Our lives recently have become an endless loop of habits and routines. It can easily tire us out and make it difficult to focus on work. That is why we must find moments of calmness, whether through meditation, yoga, listening to music, or getting a relaxing oil massage.
Oil massages have long been a popular choice for deep relaxation, and their effectiveness depends on the type of oil used. In the market, there are various signature massage oils known for their unique properties.
They have ingredients and composition that induce relaxation in physical therapy sessions. Their soothing aromas and skin-nourishing properties extend beyond a simple massage, offering a holistic experience.
However, to fully experience a deep, relaxing massage, you need to know what massage oils are best. So, without further ado, let’s go on this journey of rejuvenation and unveil the secrets behind the most effective oils for a relaxing massage!
Table of Contents
● 5 Best Oils for Massage ● FAQs: Discover What Massage Oils Are Best: 5 Options ● Conclusion |
5 Best Oils for Massage
Each of these oils has essential ingredients and nutrients that can provide great relief to several health issues when you apply them topically. So, let’s start the list!
1. Sunflower Oil
Winter is here, making your skin dry and in need of urgent care! And the best way to do so is by a massage with an excellent moisturising oil!
Sunflower oil, made from pressing harvested sunflower seeds, proves to be an efficient skin care item:
- Rich inVitamin E and different antioxidants, it combats free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preventing premature ageing. The antioxidants rejuvenate your skin cells, making your skin more radiant by reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- If you are thinking about the best massage oils to control hair frizz, try sunflower oil! Its regular application can make tough and dry hair soft and shiny.
Pro Tip: Apply directly to the scalp during the massage as a moisturising treatment or add to regular shampoos and conditioners.
- It hashigh levels of linoleic acid, which has a cleansing effect and stimulates cell turnover.
- For spa treatments, you can use it as a pre-cleaner. It immediately hydrates your skin, giving it a “healthy look”.
- Massaging sunflower oil into the hair and scalphelps with hair follicle growth and strengthens blood circulation.
Let’s see the benefits of massaging with another oil that is quite similar to this one: coconut oil.
2. Coconut Oil
Perhaps the most widely used massage oil across this country is coconut oil. It effortlessly glides on the skin, inducing relaxation.
But that is not all, there are more reasons why coconut oil is on this list of “what massage oils are best”:
- Coconut oil is a great moisturiser, with saturated fats that help to maintain the lipid or “fat” barrier of your skin,trapping moisture in your skin.
- Its deep moisturisation properties might be an effective remedy for treating eczema.
- Vitamin E, a robustantioxidant, slows down ageing by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Not just these reasons, there are more advantages that this oil provides for your skin:
- Contrary to common misconceptions, coconut oil does not clog pores. Its medium-chain fatty acids, like lauric acid, help kill acne-causing bacteria.
- You can also combine A2 cow ghee with coconut oil as both make great massaging mediums. The fatty acids in both will moisturise your skin, and this blend is known to heal minor burns, thanks to the A2 protein in cow ghee that aids in building muscle tissue
- Coconut oil can reduce stretch marks due to pregnancy, weight gain, or loss.
- Lastly, it is the perfect carrier oil. You can add more oils like essential oils to it for a relaxing massage session.
While coconut oil is a popular choice, there are some other oils you can use in your next massage session.
3. Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil is rich in bioactive compounds, proteins, minerals, and nutrients. If you’re thinking about what massage oils are pleasant, groundnut oil is a superb choice.
- It reduces signs of ageing by slowing down the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Not just that, it is a great emollient, moisturising your skin deeply. During winters, when your skin becomes dry and flaky, applying groundnut oil before a shower not only provides deep moisturization but also helps retain it.
- If you are dealing with scalp psoriasis, you can try moisturising your dry scalp. Using groundnut oil to massage your scalp helps in strengthening hair through improved blood circulation.
Pro Tip: Put 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a bowl and mildly heat it for a relaxing foot massage. Scoop a generous amount. Start on the heels and massage in upward motions. Do this for 10 minutes before bedtime.
