Carrot Seed Oil

I’m really big on natural and organic products when it comes to skincare, and recently I’ve been trying to make my own creams and oils which I have found to be the best for my skin.

After a bit of research, Carrot Seed Oil has found itself on my ‘must use’ list as a winner in terms of a beauty super ingredient. Teeming with skin goodies like carotene and Vitamin A, as well as sun-protection properties it’s no surprise that Carrot Seed Oil is widely used in the beauty industry.

Also known as ‘Wild Carrot’ and ‘Queen Anne’s lace’, carrot seed oil is extracted from the seeds (not to be confused with a macerated oil made when people infuse the carrot material in a base oil). This beauty superhero has a sweet and pungent scent with fresh and herbaceous top notes but earthy, dry woody undertones, and has a golden amber appearance.

Health and beauty benefits:

– carrot seed oil contains carotene and vitamin A, so is great  for healthy skin, hair, gums and teeth
– relieves stress and exhaustion
– powerful detoxifier
– has high activity antioxidant properties
– the oil’s formative action on the epidermal cells helps to keep wrinkles at bay and is also helpful when fighting liver spots (age spots)
– assists in removing toxin and water build up in the skin giving it a fresher more firmer appearance
– helps in the treatment of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles
– aids dry skin and revitalises the basal layer of the skin
–  assists in circulation and aids muscular tension
–  useful for the treatment of hypertension and neurasthenia
– helps the pituitary gland to regulate the production of thyroxine and the release of ova (it is also said to ease PMT)
– has  a powerful tonic action on the liver and gall-bladder, and is used in the treatment of jaundice and other liver disorders
–  also associated with good eyesight

How to use Carrot Seed Oil

Take internally

Carrot seed oil has a detoxifying effect on the liver and helps to fight jaundice, while at the same time cleaning the digestive system and the body as a whole.

It is helpful for arthritis, gout, edema, rheumatism and the accumulation of toxins in muscles and joints and also strengthens the mucus membranes in the nose, throat and lungs. It has a beneficial effect on problems such as bronchitis and influenza.

Carrot Seed relieves fluid retention and can be beneficial in cases of anorexia. It also revitalises and tones the skin, helping in cases of dermatitis, eczema and rashes.

As a vapour

Carrot seed oil can be used in vapour therapy for relieving stress, boosting the liver, the digestive and respiratory systems, as well as for muscle pains. It does not have an over-powering smell, but this earthy smell will help to “ground” a person while fighting stress and exhaustion.

Apply externally

As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, carrot seed oil can assist with muscle pains and in boosting the respiratory tract. It can be used to detoxify the body and boost the manufacture of red blood cells.

Carrot seed oil blends well with other oils including Bergamot, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Cedarwood, Geranium as well as all citrus and spicy oils.

Caution!

Carrot Seed should definitely be avoided in pregnancy.

Those suffering from epilepsy and asthma should also avoid Carrot Seed as it is very stimulating. In general epilepsy sufferers should avoid burning essential oils or working closely with them as they can trigger severe reactions.

Carrot Seed can be very useful in respiratory problems however overdosing can cause convulsions and vomiting, so use with care.

DIY Recipes for you to try

A carrot facial pack is very effective for facial skin restoration and revives the skin immediately after use. This is due to the carotene contained in carrots – carotene is a component that contributes to the colour of the carrot and once it is absorbed into our body, it turns into Vitamin A. It also functions to prevent further skin problems by forming a skin protective films to maintain balance for our skin.

Precaution: Like any skincare product, be sure to patch test the mask on yourself to ensure that negative reactions do not occur. If you ever feel any discomfort or irritation after you’ve applied the mask, wash it off immediately with warm water.

Carrot, Lemon and Olive oil Face Mask

1. Peel and steam carrots. Peel one large carrot and steam or boil until tender (when a fork can easily pierce through it, it’s ready). Mash the carrot with a fork or masher until it’s a creamy consistency.

2. Mix in honey and extra virgin olive oil. Mix in half a tablespoon of honey and half a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. If your skin is oily, you may omit the extra virgin olive oil.

3. Add a few drops of lemon juice. Your skin type will depend on the amount of lemon juice you add in (lemon juice is a natural astringent, so the oilier your skin, the more lemon you want in your mask). If you have dry skin, add about 8 drops of lemon and if you have oily skin, add up to 1 tablespoon.

4. Check consistency. The mixture shouldn’t be too clumpy or too runny. If the mix is too thick, you can add in a bit more extra virgin olive oil or water to thin it out. You can add a bit more honey to the mix to give it a thicker, paste-like texture.

5. Cool down. Let the mixture cool down so that the temperature is comfortable on your skin.

6. Mask time. Apply the carrot mask onto a clean and bare face, even your neck if you wish, but avoid the eye and mouth area. Leave it on for 10 -15 minutes and wash it off with warm water afterwards. Pat dry and follow up with your favorite moisturizer or eye cream.

Carrot and Coconut Oil Face Mask

1. Roughly chop 1 carrot (washed with top removed) into 5 or so chunks

2. Bring about 1″ of water to a boil in a sauce pan. Add carrots, reduce heat to low, cover and steam for 8-10 minutes

3. Drain water and add carrots to food processor or blender. Add 1 tbsp. coconut oil and blend until smooth, like a puree

4. Wash face with olive oil or regular cleanser

5. Apply face mask to face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Allow to set about 15-20 minutes

6. Wash face with warm water, and gently wipe off any remaining bits with a wash cloth.

8. If you need a moisturizer, apply a little coconut oil or olive oil.

Carrot and Avocado Face Mask

1. Peel two to three large carrots and slice them into small rounds. Boil the carrots in a small pot until they’re easily pierced with a fork. Drain the water away and pour the cooked carrot slices into a small bowl.

2. Mash the carrots thoroughly with a fork.

3. Mix up to 4 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil with the carrots, 1/2 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture has reached a smooth, creamy consistency. Add spoonfuls of the avocado as you go along as well. If you prefer a slightly different consistency, simply adjust the amount of oil to suit your preference.

4. Wait until the mask has cooled sufficiently to apply, and then smooth it onto your skin. Leave it in place for about 10 minutes; rinse it off with warm water and pat your skin dry.

Sources: http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/carrotoil.html and article by Kelly Campolo, President of South Beach Sun Co. The Company. Image by Torey Wahlstrom of bramble pie