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For Practitioners
There are so many massage oil products on the market today, in this article we'll take a look at various types, which ones
to choose from, and which ones to avoid like the plague.
There are two main groups of oils used: vegetable fats and oils, and mineral oils. Many massage products today contain
mineral oils. They are synthetic, and even though they have a long shelf life and provide good lubrication, they can be
very bad for the skin and body.
Mineral Oils create a thin film on the surface of the skin, which clogs the pores and stops the skin from breathing. Also,
they do not contain any vitamins and disrupt the body's natural ability to absorb fat soluble vitamins. Even though mineral
oils appear to moisturize the skin, in reality they are preventing normal, healthy functioning. The skin becomes dependant
on these mineral oils and with long-term use this results in a deterioration of the skin's ability to stay healthy.
Vegetable fats and oils on the other hand are easily absorbed by the skin and give vital energy to the body. They are used
to create new cells. Most vegetable oils contain vitamins which are necessary for healthy skin. They also soften the skin
and help it to retain moisture. Certain vegetable oils with a lot of Monounsaturated fatty acids like Avocado and Almond oil
provide great lubrication, keep well, and nourish the skin.
The other group of massage oils that are used are Polyunsaturated fatty acids. A lack of these essential fatty acids can
lead to rashes, eczema, and dry skin. These oils act as a vitamin for the skin.
A couple types of polyunsaturated fatty acids are Linoleic and Linolenic acid. They need to be combined with vitamin E to
stop them from going bad quickly. At body temperature they go rancid. They are thin liquids which are easily absorbed by
the skin, drier than other fatty acids and they reduce the size of skin pores. They are great for people with oily skin and
large pores. Some Vegetable oils that contain a lot of polyunsaturated acids are Sunflower Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and
Grape Seed Oil.
Oils should always be Cold Pressed to make sure that the vitamins and fatty acids are not destroyed during the
manufacturing process. Most commercial grade vegetable oils which are intended for use in cooking are obtained by
solvent extraction and then refined which destroys most of the beneficial properties in the oil.
Now we'll take a look at some of the properties of the most popular healthy oils:
Almond oil is an excellent emollient (softens and soothes the skin) and helps the skin to keep it's moisture balance. This
is one of the more popular carrier oils used in aromatherapy and massage as it's non-greasy, spreads easy and is great for
nourishing the skin.
Jojoba oil is also an excellent moisturiser and is great for all skin types. It can usually be used on blemished skin without
irritation. Jojoba penetrates the skin easily and is suitable for all skin types. Preferably, Jojoba should be blended with other
oils as on it's own it does not give enough nourishment to the skin. Also, Jojoba keeps for up to 5 years before it goes
bad.
Grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid. It is known to have regenerative and restructuring qualities as well as excellent
moisturizing properties. Grapeseed oil is non-greasy and contains vitamins, minerals, protein, Gamma Linoleic Acid, and a
small amount of vitamin E.
Apricot oil has moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties and is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate,
mature and sensitive skin. It also helps to soothe inflammation. This finely textured oil spreads easily and is particularily rich
in oileic acid and linoleic acid.
Avocado oil is often used for clients with dry or mature skin, and for people with eczema, psoriasis or similar conditions. It
is also very useful for treating skin that is damaged, dehydrated and undernourished. It is known to regenerate the skin
and soften the tissue. Although it can be used pure, it is in most cases mixed with another carrier like Almond oil or
Grapeseed. It is easily absorbed into the skin and deep tissue and excellent emollient properties.
Wheat germ oil has a high vitamin E content and lots of essential fatty acids. It is known to help promote a smoother,
younger looking skin and assists in healing scar tissues as well as stretch marks. It is too sticky to use on its own, but is
excellent when blended with lighter carriers such as almond oil. It is known to promote the formation of new cells,
improve circulation and help repair sun damage. Also it is helpful for the symptoms of dermatitis. This carrier is known to
stimulate tissue regeneration and is often added to other blends because of its antioxidant properties.
Hazelnut oil is fine in texture and has excellent moisturizing properties. Hazelnut can also help tone and tighten the skin
while strengthening capillaries and assisting in cell regeneration.
I suggest that you experiment with mixing different oils together and see how your skin responds. We all have different
types of skin and what works well for one person may not work for another.
to choose from, and which ones to avoid like the plague.
