Monday, September 20, 2010

How To Use Carrier Creams

G'morning my wonderful readers...wow what a wet weekend we had, but I do love the rain!

I am going to do something a little different today; I have been sharing a lot of oils with you and it hit me that I should talk a bit about carrier creams. So that's what today's post will be.

Got your coffee? I've got mine...wait, I better get a fresh cup! Ok I am back and ready to go!

~Peace~





How To Use Carrier Creams



Carrier products often come in the form of creams, which make useful bases or can be used by themselves, especially for massage. Carrier oils also come in cream form, making them ideal as a moisturizing lubricant for people with very dry skin. The herbs used to make the creams act as repairing agents and are used to treat skin complaints such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Carrier creams are used in commercial beauty products because they are easily absorbed by the skin and work quickly to tone, moisturize and stimulate healthy skin-cell production. With such beneficial effects, it's not surprising that the herbs they are made from are often also used as pills for internal consumption to improve the skin.




Active Ingredients Of Carrier Creams

Some of the most common ingredients found in creams are:



Allantoin~A cell proliferator, this simulates cell production and maintains calcium-phosphorus balance


Echinacosides~Found in Echinacea, these encourage white blood cell and antibody production.


Ephedrine~This stimulant helps to combat various skin problems.


Linolenic Acid~Rejuvenates and regenerates skin.


Oleic Acid~This helps to keep skin toned, supple and healthy.


Palmitic Acid~A cell proliferator, this promotes cell renewal.







Carrier Creams






Cocoa Butter~Best known as the plant that produces chocolate, Cocoa Butter is found in South America. Cocoa Butter is expressed form the beans and forms a yellow solid that melts in very slight heat. Smelling slightly of cocoa, the butter will melt under your fingers, making it easy to apply for massage. It is full of active ingredients that moisturize the skin, promoting healing , and treating skin problems from acne to Raynaud's disease. It is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, though caution should be exercised with migraine. Cocoa Butter is the safest cream to choose for people prone to allergies








Comfrey Cream~Comfrey has long been valued for its healing abilities. The herb has purple or yellow flowers, depending on the variety. the roots are dried and macerated as as infusion in a carrier oil, usually olive or sometimes Sweet Almond. This is then used to make the cream.

Comfrey moisturizes skin and promotes healthy cell growth. It is ideal as a base for oils such as Chamomile, Lavender and tea Tree, and can be used for healing damage to the skin through burns and wounds, and also for the treatment of skin conditions such as dermatitis. Comfrey is of the greatest value to people with chronic skin conditions.









Echinacea Cream~Echinacea is an herb with rich purple flowers. It is renowned for boosting the immune system in the form of pills and extracts. The active ingredients are extracted by decoction from the dried roots and the added to a base cream. As a stimulant to the immune system, it is beneficial for skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. It is also antiseptic and antiviral and is effective for treating cuts.



It is particularly good for a hand massage, benefiting the masseuse as much as the recipient. Echinacea cream contains all the active ingredients of the plant itself.



Uses Of Carrier Creams




Problem-Skin Mix~Creams are particularly good for people with skin problems, so try using the folling blends for conditions such as acne, dermatities  or eczema. In a small bowl combine:

  • 4 tbsp Comfrey cream or Echinacea cream

  • 10 drops Bergamot

  • 10 drops Lavender
Mix the oils in and use immediately to massage or simply rub into skin.




Beauty Treatment~This mixture is appropriate for any complexion. It can penetrate your skin easily, and it helps to keep it toned and healthy.

Warm 3 tbsp of Cocoa Butter in a bowl then add:

  • 5 drops Chamomile

  • 5 drops Geranium

  • 5 drops Lavender
Mix gently as the cream cools down to keep it from separating from the oils. Use for facial massage.




Whew! Made it through another day's post. Thank you so much for spending a portion of your busy day with me!





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