- Environmental pollutants result in dry skin that creates a sensation of irritation. Groundnut oil can help restore the moisture in your skin.
- You can make a concoction of groundnut oil and coffee grounds for a homemade scrub. Exfoliate gently for 5 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
With its rich content of antioxidants and moisturising agents, groundnut oil makes an excellent addition to your skincare. But, you might be wondering, what other massage oils are best, besides the three discussed so far?
4. Safflower Oil
This oil comes from the seeds of safflower. In ancient India, it was believed to prevent miscarriages and deal with various illnesses. In recent times it has done the following:
- Safflower oil, rich in linoleic acid, helps cure and reduce tan. Long exposure to sunlight can tan your skin, causing patches and even irritation. Applying this oil ensures moisturisation.
- This oil is also useful when it comes to treating acne.The oil is light and non-greasy and your skin can absorb it easily. Just dab a small amount on your skin. It can reduce white and blackheads as well.
Pro Tip: Make a mixture of 2-4 drops of lavender oil or lemon oil with 1 spoon of safflower oil. Gently massage the skin with this oil and then wipe off with a damp cloth.
- Apply this oil only after cleaning your wounds.The linoleic acid in it speeds up the healing process.
- Enriched in Vitamin E, this oil is a robust anti-ageing remedy. Add some drops of this oil to a face cream.
While safflower oil is now often used as a cooking oil, you could still incorporate it into your skin care recurring. With this, we come to our last option on this list- Niger Oil.
5. Niger Seed Oil
Niger or Ramtil are small black seeds from which you can extract oil. These native Ethiopian seeds are rich in protein. Let’s see why Niger oil qualifies to be on this list of “what massage oils are best”:
- The impressive amount of antioxidants neutralise free radicals, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.
- This oil is also useful for preventing infections by improving immune reactivity at the wound site and cuts.
- The antioxidants like niacin, oleic acid, stearic acid, ascorbic acid, and more in the oil, also instantly heal inflammation from wounds and cuts.
- Niger oil alsohas nutrients like protein, fibre, riboflavin, and carbohydrates that aid in the healing process.
- Lastly, this oil is an excellent pain reliever.
All these therapeutic benefits of Niger oil make it a perfect option for you to use as a massaging oil.
NOTE: To truly determine what massage oils are best, you must use them for at least a few months to see visible results.
FAQs: Discover What Massage Oils Are Best: 5 Options
How do I choose the right massage oil for my needs?
Safflower and sunflower oils suit normal to oily skin and have a neutral aroma. Niger oil is light, and suitable for sensitive skin. Coconut oil is hydrating for dry skin, offering a tropical scent. Groundnut oil is versatile, aiding joint relief in massages. Choose based on skin type, aroma preference, and massage goal.
Can massage oils help with stress and anxiety?
Yes, massage oils can assist in mitigating the anxiety in your muscle groups, thereby reducing stress and tension. You can add some drops of essential oils to your massage oil to relieve your senses.
What are some tips for an oil massage at home?
To carry out a massage session at home, choose a suitable oil for your skin type. Warm the oil before applying. Create a calming atmosphere. Use slow, gentle strokes. Focus on tense areas. Apply consistent pressure. Massage towards the heart. After this, you can relax and let the oil seep into your skin.
Can I apply oil on the cut or burn skin?
Avoid applying oils on open wounds. If you have minor cuts, you can apply oil on them once healed. While coconut oil for burnt skin is a great remedy, it is only applicable for minor burns. For severe burns seek immediate medical help.
Conclusion
Oil massage is one of the high-quality ways to bring calmness to our stressful lives. Consider one of these five options for your next massage session. When it comes to choosing what massage oils are best- it boils down to their properties, effect, odour and soothing effects. Choose the right oil from Two Brothers Organic Farms that suits your skin type and massage goals. With regular use, you will see visible results.