Oils for massage come in different textures, scents and with varying benefits. Before choosing an oil, ensure you know the perks of using such oil for a massage session.
There are many reasons why your body will experience stress. A long and stressful day at the office, a busy day spent running after energetic children, long hours spent typing at your work desk or a build-up of toxins in the body.
Our 10 Oils for Massage Therapy
When stress adds up, your body wears down and sends signals by displaying fine lines, wrinkles, and ugly unexpected spots. Thankfully, massage oils can do the magic and come to your rescue. Not only is a massage therapeutic, but it also gives you a ton of health benefits. In this article, we have listed our top 10 oils for massage therapy.
1. Olive Oil
As a full body massage oil, olive oil is ideal for light massage as it gets absorbed slowly into the skin. Olive oil also locks in moisture and relaxes your muscles.
Benefits:
- Olive oil boosts blood circulation and flushes out toxins, bringing a natural glow to your skin.
- Olive oil eases pain, muscle spasms, and any pain or inflammation.
- It protects your skin from oxidative stress when massaged regularly.
- Due to its rich nutritious and mineral content, olive oil boosts your metabolism and energy levels.
2. Coconut Oil
This oil is ideal for short stroke massages and thanks to its properties, it does not turn rancid when it sits on your skin. Coconut oil is also an excellent carrier oil that can be combined with other essential oils.
Benefits:
- Locks in moisture and keeps your skin hydrated.
- Absorption rate is high and is non-greasy.
- Reduces aging, fine lines and wrinkles.
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E which is greatly beneficial for skin health.
3. Almond Oil
If you have a sensitive skin, almond oil is suitable for your skin. Almond oil is a massage oil that also acts as a pain relief oil and it is neither heavy nor too light.
Benefits:
- Soothes the skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing oil.
- Offers protection from UV rays and provides skin-beneficial minerals and nutrients, thus eliminating tan.
- Almond oil relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and soreness too.
4. Grape Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is has no odour and has a relaxing effect on the skin. It makes the skin glow and is perfect for various kinds of massages and even has antimicrobial benefits.
Benefits:
- Grape seed oil has anti-inflammatory effects thanks to a compound known as ‘resveratrol’.
- It has ample amounts of Vitamin E, linoleic acid, and phenolic compounds.
- Grape seed oil is also an excellent carrier oil and pairs perfectly with herbs.
5. Sunflower Oil
This oil is no stranger in the kitchen and to food connoisseurs. Sunflower oil is also excellent for therapeutic massages. However, because it turns rancid fairly quickly, you should buy it in small quantities. You can extend its shelf life by adding in one or two Vitamin E capsules to it.
Benefits:
- Shields the skin and keeps it protected through its rapid barrier regenerative properties.
- It has anti-aging properties, prevents fine lines and wrinkles, and moisturizes the skin.
- Sunflower oil flushes out toxins from the skin and keeps it young by supplying it with high doses of linoleic and oleic acids.
6. Argan Oil
Perfect for those with dry skin, argan oil helps to keep the skin wet and moisturized for long. It is a great option for massages and spas as a non-greasy oil and beneficial for therapeutic massages.
Benefits
- It softens the skin and boosts skin elasticity.
- Great hydrating properties and locks in moisture.
- Loosens up the muscles, relieves soreness, and gets rid of muscle aches and joint pains.
7. Jojoba Oil
Although quite pricy, jojoba oil is absorbed quickly and does not cause skin irritation. It is also an amazing carrier oil and has a long shelf life.
Benefits:
- Helpful in the treatment of acne.
- Jojoba oil is an amazing carrier oil.
- Has no odour to it.
- Its long shelf life and antibacterial properties are beneficial for long-term skin health.
- It’s not prone to getting rancid quickly, is non-greasy, and doesn’t stain the sheets.
8. Peanut Oil
It may come as a surprise but peanut oil is also a great choice of massage oil. However, the only downside is that some people are known to be allergic towards it. This is why it’s crucial to do an allergen test before using the oil for massage therapy. In addition, it helps to soothe muscle spasms and joint aches which are hugely beneficial.
Benefits
- It hydrates the skin.
- Boosts metabolism.
- Relieves joint pain.
Visit us today at 16 Ibrahim Jalo Waziri Street, Zone E Apo, Abuja to get started or book a massage session here.
