated fatty acids, protein), vitamins A, B, D, E, oleic acid, linoleic acid.
Skin type: ALL.
Camellia Seed
Camellia sasanqua C. sinensis
Skincare Benefits: used in Japan for thousands of years (for peachy skin & long nails), excellent skin conditioner, does not clog pores or leave an oily feeling, rejuvenates the skin, helps maintain moisture, said to protect the skin from UV damage/environmental exposure (not to be used instead of suncream).
High in: oleic acid, vitamins A, B, C & E & other antioxidants, absorbs quickly.
Skin type: oily (an astringent)/problem skin/scarring.
Evening Primrose
Oenothera Biennis
Skincare Benefits: skin cell regeneration, anti-wrinkle, soothing, promotes healing, helps skin retain moisture, useful for treating eczema and psoriasis, a light oil that is absorbed quickly.
High in: linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid (polyunsaturated, omega 6 fatty acids).
Skin type: ALL/oily/acne/dry/mature/eczema/dermatitis.
Grapeseed
Vitis vinifera
Skincare Benefits: strengthens collagen, maintains elastin, tightens and tones the skin, is easily absorbed (and a good make-up remover), readily absorbed, anti-inflammatory properties, moisturising, nourishing.
High in: vitamin E, linoleic acid and other vitamins and minerals.
Skin type: ALL (particularly oily skin).
Hemp Seed
Cannabis sativa
Skincare Benefits: non-greasy, softening, soothing, healing properties, helps skin retain moisture, useful for treating eczema and psoriasis, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, absorbs quickly, soothes and heels.
High in: linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid (essential fatty acids).
Skin type: ALL/acne/eczema/dermatitis/mature/dry.
Jojoba
Simmondsia Chinensis
Skincare Benefits: a natural moisturiser, balancing, softening, soothing, ight, easily absorbed, leaves a silky feeling on the skin, balances sebum production so great for oily skin, acne or dry skin, a liquid wax (melts at around 10°C), said to be the best vegetable oil occlusive (it forms a thin layer on the skin preventing trans epidermal water loss), anti-inflammatory, contains natural antioxidants, antiseptic.
High in: gadoleic acid
Skin type: ALL/mature/dry/oily/eczema/psoriasis/after shaving/acne.
Macademia
Macadamia Ternifolia
Skincare Benefits: moisturizing and regenerating for the skin, emollient, rejuvenating, soothing, protective, easily absorbed, an antioxidant, protects against UV damage (not to be used instead of sun cream).
High in: oleic acid, palmitoleic acid.
Skin type: mature/acne/scars/eczema/sensitive.
Raspberry Seed
Rubus Idaeus
Skincare Benefits: moisturizing, occlusive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, decent amounts of linoleic and linolenic acid which have anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.
High in: linoleic and linolenic acid.
Skin type: ALL/dry/mature/eczema/psoriasis
Rosehip
Rosa Rubiginosa
Skincare Benefits: regenerating, rejuvenating, healing, the only vegetable oil to contain tretinoin (a form of Vitamin A which helps repair damaged skin, acne, and reduce wrinkles and scars). One of the best anti-aging oils. Absorbs quickly.
High in: linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid - essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6), which assist with skin regeneration.
Skin type: ALL/mature/sensitive/oily/acne/eczema/scars
Photo taken while on safari a few years ago in Zambia ;-)
Safety
Always check the safety data for a base oil before use (especially if you have a nut or seed allergy).
Do a skin patch test before use.
Do your research. Always buy good quality, unadulterated, 100% pure oils, from a reputable company (organic where possible).
Get in touch if you'd like to purchase essential oils, smell any of the oils in my collection, buy a CAM Aromatherapy product, get help with creating your own blend, or have a treatment.
Medical Disclaimer - The above information is intended for educational purposes only, and not to be taken as an endorsement or replacement for any particular medical health treatment. Please check with your health provider before embarking on any type of herbal treatment.
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References
"The Power of the Seed" by Susan M. Parker - (2014) published by Process Media
"The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood (2016) published by New World Library
"Complete List of Comedogenic Oils" by Holistic Health Herbalist (accessed 5 July 2021)
"An Introductory Guide to Aromatherapy" by Louise Tucker (Revised Edition) - (2015) published by EMS Publishing
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