Antioxidants fight free radicals, which are electrons that have broken off from an atom. Free radicals have been linked to a wide range of health conditions, from cancer to premature aging.

Vitamin E oil is derived from vitamin E and can be applied directly to the skin, or added to lotions, creams, and gels. It is available for purchase in many health food stores and online. Many supporters of vitamin E oil argue that it is a potent antioxidant, but research on its benefits is mixed.

How to mix carrier oil with essential oils

Whenever possible, purchase organic, cold-pressed carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Although most carrier oils don’t cause an allergic reaction, you should always do a patch test prior to using.

To perform a patch test:

1. Add a small amount of carrier oil to the inside of your wrist or just below your ear.
2. Cover the oil with a bandage.
3. Check back on the area after 24 hours.
4. If irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, and avoid future use.

If you’re allergic to tree nuts, you shouldn’t use oils derived from tree nuts. This includes sweet almond oil, argan oil, and apricot kernel oil.

When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it’s important to follow these dilution guidelines.

For adults:

• 2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 3 percent dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 5 percent dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 10 percent dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

For children:

• .5 to 1 percent dilution: 3 to 6 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

Always store carrier oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. You should also keep them in a dark glass bottle.