The use of aromatic oils for massage originated in Indian Ayurveda for over 5,000 years ago as a healing tradition and ritual. The reference of massage oils can also be found in the writings of Socrates, Plato and Homer; showing that massage with oils is not a novel practice or idea.

Nothing soothes a frayed body and mind after a strenuous day as much as a rejuvenating body massage. It not only helps to untangle knots, muscles and tissues in your body, but it also works excellently to melt away stress in a few minutes. To make the experience more pleasurable and fruitful for customers, masseurs incorporate warm body massage oils to calm and relax the body as well as the mind.

Adding good quality and nutrient-enriched massage oils not only aids in rejuvenation enhances the nature of relaxation massage but also significantly helps in the healing process. Pouring massage oil on the body allows smooth sliding movements that help in skin nourishment dissolves stress accumulation and toxins to improve overall health.  

Read on to know why massage oils are having a comeback into our homes and which types of massage oil are most popular and beneficial for us.

9 Benefits of Oil Massage 

1. Before we explore the myriad types of massage oils available in the market, let’s first go through some broad benefits of using oils for massage:
2. Using oils in the massage experience can significantly tighten your muscles along with all physiology.
3. Many massage oils help in maintaining flexible joints and are considered effective in the pain relief of ailment like arthritis.
4. Incorporating massage oils in your massage experience can help greatly to relieve pain and fatigue.
5. Massage oils aid in improving blood circulation and improves the overall condition of the skin.
6. The aromatic and soothing smell of massage oils can help to calm nerves.
7. Additionally, they can also enhance your mental and energy alertness.
8. Using massage oils cane promote better and deeper sleep.
9. Massage oils nourish the entire body and promote longevity.

Pro tip: To receive maximum benefit from an oil massage, it is best to use oils that are cold-pressed and chemical-free, for example, organic vegetable oi, and massage oils with added invigorating herbs.

Given below are a few of the best massage oils and their benefits.

7 Popular Types of Massage Oils 

Picking any random body oil is not going to give you the appropriate relaxing effects because not all kind of oils work best for all types of massages. That is why we are here to guide you to pick the right massage oil that best suits your needs.

Mineral Massage Oil 

Mineral massage oil is also known as technical oil and is often a controversial subject in the massage industry. It is celebrated by some, yet disregarded by several others. It is a highly refined grade of light mineral oil that’s food grade and holds the following properties:

– It is an odourless, colourless, clear, and tasteless liquid that not adds any scent to products in which it’s used.

Mineral oil is also used in a vast range of moisturizers and cosmetics. It’s a cheaper alternative to cold-pressed, plant-based massage oils. Mineral oil can be used alone or can be blended with other essential and aromatic oils to achieve the results you are looking for.

Benefits of Mineral Massage Oil 

Mineral oil in its own category holds several elemental benefits for massaging. Few of these benefits are:

• The good news is that technical oil is found to be non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. Therefore it’s not prone to clogging pores.
• Mineral massage oil remains liquid in cooler temperature and is considered chemically inactive, resistant and stable to high temperatures. That is why mineral oils are extensively used in the beauty industry.
• It does not degrade easily and washes out effortlessly from sheets and clothes.
• It is hypo-allergic, non-irritating, non-invasive, an effective and stable lubricant in massage lotions and creams.
• The main benefit of mineral oil is that it easily sits on top of the skin and works as a barrier between the air and the skin. This allows water to stay in your body and helps to keep and maintain the skin moisture.
• Mineral massage oil would not degrade and is relatively cheaper than other market alternatives. Moreover, it is odourless and rarely irritates the skin of a user.

Please note: Although Mineral Oil is hypo-allergenic, some people might have a reaction. Therefore, always do a patch test. 

MCT Oil 

Over the past few years, medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs have occupied the spotlight due to the upsurge of coconut products and thanks to the high-profile health influencers and celebrities swearing by the benefits of supplements like MCT oil.

We understand that for many of you, this might be a new term, but fret not, we are here to guide you through!

What is MCT Oil?

MCTs or Medium-chain triglycerides are fatty acids, naturally found in palm and coconut oil. It is a translucent, tasteless liquid that emanates from a man-made process known as fractionation. Through this process, MCTs are extracted from natural substances such as palm oil or coconut oil, as mentioned earlier.

Though MCT oil is very identical to coconut oil in appearance, its consistency is thinner and resembles more like traditional oil. Due to its high content of healthy fatty acids, the use of MCT oil in body massage is growing rapidly. Read on to know the numerous benefits of MCT oil:

Benefits of MCT Oil 

• MCT oil is naturally rich in antibacterial and antioxidant properties that work effectively in preventing several forms of skin irritation like eczema.
• The best aspect of using MCT oil for massage is that it conditions the skin through lightweight moisture and works well for all skin types.
• It provides a soothing, smoothing and non-comedogenic effect to enhance the overall massage experience.
• It is also referred to as a feather-light oil that easily absorbs into the skin without clogging pores.
• MCT oil has an indefinite shelf life and is non-greasy, colourless, and non-staining.
• As it encompasses medium triglycerides, it would not turn solid even if it gets too cold.
• MCT oil is not only a great carrier for essential oils in massage therapy but also works effectively in handmade hair and skin products.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Extra virgin olive oil is typically used for lighter and gentler massages, such as a Swedish massage. It is relatively a heavy oil and thus gets absorbed into the skin at a much slower pace. That is why it’s mostly used in massages that comprise of repetitive movements and sweeping of the body. Olive oil has been an integral part of the Mediterranean culture for thousands of years. It was not only used in massages but also in medicines, cuisines, religious rituals and for many other therapeutic purposes.

