How to Prepare Carrot Oil for Skin, Hair, and Overall Health
Being rich in vitamin E and beta-carotene, carrots are some of the best sources of nutrients for the skin. These active nutrients help your skin heal quicker, so they are incredibly useful for any wound or lesion. They also improve the appearance of dry skin and reduce the discomfort created by it. At the same time, they slow down the aging process, preventing the apparition of wrinkles.
It is recommended to consume carrots on a daily basis if possible, even if in small quantities. However, for external use, it is much easier to go for carrot oil. This oil can be successfully used for making your skin glow, and for strengthening your hair.
There are two methods for preparing carrot oil at home, through boiling or cold maceration. You can use the way you consider the fastest or the most efficient for you, but you will benefit from carrot oil’s proprieties no matter the chosen method.
Contents
Boiling Method
- 8 organic carrots
- ½ cup of virgin olive oil or grape oil
Use a juicer in order to obtain the carrot juice or, if you don’t have one, grate the carrots with a hand grater and then put them in a piece of cheesecloth fabric and squeeze until you have around 240 ml of juice.
Pour the carrot juice in a small pan and then put it on the stove. Let the juice boil for about 10-12 minutes, until you have only 2-3 tablespoons of carrot juice in the pan.
Use a piece of cheesecloth fabric for filtering the juice and then gradually add the olive or grape oil, while you keep steering.
You can use it as it is now for skin and hair treatments, or you can add a little salt and red pepper and use it as a healthy, delicious dressing for your salad.
Cold Maceration Method
- 2 big organic carrots
- Olive, coconut or almond oil
Wash the carrots thoroughly and then grate them using a hand grater or food processor, but without peeling their skin. Put the grated carrots in a clean glass jar and pour the oil over them. Put the lid on and let the jar in a warm place for two weeks.
During this period, the carrots will macerate, and the vitamins that are fat-soluble will dissolve in the oil. Make sure you shake the jar daily.
After two weeks, filter the oil using a cheesecloth fabric and pour the oil into a clean jar. Make sure the lid is tightly closed and store the jar in a cool dark place.
Tip: As carrots contain a high amount of water, when preparing the oil this way there is a high risk of mold. The carrot oil which contains mold loses its antiseptic proprieties and its other benefits, and it may become dangerous for your health. To avoid this, pay attention when pouring the oil over the grated carrots. Make sure that there is no air bubble in the jar. If you notice any bubble, open the jar and remove it, and then pour again the oil.
