Massage Oils

The main purpose of massage oils is to lubricate the skin to reduce friction while performing a massage. This helps give a smooth glide and easy workability to the skin surface. Some of the secondary benefits include nourishing the skin and acting as a "base", or "carrier" oil for aromatherapy essential oils.

Here are five of the most commonly used massage oils:

Almond Oil is an excellent emollient (softening and soothing to the skin) and also helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture. This oil is one of the most popular of the carrier oils used in aromatherapy and massage, since it is non-greasy, spreads easily and is also great for nourishing the skin. The aroma is light, slightly sweet and nutty.
Apricot Oil has moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties and is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature and sensitive skin. It is also helpful to soothe inflammation. This finely textured oil spreads easily and is particularly rich in both oleic acid and linoleic acid.
Grapeseed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid quite important for the skin and the cell membranes. It is purported to have regenerative and restructuring qualities and has great skin moisturizing properties. Grapeseed oil is a great non-greasy oil to use, but could be enriched by blending it with another carrier, such as almond or wheat germ. This is fine textured, oil with a very light, slightly sweet hint of a nutty aroma, and with a satiny finish. It contains vitamins, minerals, and protein, GLA, and a small amount of vitamin E.
Jojoba Oil closely resembles that of your own skin; it is an excellent moisturizer and is ideal for all skin types. It can in most cases be used on blemished skin without any problems, as it helps to control acne. Jojoba is also a favorite oil to use as a carrier oil for aromatherapy as it penetrates the skin easily and is suitable for all skin types. The aroma is light to medium, not as sweet as the nut oils.
Hazelnut Oil is fine in texture, and has great moisturizing qualities. Hazelnut oil can help tone and tighten the skin while strengthening capillaries and assisting in cell regeneration.

For information on other types of massage oils. Click Here