When giving a massage, it’s important to use the right type of massage oil and the reason why is simple. Use poor quality oil and you won’t get the results you want, it might not spread very well on the skin (which hinders massage penetration) and it may even dry the skin out. Choose an oil which isn’t pleasantly scented and neither you, nor the recipient of your massage will enjoy it and nor will they receive any therapeutic benefits. You need to consider lots of different elements of your oil.
What should you ask about your massage oil?
- What the viscosity is like, this means how well does it spread over skin. You don’t want massage oil that spreads itself very quickly, as it will run all over the body making it feel very oily. You need something that moves slowly, as you rub it in using your hands, fingers and arms. Heavier oils (for example, olive) are best for Swedish massage whereas for deep tissue sports massage, you need a lighter oil to really penetrate the muscles, something like grapeseed.
- Question how moisturising it is. Never choose oil that is drying, for example, hemp oil. Choose something that is good for moisturising, such as avocado, calendula or apricot kernel.
- Consider if your recipient has a nut allergy – if so, you must avoid any nut-based oils (for example, sweet almond oil which is a popular massage oil)
- Think about skin type, if you have a greasy skin or your recipient has an oily skin; choose cocoa butter, evening primrose, sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil. All of these are good moisturisers and don’t leave a greasy residue. For sensitive skin, use calendula, avocado oil or sweet almond.
- What do you want to achieve? If you want to promote relaxation, then you need a calming massage oil, something like lavender, Ylang Ylang or tangerine
If you want something that is rejuvenating, peppermint or spearmint or citrusy lemon are excellent oils to awaken the senses
For anxiety, choose Vetiver, Chamomile or Frankincense, these oils have soothing properties, known to quieten a busy mind.
You can of course, make your own in the comfort of your home and that way; you know exactly what ingredients you’re using. If you read this article here, you’ll find a good recipe for homemade massage oil that can be used on any skin type.
Where can I find the best massage oils?
Of course, if you prefer to purchase your massage oils, a good quality essential oil boutique will stock a variety but you can also buy them online. Amazon is one of the biggest market places for everything and you can find a huge treasure trove of essential oils. Naissance is one of the most popular manufacturers of massage oils sold on Amazon with hundreds of positive reviews and a number of different types to choose from (Argan, JoJoba, Patchouli – an anti-depressent, Orange – a relaxing sedative and many more). Their oils are 100% pure so you know there aren’t any nasty chemicals involved in their preparation process. The 250 ml bottles last a while and they’re inexpensive, approximately $10 a bottle.
The Body Shop online is another great place to purchase massage oils. Known for its environmentally friendly values and zero animal testing, most ingredients in their products are completely chemical free, using gentle preservatives. The same applies to their massage oil products, although they are more expensive (around $20 a bottle) and the quantities are smaller (170ml). Choose from French Lavender, Lemongrass (anti-inflammatory and mood balancing), Coconut (boosts energy levels), Tahitian Orchid (for sensual massage) and more. All are reviewed by their customers, who rate them very highly for their soothing, relaxing and aromatherapy benefits.
Holland and Barret is a well-known health food chain based in the UK, renowned for their supplements, vitamins, minerals and aromatherapy products. They are also stockists of natural massage oils which are made under their own label and retail at approximately $15. However, you do get more oil for your money than The Body Shop, each bottle provides 200ml. Choose from Jojoba (good for skincare), Vitamin E, Miaflora (moisturising), Argan (hydrating and softening), Calendula and Coconut.
On a final note, always use the right oil for the type of massage you want to give. Think about the person’s skin type, what they want to achieve and any allergies. Always buy from a reputable retailer. Aromatherapy massage oils should be 100% pure and where possible, organic is best.
