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Whether it’s at a spa or at-home, using massage oils is key to a truly luxurious massage
Summary
1What are essential oils?
Essential oils are super-concentrated and potent, containing the scent of the plant they are extracted from...
2Choosing the right essential oils
With so many essential oils out there, it can be tricky to even know where to start. So, here’s some of our top picks...
3What are carrier oils?
Carrier oils are the gentle giants of the massage world, making sure you have a safe and enjoyable massage...
A stressful week, sore muscles or feeling overwhelmed can make us all crave an indulgent, relaxing massage that gives us a moment to switch off. So, say goodbye to muscle knots and tension and hello to relaxation and peace of mind.1
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are super-concentrated and potent, containing the scent of the plant they are extracted from.2 They’re usually created through distillation or other extraction techniques like cold pressing.3 These oils, while often only used in very small amounts, are very powerful due to their concentration and potency, so they always need to be diluted before you use them.2
Each essential oil holds different beneficial properties, like helping you relax or making you feel a bit more awake in the morning.
Choosing the right essential oils for your massage
With so many essential oils out there, it can be tricky to even know where to start. So, here’s some of our top picks.
For a soothing massage, you’ll likely want to choose relaxing essential oils like:
For a more invigorating massage, you may want to choose more uplifting fragrances like:
- peppermint: can awaken your senses9
- eucalyptus: great for clearing congestion to help you breathe deeply10,11
What are carrier oils?
Carrier oils are the gentle giants of the massage world, making sure you have a safe and enjoyable massage.
Most carrier oils are vegetable oils extracted from plant seeds, kernels or nuts, like jojoba, sweet almond and even coconut oil. They usually have a very mild scent or have no odour at all, which makes them the perfect choice for acting as a base for fragranced essential oils.
4 of the most popular carrier oils for massage
1. Jojoba oil
Jojoba is a non-greasy oil with a delicate, nutty scent that’s extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant.13
This carrier oil absorbs easily into the skin and doesn’t clog your pores, making it a great option for many different types of massages, facials or even bath oils. Even better, jojoba oil’s moisturising properties make it a great choice for most skin types.
2. Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil has a light, silky texture that leaves your skin looking glossy with a healthy glow.
A by-product of making wine, grapeseed oil is extracted from, yes, grape seeds! Its packed full of vitamin E, linoleic acid and phenolic compounds that work to keep your skin healthy and plump.14
Lightweight, easily absorbed into the skin and with no scent, grapeseed oil is a fantastic base for blending with essential oils and is the perfect choice for any massage type. Its lighter consistency makes it a great choice for those with oilier skin, too.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a light and non-greasy oil that’s absorbed quickly into the skin.
Containing medium-chain fatty acids means it sinks easily into the skin and adds a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from escaping your skin.15 This makes it a great choice for those with dry skin.16
4. Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a light oil that is mild and gentle on the skin. It keeps your skin soft and hydrated and works to prevent water loss from the skin.17 Mainly harvested from the Mediterranean, sweet almond oil is cold pressed from the seed kernels of the sweet almond tree.18
It’s suitable for most skin types but can leave the skin feeling a bit greasy – so a little goes a long way. You should also avoid using sweet almond oil if you or your massage recipient has a nut allergy.
Choosing a carrier oil based on your skin type
Choosing the right carrier oil for your skin type is an important step in preparing for your luxurious massage. Here’s a breakdown of which oils to choose for each skin type.
If you have dry skin:
- go for: rich, moisturising oils that replenish and nourish the skin
- good choices: sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, rosehip oil are packed with fatty acids and vitamins that hydrate the skin
If you have oily skin:
- go for: lighter oils that absorb quickly
- good choices: grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and hemp seed oil all help regulate oil production and won't leave your skin feeling greasy
If you have combination skin:
- go for: a mixture of oils – you can combine different oils to cater to different areas of your face or body
- good choices: try jojoba oil on your oily T-zone and a richer oil like apricot kernel oil on drier cheeks
How to use massage oils safely
For a blissful and relaxing massage that doesn’t leave your skin irritated or sore follow these guides:
- do a patch test: this is to check for an allergic reaction. Apply a small amount of oil to your inner elbow and wait for 24 hours to see if it leaves your skin feeling irritated
- avoid broken skin: or if it’s irritated or sunburnt as this could lead to more discomfort
- always dilute your essential oils: essential oils are really concentrated and can cause irritation when used directly on the skin.2 Always dilute your essential oils correctly, or if in doubt, choose a pre-blended massage oil
- be aware of allergies: avoid using any oils that you may be allergic to (if you have a nut allergy avoid using almond oil)
- consult your GP: if you have an existing medical condition, its best to check that oils are suitable for you to use store your oils correctly: keep them sealed in a cool dark place to prevent them from degrading over time
The final say
There’s more to massage oils than meets the eye. By choosing the right oils, you can create a truly indulgent massage that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and eases tension.
If you’re blending your own massage oil using essential oils, make sure you use the proper dilution ratio – if in doubt, try a pre-blended massage oil for a delightful massage without the fuss. With a little knowledge and these handy tips, you can unlock the full potential of massage oils and transform your next massage into a truly transformative self-care ritual.
1. Field T. Massage therapy research review. Complementary therapies in clinical practice [Internet]. 2016 Aug 1 [cited 2024 Jun 11];24:19–31. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564319/
2. Orchard A, Sandy. Carrier oils in dermatology. Archives of dermatological research [Internet]. 2019 Jul 18 [cited 2024 Jun 11];311(9):653–72. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31321504/
3. Gad HA, Roberts A, Hamzi SH, Gad HA, Ilham Touiss, Altyar AE, et al. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers [Internet]. 2021 May 24 [cited 2024 Jun 11];13(11):1711–1. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197201/
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8. Prunus dulcis | almond Trees/RHS Gardening [Internet]. Rhs.org.uk. Royal Horticultural Society; 2024 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13964/prunus-dulcis/details
9. Essential oil | Uses, Types & Extraction | Britannica. In: Encyclopædia Britannica [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/essential-oil/
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This article is for information only and does not constitute as medical advice. Please speak to your GP before using essential oils if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have skin sensitivity, pre-existing medical condition or any other reason for concern. Note that essential oils should not be applied direct to the skin unless it is diluted with a carrier oil first.
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