There are two main groups of oils used: vegetable fats and oils, and mineral oils. Many massage products today contain
mineral oils. They are synthetic, and even though they have a long shelf life and provide good lubrication, they can be
very bad for the skin and body.
Mineral Oils create a thin film on the surface of the skin, which clogs the pores and stops the skin from breathing. Also,
they do not contain any vitamins and disrupt the body's natural ability to absorb fat soluble vitamins. Even though mineral
oils appear to moisturize the skin, in reality they are preventing normal, healthy functioning. The skin becomes dependant
on these mineral oils and with long-term use this results in a deterioration of the skin's ability to stay healthy.
Vegetable fats and oils on the other hand are easily absorbed by the skin and give vital energy to the body. They are used
to create new cells. Most vegetable oils contain vitamins which are necessary for healthy skin. They also soften the skin
and help it to retain moisture. Certain vegetable oils with a lot of Monounsaturated fatty acids like Avocado and Almond oil
provide great lubrication, keep well, and nourish the skin.
The other group of massage oils that are used are Polyunsaturated fatty acids. A lack of these essential fatty acids can
lead to rashes, eczema, and dry skin. These oils act as a vitamin for the skin.
A couple types of polyunsaturated fatty acids are Linoleic and Linolenic acid. They need to be combined with vitamin E to
stop them from going bad quickly. At body temperature they go rancid. They are thin liquids which are easily absorbed by
the skin, drier than other fatty acids and they reduce the size of skin pores. They are great for people with oily skin and
large pores. Some Vegetable oils that contain a lot of polyunsaturated acids are Sunflower Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and
Grape Seed Oil.
Oils should always be Cold Pressed to make sure that the vitamins and fatty acids are not destroyed during the
manufacturing process. Most commercial grade vegetable oils which are intended for use in cooking are obtained by
solvent extraction and then refined which destroys most of the beneficial properties in the oil.
Now we'll take a look at some of the properties of the most popular healthy oils:
Almond oil is an excellent emollient (softens and soothes the skin) and helps the skin to keep it's moisture balance. This
is one of the more popular carrier oils used in aromatherapy and massage as it's non-greasy, spreads easy and is great for
nourishing the skin.
Jojoba oil is also an excellent moisturiser and is great for all skin types. It can usually be used on blemished skin without
irritation. Jojoba penetrates the skin easily and is suitable for all skin types. Preferably, Jojoba should be blended with other
oils as on it's own it does not give enough nourishment to the skin. Also, Jojoba keeps for up to 5 years before it goes
bad.
Grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid. It is known to have regenerative and restructuring qualities as well as excellent
moisturizing properties. Grapeseed oil is non-greasy and contains vitamins, minerals, protein, Gamma Linoleic Acid, and a
small amount of vitamin E.
Apricot oil has moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties and is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate,
mature and sensitive skin. It also helps to soothe inflammation. This finely textured oil spreads easily and is particularily rich
in oileic acid and linoleic acid.
Avocado oil is often used for clients with dry or mature skin, and for people with eczema, psoriasis or similar conditions. It
is also very useful for treating skin that is damaged, dehydrated and undernourished. It is known to regenerate the skin
and soften the tissue. Although it can be used pure, it is in most cases mixed with another carrier like Almond oil or
Grapeseed. It is easily absorbed into the skin and deep tissue and excellent emollient properties.
Wheat germ oil has a high vitamin E content and lots of essential fatty acids. It is known to help promote a smoother,
younger looking skin and assists in healing scar tissues as well as stretch marks. It is too sticky to use on its own, but is
excellent when blended with lighter carriers such as almond oil. It is known to promote the formation of new cells,
improve circulation and help repair sun damage. Also it is helpful for the symptoms of dermatitis. This carrier is known to
stimulate tissue regeneration and is often added to other blends because of its antioxidant properties.
Hazelnut oil is fine in texture and has excellent moisturizing properties. Hazelnut can also help tone and tighten the skin
while strengthening capillaries and assisting in cell regeneration.
I suggest that you experiment with mixing different oils together and see how your skin responds. We all have different
types of skin and what works well for one person may not work for another.
What You Should Know About Massage Oils
Author: JSun Storm
Finding the right massage oil is important to the end result of your massage. If you have a preference in the oils that
you use, they you may be going for the same product every time. In recent times many practitioners are moving from
modern synthetic oils back to the more traditional world of natural oils. If you haven’t given natural massage oils a try,
you may want to take the opportunity to give them a try. You may just find that they are better choices for your
clients’ bodies.