A few of the benefits of olive oil for body massage are:

Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Research showed that olive oil aids in repairing skin damage by reducing oxidative stress if massaged correctly.
• Olive oil massage helps in reducing muscle fatigue, prevents sports injuries and alleviates muscle pain.
• Olive oil body massage helps in improving the blood flow to weary muscles and removes lactic acid faster to result in quicker muscle recovery.

Sweet Almond Oil 

Sweet almond oil is extensively used by massage therapists and is a sweet and mildly fragranced, pale-yellow oil. It is a little greasy and allows your hands to glide smoothly on the skin. That said, it’s not a heavy oil and quickly penetrates the skin – but no so quickly that reapplication is needed. Sweet almond oil works well for all skin types and rarely irritates the skin.

Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil

• Sweet almond oil is extremely gentle on the skin due to its mildness. Due to this, it can even be used on a baby’s skin for massage.
• It contains anti-inflammatory properties that relieve rashes, itching and skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
• Several pieces of research have shown the massaging sweet almond oil on the skin can relieve muscle pain in people who are suffering from multiple sclerosis.
• Sweet almond oil prevents skin damage caused by UV radiation exposure and also helps in preventing sun tanning and damage.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot oil is obtained from the bitter kernels of the apricot fruit. It’s also commonly known as bitter apricot oil. The texture of this oil is very similar to that of almond oil. Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamin E and has a lengthier shelf life than any other massage oil. It’s very light and easily penetrates the skin. Moreover, it is mostly used in Swedish massage and also in aromatherapy.

Benefits of Bitter Apricot Oil 

• Apricot kernel oil was traditionally used in ancient medicine practices for treating skin diseases.
• It nourishes and hydrates the skin to prevents dryness.
• Bitter apricot oil is also considered a useful and effective massage oil for treating psoriasis.
• The oil has emollient properties that keep the skin hydrated and makes it appear plump, tight, and healthy.

Wheat Germ Oil 

It is considered to be an excellent massage oil as its rich in vitamins A, D, and E. Wheat germ oil proves to be extremely nourishing when massaged directly on the skin. Moreover, it’s a natural preservative and aids in reducing the harmful effect of free radicals on the skin.

Benefits of Wheat Germ Oil

• Massaging wheat germ oil can promote skin regeneration.
• It is particularly beneficial for aging and dry skin.
• It promotes skin rejuvenation and keeps the skin smooth.
• Wheat germ oil makes the skin healthy and plump by improving its hydration levels.
• When massaged onto the skin, it encourages lymph and muscle function.
• Massaging wheat germ oil on the skin has healing properties and can minimize scar tissue and the appearance of stretch marks.

Kukui Nut Oil 

Kukui nut oil has been used as a massage oil for royalty. It’s rich in nutrients and vitamins and is highly regarded for its skin benefits. Moreover, cold-pressed kukui nut oil is extensively used for body massage.

Benefits of Kukui Nut Oil

• Kukui nut oil has a Hawaiian origin and was primarily used for massaging young infants or newborn babies to protect their skin.
• It’s an excellent emollient and effectively moisturizes the skin and prevents dryness.
• It comprises of lipids and a mixture of both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids that help to improve skin texture.
• Kukui, not oil prevents trans-epidermal water loss from the skin when used topically.
• It also provides instant relief to chapped or burned skin.

4 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Massage Oil 

Remember that your skin is the biggest organ of your body; therefore, before choosing a massage oil, make sure that you have done adequate research and buy the one that best suits your skin. Moreover, here are a few more essential things to consider before choosing a massage oil:

Always Do a Patch Test 

Before you buy any oil, make sure you’re not allergic to it. Or else it can cause severe skin issues. For this purpose, always do a patch test to check for any reactions and only after that apply it to the rest of your body.

Check Purity of the Oil 

Our skins absorb a certain amount of the oil that is massaged onto it. Therefore, oils must be viewed as nourishment and chosen with the same care as our food. The purer the oil is, the fewer toxins and more nutrients it will contain. The best massage oils are those that are cold-pressed and always check that the herbs or essential oils added to carrier oil are wildcrafted, organic, or obtained from clean environments.

Determine Quality of the Oil 

Massage oils are a form of nourishment, and each type of oil has its own energetic qualities. For instance, there are massage oils that are warm and massage oils that have a cooling effect. Therefore, it is imperative that you find the best balance between the oil and the weather season. Examples of warm massage oil are almond, sesame and mustard. On the contrary, cooling oils involve sunflower, jojoba and coconut oil.

Examine Body and Skin Type of the User 

People that are thin, sensitive to cold, dry-skinned, over-talkative and generally stressed do well with heavier warm oils such as castor, sesame, almond, and rosehip seed. Alternatively, people that have a more athletic build, phobic to oils, and get irritated by hot sensations do well with lighter oils such as coconut, jojoba, sunflower, and safflower.

Parting Note

You can pick any massage oil from the list mentioned above and reap its benefits, however when choosing the right oil for massage, it’s important to understand the differences between various options, such as the comparison of MCT oil vs coconut oil. To maximize your sensory experience, you can add herbs or essential oils in it before massaging the oil onto your skin. These oils are not harmful at all unless you’re allergic to an ingredient.

So, the next time you’re trying to refresh and recover from a long day’s stress, do give body massage with any of these massage oils a try. Until then, keep glowing and stay healthy!

About Maverik Oils

At Maverik Oils, it starts with family.

​As a family-run set-up, we realize that the needs and dynamics of one business to the next can vary significantly. Due to this, since day one, we have endeavored personalize every experience based on your needs and requirements. To learn more about us, make sure to check our website.