Best Oils for a Massage - Sharon L Edwards

When you give yourself or someone else a massage, it can be helpful to known the pros and cons of the different oils that are available. Some can make skin feel greasy and others go rancid quickly and take on an unpleasant smell. Knowing some of the differences between the oils can help you choose the best oil for the situation. There are over 30 different types of oils that can be used for massage and personal care products. Here are descriptions of five of the best oils for a massage.

Jojoba

Jojoba oil a wax that is extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant. It doesn’t feel greasy and tends not to stain. Jojoba has been used for centuries in Native American cultures, where it is typically ground into a butter-like salve to heal and condition the skin. This property makes it is particularly good for skin that is prone to acne. Jojoba oil has a long shelf life and doesn’t go rancid easily. It is well-absorbed and doesn’t have an odor, which makes it useful for blending with essential oils. It also has emollient properties that helps hydrate skin cells and relieves dry, flaking, and itchy skin.

Almond

Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular massage oils among massage therapists. The oil is extracted from almonds and is pale yellow, and does stain. The oil is slightly oily, which allows hands to glide easily over skin. Sweet almond oil absorbs fairly quickly, but not so quickly that you need to keep reapplying it. It has a light scent and is an effective moisturizer skin and hair. People with nut allergies should not use almond oil.

Apricot Kernel

Apricot kernel oil is pressed from the kernel which is located at the core of the apricot pit. It similar in texture and color to almond oil and is generally considered more suitable for sensitive and mature skin. It’s rich in vitamin E which gives it a longer shelf life than some other oils. Like almond oil, apricot kernel oil is absorbed into the skin, and does not feel greasy. It is often used in skin care products because it is a mild, moisturizing oil, and is readily absorbed into the skin without leaving a residue behind. Apricot kernel oil is a good alternative to sweet almond oil for people with nut allergies. It also makes makes a wonderful massage oil for babies and is often considered one of the best oils for a massage available.

Fractionated Coconut

Fractionated coconut oil is a light, non-greasy, that stays liquid at all temperatures. It has a long shelf life and is usually less expensive than other oils used for massage. It washes out of clothes and sheets and tends not to stain. Fractionated coconut oil also doesn’t have a coconut scent and is stickier and has less glide than coconut oil. This makes is a good oil for targeted massage. Some high end companies refer to coconut oil that has been fractionated as MCT oil. It can also be used as a high-quality food grade oil.

Kukui Nut

The Kukui nut tree is the official tree of Hawaii and has been used by natives of the islands for hundreds of years. Kukui nut oil is light, thin, and non-greasy. It is readily absorbed into the skin, providing tissues the essential elements that it needs. Kukui nut oil is an excellent oil to add to body care products, especially creams, lotions, and massage oils. It can be used on oily or sun-damaged skin and as an oil treatment on dry hair and scalp.

Did this help you? If so, I’d greatly appreciate it if you commented and/or share it on social media.

Email: sharonledwards@hotmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonledwardsbiz/