A Massage, whether performed by another person or on yourself, can be extremely relaxing. The addition of massage oils increases these benefits, nourishes the skin and at the same time makes it easier for the hands to slide over tense muscles. When it comes to choosing a massage oil for personal use, go for a simple, single-ingredient option, says T’ai Hanna, director of bodywork at Bathhouse, a spa and wellness area in Brooklyn. Her favorite products are grape seed, coconut and jojoba. “Ask a therapist at Bathhouse, the organic grape seeds we use have amazing lubricity and allow minimal use with optimized effects,” she says. “Ideal for sensitive skin and easy to use.”
Grapeseed oil is also a favorite of Gretchen Frieling, MD, a dermatopathologist and founder of Soyier Skin – she recommends looking for products that also contain oils like thistle, pumpkin seed, and cuckoo herb. When it comes to which ingredients to avoid, Dr. Frieling to choose a massage oil that does not contain alcohol or fragrances that can irritate or dry out your skin. And Hanna personally avoids products with palm oil, parabens and synthetic ingredients.
It is also helpful to understand the difference between massage oil and body oil, as the two are not often interchangeable. “Massage and body oils can be very different, with different scents, consistencies and ingredients,” says Dr. Frieling. The main purposes of massage oil are to relieve sore muscles, relieve tension, and reduce friction during massage, while body oil is said to nourish the skin, she explains. “Massage oil typically has a heavier consistency, is easy to spread, has a higher concentration of essential oils and is less absorbed by the skin,” says Dr. Frieling. “A body oil is usually more of a ‘dry oil’ with faster absorption and less ‘heavier’ or ‘greasy’ consistency.”
Shop 6 of the best massage oils below
Aesop breathless – $ 35.00
This oil has a medium consistency and is formulated with a blend of sweet almond, jojoba, macadamia nut and sunflower seed oils. It also contains nourishing, anti-inflammatory vitamin E.
Isa Lazo body oil – $ 126.00
This body oil also works as a massage oil as it needs to be rubbed in a little for the skin to absorb. It contains vegetable oils that promote blood circulation and are anti-inflammatory as well as moisturizing.
similar posts
Maude Oil No. 0 – $ 35.00
This is a certified organic massage oil made from cold-pressed oils, including jojoba and coconut oil. It’s also fragrance-free, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and made in the USA
Oh hello! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts on cult favorite wellness brands, and exclusive Well + Good content. Register with Well +, our online community of wellness insiders, and activate your rewards immediately.
Our editors select these products independently. Well + Good can earn a commission when you shop through our links.