The various kinds of natural oils you can choose to use are discussed above. As you can see, there are many of them!
One good choice is that of almond oil. This type of oil is excellent for softening and even soothing skin that has been
irritated. In addition, almond oil works well for aromatherapy as well as massage. It provides a light scent that is sweet
and a bit nutty (but see caution below). It’s a wonderful choice for those looking for enhanced relaxation.
Another natural massage oil that you might consider is grapeseed. If you don’t like the greasy feel of some oils, then
grapeseed is a good way to go. It is a light oil that has a sweet smell to it. It leaves the skin with a satin sheen. Also, it
is excellent for helping to give the skin the nutrients it needs to reconstruct, regenerate, and look younger.
If you are used to choosing a massage oil that is just a standard product, you may wish to consider a natural oil. There
are many of them on the market and they are excellent, not only for helping your client’s to relax, but also for
providing a natural quality and even some health benefits to their skin.
However, if you still prefer to use a synthetic product our recommendation for the professional user is Chemodol. It is
a mild, hypoallergenic, massage oil with a high oil content and excellent absorption properties, thus permitting optimal
skin contact. Chemodol is quite suitable for every kind of skin and easily removable with water. Contact us for product
details or to order.
As massage practitioners we should all be aware of allergies, in particular, NUT allergies. For this reason nut oils should
be avoided. If you feel you must use them, you should first ascertain from your clients whether or not they suffer such
an allergy.
Another to factor to be considered when choosing your medium is that certain oils stain clothes (and your towels)
even after a boil wash. In this respect, your clients might not appreciate their clothes being spoiled, or their bodies
feeling sticky and/or greasy. This is especially the case if you are working from a single room or in premises with no
changing and/or showering facilities, and they have to return to work! In this regard we have never had any problems
laundering clothing or material accessories that have come into contact with Chemodol.
See also article on our sister site "Some Ways To Heal Yourself And Relax With Essential Oils" click here.
you use, they you may be going for the same product every time. In recent times many practitioners are moving from
modern synthetic oils back to the more traditional world of natural oils. If you haven’t given natural massage oils a try,
you may want to take the opportunity to give them a try. You may just find that they are better choices for your
clients’ bodies.
The various kinds of natural oils you can choose to use are discussed above. As you can see, there are many of them!
One good choice is that of almond oil. This type of oil is excellent for softening and even soothing skin that has been
irritated. In addition, almond oil works well for aromatherapy as well as massage. It provides a light scent that is sweet
and a bit nutty (but see caution below). It’s a wonderful choice for those looking for enhanced relaxation.
Another natural massage oil that you might consider is grapeseed. If you don’t like the greasy feel of some oils, then
grapeseed is a good way to go. It is a light oil that has a sweet smell to it. It leaves the skin with a satin sheen. Also, it
is excellent for helping to give the skin the nutrients it needs to reconstruct, regenerate, and look younger.
If you are used to choosing a massage oil that is just a standard product, you may wish to consider a natural oil. There
are many of them on the market and they are excellent, not only for helping your client’s to relax, but also for
providing a natural quality and even some health benefits to their skin.
However, if you still prefer to use a synthetic product our recommendation for the professional user is Chemodol. It is
a mild, hypoallergenic, massage oil with a high oil content and excellent absorption properties, thus permitting optimal
skin contact. Chemodol is quite suitable for every kind of skin and easily removable with water. Contact us for product
details or to order.
As massage practitioners we should all be aware of allergies, in particular, NUT allergies. For this reason nut oils should
be avoided. If you feel you must use them, you should first ascertain from your clients whether or not they suffer such
an allergy.
Another to factor to be considered when choosing your medium is that certain oils stain clothes (and your towels)
even after a boil wash. In this respect, your clients might not appreciate their clothes being spoiled, or their bodies
feeling sticky and/or greasy. This is especially the case if you are working from a single room or in premises with no
changing and/or showering facilities, and they have to return to work! In this regard we have never had any problems
laundering clothing or material accessories that have come into contact with Chemodol.
See also article on our sister site "Some Ways To Heal Yourself And Relax With Essential Oils" click here.
Choosing A Massage Oil
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