Massage Oils – Advantages and Disadvantages
Grape seed oil
Grape seed oil is the most used oil for body massages. It is fine textured, smooth and free flowing. It is high in linoleic acid (EFA) and contains some vitamin E. This will nourish the skin and allow it to be stored longer. Vitamin E, being an antioxidant, prevents rancidity.
Advantages
o Gentle, therefore good for full body massages.
o Provides good glide and is easily absorbed.
o Suitable for all skin types and areas
o Cheap and readily available.
Disadvantages
o Normally produced by hot extraction, it has lost many of its beneficial properties.
Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a thick pale yellow liquid that mixes well with most other carrier oils and essential oils. It is rich in nutrients, such as unsaturated fatty acids (AGE), and also contains a high percentage of vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, D and E. It is excellent in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis due to its vitamin E content. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties, allowing it to be beneficial for conditions such as sunburn.
Advantages
o Stores well due to vitamin E content.
o Cold pressed, therefore relatively pure.
o It has protective and nourishing qualities for the skin.
Disadvantages
o Not suitable for full body massage on its own, it gets too sticky.
or expensive
o Contraindicated in diabetics and those allergic to nuts.
Wheat germ oil.
Unrefined wheat germ oil has a strong odor that many people find unpleasant. It contains high levels of vitamin E., which is a natural antioxidant. Although expensive wheat germ oil is the richest food source we have of vitamin E.
Advantages
o Moisturisers Dry/mature skin.
o Good for reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
o Relief of dermatitis symptoms.
o When added to an aromatherapy blend it will help prevent oxidation.
Disadvantages
o Too thick and sticky to use alone.
o It can cause allergies, since it is a protein.
o Contraindicated in celiac patients.
Evening primrose oil.
Evening primrose oil is an expensive oil, but it has excellent moisturizing benefits. Contains linoleic acid and gamma linoleic acid (GLA). It also contains some vitamins and minerals.
Advantages
o Useful for dry skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.
o Useful for PMT, menstrual cramps, arthritis and rheumatism.
Disadvantages
o Too expensive to use all over the body.
Avocado
Avocado oil is a highly penetrating oil, rich in essential fatty acids, and also has a high vitamin content. It contains vitamin A, vitamin B. and vitamin D. It also contains proteins and fats, and the minerals potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. It can be mixed in a small proportion (10%) with other carrier oils and is commonly used in beauty care.
Advantages
o Stores well.
or Emollient
or Unrefined,
o Viscous, but still penetrates the skin deeper than most carrier oils.
o Has healing properties: helps reduce inflammation (beneficial for psoriasis/eczema).
Disadvantages
o May become too sticky during massage mixing with another carrier oil.
o Has a strong odor.
jojoba oil
Jojoba is actually a liquid wax, not oil. It is a nourishing oil that contains vitamin E., minerals and proteins. It is beneficial for many conditions as its structure is similar to sebum, so it can be used on oily or dry skin. Unlike many oils, it can be heated to high temperatures and still retain its nutrients.
Advantages
o Nourishing-beneficial for all skin types.
o Highly penetrating with anti-inflammatory properties, excellent for acne, psoriasis, eczema and arthritis.
o Helps control the release of sebum, useful for seborrheic skin conditions.
o Stable: does not evaporate or react with air.
Disadvantages
o Expensive use small amounts mixed with another carrier oil.
Calendula
This is an infused oil produced by maceration for its medicinal properties. Contains anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and healing properties. It is generally used for medicinal purposes in specific areas.
Advantages
o Very suitable for skin problems-cracked skin, eczema, bruises and sunburn.
Disadvantages
or very expensive.
o Not as pure as cold pressed oil due to the maceration process.
macadamia
This is a fine-textured, stable, cold-pressed oil and is available refined or unrefined. In both cases no solvents are used and the oil retains its natural properties.
Advantages
or Emollient
o Contains palmitoleic acid (found in sebum), good for oily and dry skin.
o Help prevent aging, good for conduction of wrinkled skin.
o Good conservation properties, it lasts a long time before going rancid.
Disadvantages
or very expensive.
o Has a slight aroma, nutty smell.
o Contraindicated in clients with allergies to nuts.
peach.
This is cold pressed from the kernels of the fruit. It is similar in appearance and chemically to apricot kernel oil and sweet almond oil. It has a fine texture and is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6. It is especially ideal for facial blends as it is gentle on the skin and absorbs easily.
Advantages
o Preserve well.
o Protects, nourishes and hydrates the skin.
o Useful for dry skin and eczema.
o Helps relieve itching, so it can be useful for psoriasis.
o Good for sensitive skin.
Disadvantages
or expensive