Massage for healing or relaxation is gradually gaining popularity to help you relieve all stress and fatigue in daily life. Don’t forget to consult with therapists to choose the most suitable massage oil for you!
Massage oil serves many functions. It reduces friction as the hands glide over the skin for a smoother massage. Moreover, the oil also provides nutrients to the skin. However, choosing the most suitable massage oil for you is not easy. Please refer to the 5 oils that massage therapists often recommend.
- Fractionated Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many uses but the texture is thick and difficult to absorb. Fractionated coconut oil is usually not greasy, liquid, more suitable for use when massage. Fractionated coconut oil is stickier and less slippery than coconut oil, so it is suitable for short massage strokes and is often used when you want to focus on relaxing a certain area of skin.
Fractionated coconut oil has a long shelf life, is usually cheaper, and doesn’t stick to pillows as well as other oils. Fractionated coconut oil also does not have a strong scent like regular coconut oil.
2. Almond oil
Almond oil is one of the most popular massage oils trusted by massage therapists. The oil is extracted from almonds and is light yellow in color. The oil is quite slippery so it will be easier for your hands to glide over the skin.
Almond oil absorbs fairly quickly but you still don’t have to reapply the oil as often. Compared to other oils, almond oil is reasonably priced and generally does not cause skin irritation. But be aware that almond oil is quite easy to spread on towels.
3. Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil is similar in texture and color to almond oil but a bit more expensive. Oils that are high in vitamin E should have a longer shelf life than conventional oils.
Apricot kernel oil is also easily absorbed into the skin like almond oil so your skin will not be greasy. This also means that apricot kernel oil is well suited as a base oil in aromatherapy.
4. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant. The oil does not feel greasy and is less sticky than other oils. Jojoba oil is odorless and generally does not irritate the skin. The oil is so easily absorbed that it can be used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy.
Jojoba can be kept for a long time and is not easily damaged, so it will be the first choice if you do not use massage oil regularly. In addition, jojoba is considered a good choice for most people who are prone to back acne due to the antibacterial properties of this oil.
Be aware that jojoba oil absorbs very quickly so you may have to reapply it often or combine it with other oils. In addition, this oil is also more expensive than other massage oils.
5. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a thin, non-sticky oil that won’t leave your skin greasy. The oil is extracted from sunflower seeds and is rich in healthy skin nutrients such as linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid
Sunflower oil is perishable, so buy it in small quantities and store it in a cool and dark place. Cut a capsule or two of pure vitamin E into the bottle to help extend its shelf life.
Talk to your massage therapist about the different oil options available. The oils in this article are a great place to start the conversation. These natural oils not only feel great but also provide healthy nourishment to keep you skin glowing, soft and beautiful.
