Top 6 Best Carrier Oils For Aging Skin - DIY Recipes and Uses

Elizabeth Starns
Best Carrier Oils for Aging Skin

Our skin is our largest organ and can tell many stories about us, including our age. As we age, our skin changes - it becomes thinner, loses elasticity, it loses fat. Essential oils can help keep our skin in great condition.

Many carrier oils can help our skin by giving it nourishment, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. In addition, carrier oils can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, moisturize our skin, leaving it looking full and plump, reduce inflammation and address any other concerns. But which are the best carrier oils for aging skin?

This is a lengthy article, so first, let’s outline what we aim to cover.

    • We’ll begin with a bit about the skin's structure, which informs how carrier oils can help it. 
    • Next, a little about some things that contribute to and thus speed up skin aging.
    • Then, our top carrier oils for aging skin and why we love each one so much
    • Finally, here are some DIY recipes to help you use the best carrier oils for aging skin. 

Structure of the Skin

Understanding the layers and structure of the skin is crucial to looking after our aging skin, so before we jump into our list of best carrier oils for aging skin, let’s look at the skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It has three main layers, the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. The epidermis is the outer layer, and it is regenerated continually. The dermis is the inner layer that includes sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands.

The third later is the subcutaneous layer which is under the dermis and is made up of connective tissue and fat.

Skin ages from both the outside and the inside. Outside factors impacting the skin include smoking, diet, exposure to chemicals, UV radiation, stress, and trauma. As we age, there is a reduction in the hormones and chemical signals important for skin growth and repair, so our skin starts to lose elasticity and its plumpness.

Collagen is a protein that is the body’s most abundant protein. Collagen provides strength and support to the skin and is said to decrease within the dermis by 1% each year throughout our adult lives (Rigel et al, 2004).

While the best carrier oils for aging skin aren’t reverse all the damage, we can slow down some signs of aging to make our skin appear fuller and more youthful.

comparison between young skin and aged skin

Other Factors that Impact Our Aging Skin

Stress

There is strong evidence to suggest that long-term exposure to varying types of stress - psychological and oxidative stress- impacts how we age. Stress is not something we can avoid altogether; it is all about how we manage the stress that happens in our lives.  We can use essential oils to help us minimize our stress and keep it at a minimum.

Smoking

We all know the dangers of smoking and the damage it causes to our lungs, but it impacts our skin. It can cause deep wrinkles around the lips, mouth, and eyes. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes can damage the skin, so eliminate smoking. Giving up smoking isn’t easy, and it g will help your overall health and wellbeing.

Sun Damage

The sun can damage the skin by drying it out, giving it dark spots and pigmentation marks, and causing skin cancer. So wearing good quality sunscreen daily is essential, even on those cloudy days.

Dehydration

Our bodies are made of water, so it is essential to moisturize our skin from the inside out. The recommended amount of water per day is eight glasses; however, more recent recommendations suggest 1 ounce of water for every 2 pounds of body weight. Whatever recommendations, keep drinking fresh water every day.

Which Carrier Oils are Best for Aging Skin: Our Top List

1. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)

At the top of the list of best carrier oils for aging skin is Jojoba. Pronounced ho-ho-ba, this oil is not an oil, but a liquid wax, similar in structure to our natural skin’s oil called sebum. Jojoba is derived from the seeds of small native shrubs of the American southwest and Mexico area.

It is full of nutrients and vitamins, which make it great for skincare, but the antioxidants in it are what make it a standout. The antioxidants in Jojoba may help your body produce collagen. Han and Nimni (2005) suggest that antioxidants applied to the skin can improve collagen synthesis. 

2. Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca)

Next on our list of best carrier oils for aging is Apricot Kernel Oil. Pressed from the oil-rich kernels of apricots, this oil is rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9, all known to moisturize the skin, give it a youthful look and help reduce inflammation.

It also contains Vitamin A, which can help protect the skin against UV radiation, and Vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties. In addition, Apricot Kernel Oil is light, non-greasy, and won’t clog the pores.

3. Rosehip Oil (Rosa Canina)

Rosehip Oil should appear on any best carrier oils for the aging list. It is derived from the rosa canina rose bush, which is grown mainly in Chile and is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the plant.

Rosehip Oil is reported to help even skin tone, increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity. For example, Phetcharat et al (2015) found that Rosehip Oil for 8 weeks leads to an improvement in wrinkles, the skin's moisture levels, and elasticity of the skin.

It has high essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid), which can help soften the skin and improve skin barrier function. 

4. Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima)

Avocado oil is derived from surprise, surprise, and avocado. It is an ingredient used in many commercial skin care products and one of the reasons it is on our list of best carrier oils for aging skin.

