How to Select a Massage Oil

When selecting a massage oil, you want to know what type of benefit you will receive from the oil selected. Each oil is different in consistency and healing properties. If you want the oil to absorb into the skin quickly, then use a light oil like grapeseed oil, which is also best for highly sensitive skin. If you want the oil to stay on top of the skin, you can use a heavier oil such as olive oil. Carrier oils can be used alone in a massage or they can be mixed with essential oils.

Things You'll Need

• One of the following massage oils:
• Sweet almond oil
• Apricot kernel oil
• Avocado oil
• Evening primrose oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Hazelnut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Kukui nut oil
• Macadamia nut oil
• Olive oil
• Wheatgerm oil

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Instructions

Benefits and Descriptions of Massage Oils

• 1

  Sweet almond oil nourishes and protects the skin. This oil is great for a foot massage because it will moisturize dry feet; combined with peppermint essential oil, your feet will feel relief from soreness.

  Apricot kernel oil is excellent for skin that is prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed and dry. It contains minerals and vitamins that benefit the skin. Avocado oil is excellent for dry skin, and evening primrose oil is great for menopausal women.

  Grapeseed oil is a light weight oil that contains vitamins, minerals and protein, while Hazelnut oil is excellent for stimulating circulation. Jojoba oil, an excellent massage oil, is often mixed with various essential oils.

  Kukui Nut oil is excellent for moisturizing aging skin, and Macadamia nut oil is highly emollient. Olive oil is also emollient, soothing to inflamed skin, and is often used for sensitive skin, including that of a baby. Wheatgerm oil contains vitamin E oil, and is excellent for a massage to treat sun damage.

• 2

  Massage oil blends are a combination of essential oils with a carrier oil. You can purchase massage oil blends, or make them at home, using one teaspoon of essential oil to four ounces of one of the carrier oils listed above. Essential oils are plant extracts and are too strong to be used alone; whereas carrier massage oils can be used alone or in combination with essential oils.

• 3

  Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy for their healing benefits. Lavender oil is excellent for a massage when you want a calming effect that alleviates stress. Lavender/Rose Geranium oil is also beneficial for massages that leave you feeling calm and uplifted. Eucalyptus Blend oil is great for a massage to relieve cold symptoms and muscular aches and pains, and the morning energizer oil is wonderful for a massage that leaves you feeling energized and refreshed.