Which Oil Is Best For Massage

Although most oils used in massages contain some benefits similar to each other with their relaxing and nourishing properties, they may vary in certain terms such as their intensity, absorption rates, the skin types they are suitable for and massages they are compatible with.

Be it for deep relaxation, a detoxifying rejuvenation or an extra boost of energy to alleviate the stress of everyday life, a massage therapy accompanied by healing massage oils can substantially satisfy your needs. But there are just so many massage oil options offered by Spas that sometimes we get confused as to which one to choose. 

In this article, we will get into the Spa’s most preferred massage oils, the esteemed “partners” of therapists, for a massage that’s holistically effective and meets your needs, as well as their benefits.  

Why Is Oil Applied For Massage?

Apart from oil-free therapies like a Thai massage, massage oils are practicable ingredient in most massages. This is mainly because they smooth the surface of your skin and prevent your therapist's hands, fingers and elbows, as the case may be, from creating frictional pressure on your skin, allowing the technics of your massage to slide and glide on your skin and be applied more fluidly.

What Does Massage Oil Do?

In addition to easing the application of massage, the common benefits of massage oils can be listed as follows:

Enhances the benefits of aromatherapy oils: Massage oils provide a ‘base’ for soothing, energizing and restorative essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, orange and rose oils, facilitating their absorption into your skin. They dilute essential oils at rates, taking also into account your skin sensitivity and olfactive susceptibility, thus preventing potential skin irritation risks and allowing you to enjoy your therapy rather smoothly and efficiently. 

Relieves your pain and tension: Oils not only provide a gliding support to massages but warm up quickly, making it easier for your practitioner to reach the dermis and muscle tissue. This speeds up the restoration of your blood flow and lymphatic circulation which will enable the tensions in your body more smoothly stretch and soften.

Protects and nourishes your skin: Experiencing your massage with oils gives your skin long-lasting moisture and softness. Oils protect your skin's lipid barrier, allowing it to retain more moisture. Plus, most natural oils are non-comedogenic; they won't clog your pores and cause irritation and breakouts. And the likelihood of treating your skin problems such as sunspots, aging effects and cellulite is relatively high compared to oil-free massages.

Strengthens your positive feelings: Whether used with aromatherapy essential oils or alone due to your special state like pregnancy, massage oils invite you to stay in the moment, calm your senses, and help you de-stress, increase your mindfulness and awaken your sense of self-love, thanks to their therapeutic ingredients and, if any, healing scents and the accompanying flowing touches.

The Most Preferred Massage Oils

Jojoba Oil: More of a wax than an oil, this product is ideal for very sensitive skin thanks to its similarity to your skin's natural sebum structure. It has a light, fast-absorbing and non-staining texture and is odorless. It contains vitamins A, D, E and B-complex, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, zinc, copper, silicon minerals and antioxidants, making it a valuable strengthener and repairer for your skin barrier. It’s a good carrier for essential oils; however, since it’s absorbed rather quickly, addition of a higher ratio of it into the mixture and repeated applications may be necessary. 

Massages it’s compatible with: Aromatherapy massage, facial massage, back massage.

Sweet Almond Oil: Rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, vitamin E, minerals such as potassium and zinc as well as other anti-inflammatory and antifungal ingredients, almond oil matches and is beneficial for all skin types, including problematic skins like psoriasis and eczema. It has a sweet and non-irritating scent, a slightly oily and shimmering consistency that takes a relatively long time to absorb. Being one of the most popular massage oils, this carrier oil can be easily blended with any essential oil. It may also be applied alone if that’s your preference. Those allergic to nut-related products are advised to take a patch test in advance.

Massages it’s compatible with: Full body massage, aromatherapy massage.

Grapeseed Oil: Applicable alone or with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, grapeseed oil moisturizes your skin without disturbing your senses with its non-comedogenic, light, silky and odorless texture. Can be used on all skin types. Due to its high linoleic acid and vitamin E content, it helps to deeply nourish your skin and supports cell renewal. Easy to absorb and facilitates the benefits of essential oils to penetrate the skin. 

Massages it’s compatible with: Deep tissue massage, sports massage, prenatal massage (with doctor's pre-approval)

Sesame Oil: Sesame oil, one of the most widely used therapeutic oils in Ayurvedic medicine, has a warming effect on your body and balances your Vata dosha. Thanks to its natural antioxidants, vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acid content, it nourishes, protects from UV rays and detoxifies your skin down to the deeper layers. More suitable for dry and blemish-prone skin. Though, its pungent aroma may not appeal to sensitive noses. The consistency is thick and oily and is not absorbed that quickly. It may also be allergenic, so it's worth taking a patch test before use.

Massages it’s compatible with: Swedish massage, Ayurvedic massages such as Abhyanga oil massage

Avocado Oil: With various precious ingredients such as vitamins A, C and D, beta carotene, lecithin, potassium and chlorophyll, avocado oil makes it easier for your skin to combat with free radicals as well as it fights toxins and bacteria. It is therefore ideal for very dry skin and signs of ageing. Despite being easy to absorb, it has a dense consistency and thus may be often mixed with lighter fixed oils. Not recommended if you are allergic to natural latex, which it contains. 

Massages it’s compatible with: Geriatric massage, therapeutic massages

Argan Oil: Extracted from argan trees native to Morocco and had been used as a royal treatment ages ago, argan oil is one of the hit massage oils in Spas today. Fueled with vitamin E, carotenes and unsaturated fatty acids, it has moisturizing, subdermal tissue repairing and muscle relaxing properties. Quickly absorbed, it has a light and shiny texture and a subtle, sweet floral scent. 

Massages it’s compatible with: Deep tissue massage, scalp massage

Shea Butter: This product, native to Africa, looks like a white, solid oil and becomes transparent when applied to the skin. It’s odorless and has a dense consistency and is not absorbed immediately. It’s filled with fatty acids, vitamins A, E and F which maintain the natural oil level in your skin, and triglycerides; hence, a successful antioxidant and moisturizer. Particularly good for dry and normal to dry skin. Might be allergenic as it contains natural latex. 

Massages it’s compatible with: Hand and foot massages, Swedish massage

Other than these oils, you can also benefit from thick and hard to absorb oils like olive oil for lighter massages such as Swedish massage, and easy to absorb oils such as coconut oil for short stroke massages.

You may also come across aromatherapy massage oils, which are a blend of base oils and essential oils, or you can DIY them to continue your selfcare at home. For example, if you want a full body aromatherapy massage that relaxes the mind and spirit as well as the body, you can choose an aromatherapy massage oil made of lavender, rose and vetiver oils mixed with sweet almond oil. Or for a sports or myofascial release massage for your aching muscles, you can select an aromatherapy massage oil made from a blend of cardamom, lavender rosemary oils diluted with jojoba oil to provide effective relaxation for both your muscles and your mind.

In this article, we have compiled the most preferred massage oils, to guide you in your choices. We must however note that the process of determining the best oil for you is closely linked to which massage therapy you experience, your skin type and what your needs are, at the time. And it’s essential that you first take into consideration your special conditions such as allergies, consult with your doctor if necessary, and be clear about your needs with your therapist to make sure that the right massage oils are used in your massage.

May the healing effects of massage therapy accompany you...