Massage therapy serves as a form of pain relief and inflammation reduction for the body and soul. Massage therapy can also improve blood circulation, posture, mobility, sleep, and mood.1 Although regular spa visits don’t fit into your budget, you can benefit from massage therapy at home with a quality massage oil.
Relaxing and restorative massage oil enhance the experience of a massage. Additionally, it’s hydrating, protecting the skin’s barrier and retaining moisture, as well as reducing friction between your skin and the masseuse’s hands best massage oil Even some oils, such as essential oils, can calm the senses and melt away muscle tension and pain.
According to Annie Chiu, MD, board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, CA, selecting the ideal massage oil depends on the masseuse and the person being treated. She suggests choosing a nut-free oil or an oil blend without a customized scent to fit individual needs.
Best 5 Massage Oil for Relaxing
- Jojoba oil
The oil has a long shelf life and is gentle and non-greasy. This 16-ounce cold-pressed version is free of additives, fragrances, and alcohol and comes with a pump for easy application.
You won’t feel greasy after using the lightweight oil since it easily absorbs into the skin. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for sensitive skin, such as acne or eczema. The nutty scent of jojoba oil makes it convenient for use as a makeup remover, hair conditioner, moisturizer, and carrier oil for essential oils.
- Sweet Almond Oil
Due to its semi-oily texture, sweet almond oil is a popular choice among massage therapists. Sweet almond oil, unlike highly absorbent oils that must be reapplied frequently, is slower to dissolve – allowing for long, fluid, tension-releasing strokes.
Fragrance-free almond oil in a 16-ounce bottle will promote a healthy glow on sensitive skin. Additionally, it’s made with expeller-pressed almonds, meaning it won’t clog pores and is safe to use on your entire body. Although it is safe for most people, those with nut allergies should avoid it.
- Weleda Muscle Massage Oil
It is popular with athletes and physical therapists for warming up and relaxing muscles after intense workouts. Sunflower seed oil, olive oil, and arnica extracts are used to make it. It gradually warms up once applied to the skin to deliver a warm feeling.
Anyone suffering from pain or inflammation can greatly benefit from arnica’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Furthermore, this dermatologist-tested oil combines arnica flowers and birch to promote skin elasticity and firmness while relaxing muscles. It’s non-greasy, lightweight, and smells like lavender and rosemary, unlike some massage oils.
- Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
The Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil comprises 100 percent coconut oil, remaining in liquid form to absorb it easily. It contains antioxidants and is gentle enough to soothe sensitive skin without irritating it.Fractionated oil is one of several different types of oils made from coconut. In the case of fractionated coconut oil, the coconut oil has been separated into two distinct factions: liquid and solid. These two fractions are then combined. The liquid fraction is more than 99% saturated fatty acids (SFA) and is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).
The oil can also be used with essential oils for an optimal aromatherapy experience. Since it’s odorless and non-greasy, it’s handy for other household and cosmetic uses as well.
- Sky Organics Apricot Oil
Because apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamins E and A and essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid, it is an excellent choice for people with nut allergies. Apricot oil is cold-pressed from the fruit’s kernel to promote moisture and elasticity of the skin.
It quickly absorbs for a mess-free massage while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. There are no parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, mineral oils, petrolatum, or dyes in the Sky Organics Apricot Oil.