Massage oil can either make or break an experience of massage. If ever you find yourself in that position where you just could not understand why the massage feels so divine, well, it’s just an absolutely luscious combination, complete with technique and oil. A good massage oil keeps you relaxed; it nourishes your skin, too, and can even relieve muscle tension. But with so many options out there, how would you go about choosing just the right one? Fear not, for I’m here to help. I’ll take you through some of the best massage oils out there, explain why they are so great to you, and guide you on how you can choose whichever suits your needs best, whether it is for relaxation after a grueling day at work or to soothe those sore muscles—the right oil does the trick.
Sweet almond oil works for so many because, well, most fundamentally, it is light and has a mild fragrance. It skims along the skin without feeling heavy, and that is my favorite thing about sweet almond oil. I enjoy it because it leaves the skin very soft without leaving those sticky streaks behind. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins A and E, which nourish the skin.
This oil works great for sensitive skin. It is very light and does not clog the pores, meaning that those prone to breakouts can still use this with no issue. The light, nutty scent brings a sense of calmness with it, perfect for any massage treatment. Massaging or getting massaged with sweet almond oil will be a good all-around choice.
But of all the natural oils in the world, coconut oil is something of a superhero. Rich and hydrating, it smells much like a tropical vacation. If you’re battling dry skin or simply want a longer-lasting massage, coconut oil may be your best bet. It is thicker than some other oils and can afford a deeper, more satisfying massage.
However, it is usually quite greasy, so just a little goes a long way. Out of concern for messiness, one may prefer the use of fractionated coconut oil. This one is liquid at room temperature and less messy, although great in its moisturizing effects. That being said, always heat this particular oil up a bit between your hands before applying it to the skin for the ultimate experience.
Jojoba oil is unique because of how closely it resembles natural skin oils. It absorbs pretty well without any greasy residue. I think jojoba oil works during massages, especially those with deeper pressure, since, like deep tissue massage, it will not leave a slippery residue. It is also non-comedogenic; that is, it won’t cause clogged pores.
But the real kicker with this particular oil is that, by nature, it’s an anti-inflammatory. So, if you have rubbed-up or acne-prone skin, jojoba will be able to calm it down. What’s more, this oil has a very long shelf life, which is great for keeping in stock. The greatest bonus of that being that it doesn’t really have a strong scent, so you can add essential oils if you like the scent of other things.
Except that if one has very sensitive skin or allergies, then grapeseed oil may be what is needed. It is one of the lightest of oils and hypoallergic, meaning that just about anyone can use it. I like how grapeseed oil spreads on the skin so the massage strokes can be smooth and gentle.
Linoleic acid in this oil will help to keep the skin soft and supple. This oil is also fragrance-free, so it’s perfect for those not fond of strong smells. Plus, it won’t leave a heavy residue, meaning you can continue your day without feeling greasy.
Olive oil is not only great for cooking, but it also works as a very good massage oil, especially if one looks for a heavier one. It is thick and rich, hence suitable for deep tissue manipulations that are targeted at releasing muscle tension. If one has had a long, hard day, a massage involving olive oil will work magic with those sore muscles.
On the other hand, olive oil is quite heavy with a strong smell. I recommend using it frugally and even mixing it with a light oil like sweet almond or grapeseed oil. You know, so you do benefit from it, but you are not really greasy all over. It’s natural and inexpensive; many already have it in their kitchen.
Argan oil is for pampering yourself or that special someone. Referred to as the “liquid gold” for nutritional purposes, it is packed full of vitamins A and E, antioxidants, and omega-6 fatty acids. Argan oil is perfect not only in massages but an excellent skin moisturizer.
What I like most about this oil is that it tends not to be too heavy or too light; instead, it’s just perfect for a smooth glide during massage. It has a mild nutty fragrance, which is nice but never overpowering. If you’re in the mood to nourish yourself with something special, look to argan oil.
Sunflower oil may not be the first to spring to mind when considering massage, but presentations of this oil are a hidden treasure in their own right. Light, inexpensive, and full of vitamins A, D, and E, this oil absorbs readily into skin without leaving a film buildup, which is working quite well for those who like to be touched lightly. Although it has a neutral smell, too, this won’t interfere with any essential oils one may want to add. Sunflower oil is highly effective for full-body massages or for those who look for the benefits of an oil massage without its heaviness. It is a practical and economic option, with no skimping on quality.
Apricot kernel oil acts delicately and nourishes sensitive, fragile skin. Light, it absorbs well, and it is full of vitamins A and E. I find apricot kernel oil very soothing, especially for skin that gets irritated easily.
It has a slightly sweet, not overpowering smell that can be very calming during a massage. Its light feeling means you can use it for a full-body massage and not feel greasy afterward. A little more of a specialty oil, but definitely worth trying if your skin needs some extra TLC.
Avocado oil is thick, rich, and very nourishing. It’s packed with vitamins and fatty acids that really moisturize the skin. If your skin is very dry or if you need a more intense massage, I recommend avocado oil. It’s heavier compared to oils such as sweet almond or grapeseed, so it is great for shorter, focused massages across specific areas.
It does have a bit of a strong smell to it and can be quite thick, so you’d want to mix it with a lighter oil. For something that would really make your skin be nourished during a massage, though, avocado oil can be one of the best choices.
The right massage oil can make a world of difference in your massage experience. Whether you are looking for something light and gentle, like grapeseed oil, or rich and nourishing, such as avocado oil, there’s an option out there for you. It all just goes back to skin type, the type of massage one aims for, and personal preference.
Together with the right oil, one can create what would have otherwise been just a common massage into a truly pampering and luxurious experience and leave skin soft and rejuvenated.
