The best body massage oils and how to use each one
There are many oils and lotions for massage therapy, but certainly, not everyone can use them. Usually, everyone is looking for vegetable oils, low-fat and completely natural, and knowing some of the differences between them can help you choose the best Massage oils to help. Here are five oils that massage therapists often recommend.
Oils used by massage therapists:
Coconut oil
Contrary to some people’s belief that coconut oil is a solid and heavy oil, it should be said that coconut oil is very light, low-fat, and liquid, which is very suitable for massage. In addition, coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (removed in long-chain triglycerides). As a result, isolated coconut oil is more concentrated than regular coconut oil, is more suitable for short-term massages, and is often used to relieve muscle tension.
Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, so it promotes skin health and reduces wrinkles, and is quickly absorbed by the skin, but does not lubricate the skin and its effects last a long time, and this oil has moisturizing properties. In addition, it helps the body and reduces dry skin.
Coconut oil has a long shelf life and is cheaper than other oils. Unlike many massage oils, coconut oil is easy to wash off, and in addition, coconut oil does not have the scent of regular coconut oil. It is recommended that people who are allergic to coconut and its oil do not use this oil for massage.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is an oil derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, and unlike other oils, it is not greasy, and the use of jojoba oil is very suitable for people with acne due to its antibacterial properties; it is a good protector to prevent pimples and acne.
Jojoba oil has a long shelf life and does not spoil very quickly, so if you do not need a regular massage, it is better to use this oil. Jojoba oil is highly absorbed and very useful in aromatherapy because it combines easily with other herbs and essential oils and does not irritate the skin. In addition, jojoba oil does not have an irritating odor and does not cause skin allergies.
Jojoba oil has healing properties and treats eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and acute dermatitis. In addition, if you combine jojoba oil with pomegranate seed oil, it acts as a natural sunscreen and protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and the danger of the sun.
tip:
Jojoba oil is absorbed quickly, so you may have to use it again or mix it with another oil and note that jojoba oil is more expensive than other massage oils.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is a light oil that does not lubricate the skin after use. Sunflower oil is made from sunflower seeds. This oil contains linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid), palmitic acid, and stearic acid, all essential for skin health. The amount of linoleic acid in the skin decreases with age and age using strong and clean soaps. Strong agents can greatly reduce the amount of this acid in the skin. Sunflower oil has a short shelf life and spoils very quickly, so it is best to avoid buying it in large packages, and this oil should be stored in a cool place. Adding 1-2 capsules of vitamin E to sunflower oil increases its shelf life, and people who are allergic to sunflower should not consume its oil.
Almond oil for massage for children and adults
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular oils for massage and is made from yellow almonds. This oil is relatively light and allows the therapist to massage more easily. Sweet almond oil is absorbed quickly but not so quickly that it needs to be reused.
You can also use this oil to massage your baby’s body. Sweet almond oil has anti-inflammatory properties, improves itching and skin rashes caused by dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, acts as a natural sunscreen, and reduces the risk of sunburn. In addition, this oil has natural analgesic properties and causes the muscles to relax and reduce their pain. For faster treatment of pain, it is better to combine sweet almond oil with lavender or rose and massage the body with it, and compared to other oils; Sweet almond oil is affordable and usually does not irritate the skin. People who are allergic to almonds should avoid using them.
Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil is similar in color and texture to almond oil but slightly more expensive. Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamin E and therefore has a high shelf life compared to other oils and is later spoiled. Apricot kernel oil is quickly absorbed by almond oil, so you do not feel fat after use, and this feature has led to its use in massage therapy.
Apricot kernel oil has strong antimicrobial properties and prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria on the skin. Apricot kernel oil contains vitamin E, linoleic acid, and many phenolic compounds that help skin health and reduce inflammation. Body massage with bitter apricot kernel oil is used to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis. Bitter apricot kernel oil hydrates the skin and prevents it from drying out, and people who are allergic to this oil can use sweet almond oil.
Argan oil
Pure argan oil is one of the best oils for body massage. Massage the skin with argan oil increases its elasticity, eliminates wrinkles, and helps rejuvenate the skin because this oil keeps the skin moist and prevents dry skin, and massages the body with Argan oil reduces muscle pain and swelling, so to use the properties of this oil, after a hot bath, massage the skin with argan oil to soften it.
Pomegranate seed oil
Pomegranate seed oil is one of the best options for body massage that has a pleasant smell. This light oil is very easily absorbed by the skin and does not cause oily skin. In addition, the pomegranate seed oil is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, anti-inflammatory properties, and helps rejuvenate the skin.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil is derived from its fruit and is a heavy green oil usually mixed with other massage oils such as sweet almond oil. Avocado oil is about twice as expensive as sweet almond oil. In addition, people who are allergic to plant sap may also be allergic to avocado oil.
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is mineral oil with a distinctive aroma. Cocoa butter is solid at room temperature, and because it is high in fat, it is usually mixed with other oils for use and massage and used for small parts of the body.
Grapeseed Oil
In some ways, grapeseed oil is great to massage oil. This oil is odorless and has a soft texture. However, some researchers have also stated that grape seed oil is one of the worst oils for massage.
Moluccana Aleurites
Aleurites moluccana oil is a light oil that is absorbed quickly. This oil is native to Hawaii and is suitable for all skin types, from oily skin to damaged skin and sunburn.
Sesame Oil
In Ayurveda (traditional and indigenous medicine of India), the sesame plant nourishes, detoxifies, and treats chronic diseases related to anxiety, poor circulatory system, constipation, bloating, and excessive skin dryness. Sesame oil is usually used for daily massage. Sesame oil is rich in trans fats, and because it is not absorbed quickly, it is mixed with oils that have less trans fats during the massage. The unrefined type of sesame oil has a very pungent odor.
Massaging the body with sesame oil helps reduce joint pain and inflammation, protects the skin from UV damage due to sunlight, and reduces the risk of sunburn.
olive oil
Most people are familiar with olive oil as a cooking oil but do not know that olive oil is also used for massage therapy. Olive oil has a high concentration and fat and is usually used in cooking due to its different aroma. A comparative study on topical olive oil and sunflower oil showed that olive oil does not affect skin barrier function. In contrast, sunflower oil significantly improves the skin barrier, thus becoming an effective moisturizer.
Olive oil has strong moisturizing properties.
Treats dry skin
Use this oil to reduce pain caused by spasms and muscle cramps, to treat sprains, swelling, and muscle pain. In addition, olive oil improves blood circulation in the body, increases energy, and improves oxygen delivery.
Vitellaria
Vitellaria is made from the seeds of a native African tree and is solid at room temperature. It is relatively heavy like cocoa butter, and because it has little absorption, its use makes the skin oily, so it is not recommended only for massage. However, it is usually mixed with other massage oils for small body areas, and if you think you are allergic to vegetable water, it is better to try it before using it.
Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil is very concentrated for massage, but it can be mixed with lighter oils, and this oil is rich in vitamin E.
Massage gels, creams, and lotions
Massage treatment centers often use creams, gels, and lotions to process and produce massages instead of the recommended oils.
What to do before and after body massage with oil?
Before massaging the body, you should take a shower to clean the skin from impurities, soothe the skin and reduce muscle pain.
After the massage, if you do not like your body to be oily, you can take a hot shower to cleanse your body, but note that the water that you wash with oil should not be too hot because it causes headaches.
Other points:
If you go to a massage therapy center, make sure you are not allergic to the oils and ingredients used in creams and gels.
Be sure to see your doctor if your body reacts to massage oil or other substances after the massage.
Before the massage, ask the massager for the name of the oil used.