Avocado oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which help hydrate the skin and minimize damage from free radicals. In addition, avocado oil contains Vitamin C, E, and omega 3 fatty acids, which help this oil nourish, moisturize and penetrate the skin.

5. Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis)

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is made from the seeds of the flowers of a plant native to North America. EPO is a favorite for mature skin due to its abundance of GLA essential fatty acids and why it appears on our list of best carrier oils for aging. This oil nourishes and soothes the skin and helps to reduce signs of damage and wrinkles.

Evening Primrose has a subtle aroma with a touch of sweetness. It is non-greasy and easily absorbed by the skin, making it an ideal carrier oil for the face.

6. Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica Granatum)

Lastly, Pomegranate Seed Oil is the final oil on our best carrier oils for aging skin list. This oil is derived from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit and is known for its many health benefits.

Pomegranate Seed Oil is rich in punicic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and Vitamin C, all of which give it its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The Vitamin C in Pomegranate Seed oil can help brighten the skin and promotes elasticity.

The punicic acid within Pomegranate Seed Oil is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize the skin's free radical damage, which eases inflammation and redness.

Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Regime

We’ve all heard the cleanse, tone, and moisturize trope from skincare specialists for years, but we now know that a good skincare routine should include the following steps:

    • Cleanse morning and night with a gentle cleansing product
    • Exfoliate a couple of times a week
    • Use a serum both morning and night 
    • Moisturizing is vital - do it morning and night 
    • Target the eye area with an eye cream. Use it morning and night 
    • Apply a face mask once a week

The Science Behind Slowing Down Aging

DIY Recipes for Best Carrier Oils for Aging Skin

Morning Anti Aging Serum

Method of Use:

    1. Combine all ingredients in a small bottle and shake gently.
    2. Apply to clean, dry skin. 
    3. Place a few drops on your fingertips, and gently massage into your face, neck, décolletage, and on the back of your hands. 
    4. Allow skin to dry before applying sunscreen, cosmetics, or other facial products.

Safety: Do a small patch test on the inside of your elbow before applying it to your face. If a reaction occurs, do not continue use. Not suitable for use during the first 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Anti Aging Cleanser

Method of Use:

    1. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar, and shake until all are blended.
    2. Use a small dollop of cleanser to clean your face each morning and night.
    3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and use a face cloth to remove any excess cleanser.

Safety: Always perform a small patch test on the inside of your elbow before applying it to your face. If you have sensitive skin, your skin may react. If you do, discontinue use immediately.

Facial Toner

A face toner is sometimes called a skin freshener; the best one for aging skin is rose water. Rosewater, also called Rose hydrosol, is not made with Rose essential oil; instead, it is the byproduct of the distillation of Rose essential oil.

Using Rosewater as a facial toner will help remove any excess cleaner after cleaning. Many people love to use Rosewater throughout the day as a refreshing spray, and it can give the skin some added moisture and hydration.

Evening Anti Aging Serum

    • 1tsp Jojoba Carrier Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
    • 1tsp Pomegranate Seed Carrier Oil (Punica granatum)
    • 1tsp Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil (Prunus armeniaca)
    • 10 drops of Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
    • 10 drops of Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena)
    • 10 drops of Helichrysum essential oil (Helichrysum splendidum)  

Method of Use:

    1. In a glass bowl, add all ingredients, and stir slowly. 
    2. Add contents to a small amber bottle with a dropper lid.
    3. Before using, clean your skin with a gentle cleanser. 
    4. Once the skin is clean, add a couple of drops of the serum onto your fingertips and gently massage it into your face. 
    5. Add a couple more drops onto your fingers, and massage into your neck, chest, décolletage, and the backs of your hands. These are all major aging spots and giveaways of your actual age.

Safety: Remember to do a small patch test on the inside of your elbow before applying it to your face. Not suitable for use in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve looked at the best carrier oils for aging skin, how they can help, and give you some DIY recipes for you to try. Carrier oils are an excellent addition to your skincare regime, whether you use them alone or with some essential oils. We’ve also briefly examined some other factors contributing to aging skin.

Reducing the contributing factors as much as we can and using the best carrier oils for aging skin will make a positive difference to your skin. It will keep you looking youthful for longer and help support you as you age gracefully.

References

    1. Rigel, DS. (2004). Photoaging, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL USA.
    2. Han, B, and Nimni, ME, (2005). Transdermal delivery of amino acids and antioxidants enhance collagen synthesis: in vivo and in vitro studies, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16546829/
    3. Phetcharat L, Wongsuphasawat K, and Winther K (2015). The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity, https://www.dovepress.com/the-effectiveness-of-a-standardized-rose-hip-powder-containing-seeds-a-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIA