Which Massage Oil is the Best?

In order to give a great massage, you must have a great massage oil. There are several types of massage oil available on the market and each has its own special attributes.

The type of massage oil needed for a massage depends on the type of massage you want to give and on what you hope to accomplish with that massage. For some massages, you will want the massage oil to be absorbed by the skin. For other massages, you will not want the massage oil absorbed. There are several commercial and handmade massage oils available to meet all of your massaging needs.

Massage oil is made from a single natural oil or a combination of natural oils. Though some sources recommend mineral oil for the feet, because it is not absorbed by the skin, other sources recommend natural vegetable or fruit oils because they are absorbed by the skin. If you've ever received a massage that left your skin covered with oil that also stained your clothing, then you will most likely recognize the benefits of the following skin-loving oils.

• Sweet almond oil is a reasonably priced massage oil that remains on the skin long enough for a wonderful massage before being absorbed by the skin. This massage oil is great for all skin types and is very rich in fatty acids. People with nut allergies should not use this oil.

• Apricot kernel oil is a very light oil rich in Vitamin E. It is also a light yellow in color and works as a great substitute massage oil for people with nut allergies who can't use sweet almond oil. This massage oil is great for sensitive or prematurely aged skin.

• Fractionated coconut oil is a light, liquid oil that allows for excellent glide, which is important to a massage. Regular coconut oil is thick and hard at room temperature, but fractionated coconut oil, altered so that its long-chain triglycerides have been removed, is the complete opposite. The main reason fractionated coconut oil is such a popular massage oil is because it does not stain sheets, towels or clothes.

• Jojoba Oil comes from the jojoba plant and is actually a wax rather than an oil. This massage oil is great for sensitive or acne-prone skin because it is almost identical to skin sebum. Because this oil is quickly absorbed by the skin, it is best to mix it with another oil that isn't so quickly absorbed when using it as a massage oil. Jojoba oil is an excellent carrier for essential oils.

• Sunflower oil makes a wonderful massage oil because of its light, non-greasy feel. This massage oil contains linoleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, which are all important parts of healthy skin. Another great thing about sunflower oil is that it isn't absorbed too quickly by the skin, though it is absorbed eventually. It is also great for rejuvenating mature skin.

There are many other kinds of natural oils that can be used such as avocado oil, cocoa butter, grapeseed oil, olive oil, shea butter, wheat germ oil and kukui nut oil. Some of these oils are great by themselves, but most are best used in combination with other oils to make a wonderful, healthy massage oil.