So many massage oils and lotions to choose from! How do you know which one’s right for you – massage therapists have to deal with this question any time they go browsing. Some products leave the skin overly greasy while others don’t last long in the cupboard and/or can take on unpleasant smells. Here are the 5 best massage oils we recommend, in conjunction with what’s preferred by professional massage therapists.
1. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a wax extracted from the jojoba plant’s seed. Non-greasy and non-staining, jojoba oil is an excellent choice for individuals prone to back acne. This type of wax/oil has antibacterial properties. It carries with it a long shelf life, which is ideal if you’re not going to be pulling out massage oil very often. It’s also very absorbent, which is why it’s a favourite as a carrier oil for aromatherapy.
2. Fractionate coconut oil
Coconut oil may be heavy and solid as you would expect however fractionated coconut oil is light, non-greasy, and liquid. It’s a perfect massage oil, with a long shelf life and usually more affordable than the other options on this list. Also, fractionated coconut oil does not stain sheets, removes easy from sheets in the wash, and carries no coconut smell with it if that’s been an issue.
3. Almond oil
When it comes to massage supplies and massage oils, almond oil is one of the most popular options. Extracted from almonds, it’s slightly oily, glides easily over the skin, absorbs quickly, and is reasonably priced compared to other oils. Please note that anyone with nut allergies should not use almond oil. The oil also can build up on sheets and does tend to stain.
4.Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is non-greasy and won’t leave the skin feeling oily. Extracted from – you guessed it – sunflower seeds, it’s rich in linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. These all help to restore skin to a healthy state. Unfortunately, sunflower oil can go bad quicker than some other oils. Therefore, always purchase in small quantities, store in a cool area, and use often.
5. Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil is similar to almond oil however costs a little more. Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamin E which means it lasts longer. It’s also a great carrier oil for an aromatherapy massage, ideal as an alternative to almond oil for anyone suffering from nut allergies. Some other massage oils that some people use include avocado oil, cocoa butter, grapeseed oil, kukui nut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, shea butter, wheat germ oil, and more. Buy all your massage oils and massage clinical supplies online from Canada’s Lierre.ca.