In the final post of the trilogy on safflower, I am finishing up with two aromatic blends which incorporate safflower oil. Safflower may not be an oil that you will generally have in your aromatherapy carrier oil toolbox, but it is one which is worth considering if you are either looking to combine another oil with one such as sunflower oil, or indeed replace an oil high in linoleic acid – such as pumpkin seed, rosehip seed, and evening primrose oil.
Daily Skincare for Dry Skin with Safflower Oil
As discussed in the first post of this trilogy, safflower oil is recommended for use with dry skin and, if you’ve not had much success with regular skincare oils recommended for this condition, consider the use of safflower oil combined with the more affordable sunflower oil. Add appropriate essential oils such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) to enhance this blend. More information on essential oils for different skincare types is included in my book Authentic Aromatherapy.
For Adult Use Only.
You will need:
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1 part safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) oil
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3 parts sunflower (Helanthius annuus) oil
For example: For 1 oz of oil, you would combine 1/4 oz of safflower oil with 3/4 oz of sunflower oil.
Essential Oils:
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1.5 % lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
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0.5 % geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
For example: For 1 oz of base oil, you would add 8 drops of lavender essential oil and 4 drops of geranium essential oil for a total of 12 drops (2% dilution rate).
Instructions for Use:
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Combine all of the ingredients in a suitable bottle. I suggest a PET bottle with a flip cap if storing in the bathroom.
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To apply: Add a small amount to hands and massage over body as needed up to a maximum of three times a day.
Luxury Blend of Skincare Oils with Linoleic Acid
If dry skin is a real problem for you, you may want to treat your skin to a luxury blend of some of the best carrier oils which are high in linoleic acid. I would not add essential oils to this blend, although if you would like to add some for the aroma, you can do so. Just follow the recommended guidelines or consult a certified aromatherapist.
You will need:
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1 part safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) oil
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1 part rosehip(Rosa rugosa) oil
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1 part borage (Borago officinals) oil
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1 part evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil.
For example: For 1 oz of oil, you would mix together 1/4 oz of each oil.
Instructions for Use:
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Combine all of the ingredients together in a suitable bottle. A PET bottle with a flip cap, or a glass bottle with a glass dropper for use are both acceptable.
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To apply: Massage a small amount of the blend over the the skin. Use sparingly as these oils are both expensive and rich in their action.
Learn More About Using Carrier Oils with Sedona Aromatherapie
If you would like to learn how to use carrier oils further, consider the Sedona Aromatherapie Linguistics of AromaticsTM Program.
References:
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The recommendations expressed in this article are based on the author’s 20 year history in the health care and aromatherapy industry. She is UK-certified aromatherapist and a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist (R). She is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, custom blend formulator and herbal studies student. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. She works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she is in the process of creating her own aromatic stillroom on her one acre homestead and aromatic gardens.
