Your skin can become dry and patchy. Regular massage with massage oils rehydrate your skin and increase the skin's elasticity. There are many types of carrier oils available for massage. However, what is the best oil to massage with? Here are five top choices amongst massage therapists.
1. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular massage oils among massage therapists. Extracted from almonds, it is pale yellow in colour. Sweet almond oil is very nourishing and moisturising for your skin because it contains high vitamins A, D and E. It is non- greasy, but slightly oily so it allows hands to glide easily over skin when massaging. If you mix with other oil, it helps other heavier oils absorb better. It can also be used in head massage.
Sweet almond oil is non allergenic so it usually does not irritate skin. However, people who has nut allergies should avoid using almond oil.
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant. It has anti-inflammatory properties so it is able to heal and moisturise for all skin type. Because jojoba oil is very similar to the sebum in human skin, it can dissolve sebum and carry essential oils deep into the pores without feeling oily or greasy. It is very light-weight absorbed, which makes it a favourite carrier oil for aromatherapy.
3. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is pressed from the avocado fruit. It is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A,D and E. It is a heavier oil and is usually blended with lighter carrier oils such as sweet almond oil for dry skin. Using avocado oil to massage your skin, it can penetrate its soothing properties deeper into the skin at an accelerated rate. Rich in sterolin content, it helps for repairing sun-damaged skin and age spots, as well as inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. However, people who are sensitive to latex maybe sensitive to avocado oil so use with care or try a patch test before use.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used for centuries in cooking, medicine and skincare. Olive oil contains antioxidants such as oleic acid and squalene that help in fighting free-radical damage of skin. It contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D,E, and K. Some of these vitamins may be beneficial for the skin. If your skin is feeling dry, olive oil can be your best friend. It is a heavier oil that dries more slowly comparing to other carrier oils.
5. Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil similar in texture and colour to sweet almond oil. It is a good alternative to sweet almond oil for people with nut allergies. It is considered a good source of unsaturated fat due to a high oleic acid and linoleic acid content. It is rich in vitamin E and is quickly absorbed into skin so it makes a good oil to use for aromatherapy massage. Apricot kernel oil is also very mild and non-irritating, making it suitable for infant or children's massage.
Top 5 Massage Oils: Nourish Your Skin with These Therapist-Recommended Oils
To recap, here are top 5 massage oils to nourish your skin.
- Sweet Almond Oil: A non-greasy, nourishing oil that glides smoothly on skin.
- Jojoba Oil: A light-weight oil with anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for all skin types.
- Avocado Oil: A heavier oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids and sterolin content, beneficial for repairing damaged skin.
- Olive Oil: An antioxidant-rich oil that works well for dry skin.
- Apricot Kernel Oil: A mild and quickly-absorbing oil with high oleic and linoleic acid content, suitable for all skin types.
The design of our lavender massage oil takes into account the nature of ingredients and speed of absorption for maximum relaxation and skin benefits. It is a perfect blend of pure lavender essential oil, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil that soothes your sore muscles and nurtures skins.
