Benefits of Massage Oils and How to Use Them Correctly

Massage is rarely performed on dry skin. Cosmetic products are usually used: massage oils, creams, gels. Which oil to use for massage depends on the goals of the procedure. We will tell you how to choose a massage oil and how to use it.

Why do you need oil at all?

Oil facilitates the gliding of the masseur's hands over your face or body. It improves massage tolerance and prevents skin chafing. Oil makes the massage pleasant. If uncomfortable types of massage are used, such as anti-cellulite massage, the level of discomfort is reduced.

Massage oil helps to:

• work tissues more deeply
• avoid irritation and skin trauma
• accelerate metabolic processes
• improve skin condition
• provide hydration

Not only does oil help the masseur, but the masseur also helps the oil, enhancing its therapeutic effects. Oils can contain components beneficial to the skin. Due to the massage effect and the dilation of skin blood vessels, active substances penetrate better into the dermis.

Selection Criteria

Massage is a general term for many methods of manual and instrumental impact on the soft tissues of the human body. Massage technique varies significantly depending on its type, goals, and area of impact. Therefore, which massage oils are best depends on the situation. The best massage oil is the one that suits your skin type and helps achieve the desired effects.

Any oil is derived from certain plants. They have different sets of fatty acids.

With oily skin, the use of oils should be careful, especially for the face and back, and other areas prone to acne. The best massage oil for excessive sebum production: cumin, grape seed, shea, jojoba, rosehip. For dry skin, use avocado, apricot, mango, cranberry, and hemp oils.

It is worth noting that citrus oils are best not used in summer before going outside. They can have a photosensitizing effect: they increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

Please note that the composition must contain a base oil, but essential oils may also be included. Essential oil can be used for any skin type; it does not make skin oily. These are small amounts of volatile oils with a pronounced aroma that have a specific therapeutic effect on the skin: warming, restorative, relaxing, toning, anti-cellulite, etc.

Consider the additional properties of oils, for example:

• Warming oil. It will warm and tone your skin. It will cause a burning sensation during massage. Often used for sports massage and fighting cellulite. Helps reduce skin swelling.
• Anti-cellulite oil. Has a pronounced lymphatic drainage effect. Stimulates the outflow of excess fluid from the skin, smooths skin, promotes fat burning, and reduces cellulite with regular use. Can be used for anti-cellulite massage.
• Neutral oil. Contains one of the base oils, such as almond oil. It can be used as a ready-to-use massage product or you can make your own blend from it by adding essential oils and other components to the massage mix as desired.

There are also restorative oils, skin-moisturizing oils, oils that increase elasticity, slow down aging, destroy bacteria, and have other properties depending on the components included. They may contain plant extracts, caffeine, vitamins, antioxidants, and other substances that help address certain skin problems.

Which Oil to Use for Facial Massage

Facial massage oil should be chosen depending on the intensity of sebum production. Above we already talked about how to choose an oil for massage by skin type. These tips remain relevant when choosing products for facial massage.

Some women need an additional anti-aging effect. In this case, preference should be given to argan, sea buckthorn, cocoa, and walnut oils.

If the facial skin is highly sensitive and prone to irritation, then babassu, apricot kernel, pistachio, and calendula oils are suitable. They have anti-inflammatory properties.

For dense, textured skin, you can use wheat germ, flaxseed, avocado, black currant, jojoba, and neroli oils. They soften the skin, making it suppler and more elastic.

How to Use Massage Oil

Using it is very simple:

1. Take a small amount into the palm of your hand.
2. Hold it for a moment to warm it to body temperature. This way, you or the person you are massaging will not experience discomfort from applying cold liquid to the body.
3. Spread over clean skin with your palms.
4. Perform the massage.

If the massage oil contains active components beneficial for the skin and you want them to work better, you can cleanse the skin with a scrub before using the massage oil. The oil is then applied to the prepared clean skin, allowing the active substances to penetrate deeper layers of the dermis more effectively.

Washing Off the Oil

People often ask whether massage oil needs to be washed off and what to wash it off with. This is an individual decision. It is worth considering that unwashed oil can stain clothing. But if you don't need to go anywhere right after the massage, you can put on home clothes and stay home for a few hours — in that case, it is better not to wash it off. The active substances of the oil will penetrate deeper into the skin and improve its condition.

It is especially not recommended to wash off the oil for women with dry skin. At the same time, with oily skin, it is better to wash it off to prevent the formation of comedones and acne. It is also washed off at night to avoid staining pajamas or bed linen.

If you are getting a massage at a salon, after the procedure is complete, the masseur will wash off the oil or remove it with a hot towel.

At home, no special products are needed to wash off the oil. Simply washing with a washcloth and shower gel is sufficient. After bathing, you will not need to use moisturizing or nourishing skin products, as your skin will feel great even after intensive washing.

Can Pregnant Women Use Massage Oil?

Base oils cannot harm the body of a pregnant woman in any way. They are not absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Moreover, even taking such oils internally would not affect the health of the woman or the fetus. We all consume natural fats of plant origin daily in food, and nothing bad happens to our health.

At the same time, pregnant women should be careful when using oils containing many additional substances. It is better to use neutral products containing nothing but base oil.

Now you know how to use massage oil and how to choose it. Use quality oil, find a good masseur, and you will get excellent results: the skin will become smooth, firm, moisturized, and elastic.