Massage oil will generally have a longer glide than either a lotion or cream and will dissolve into the skin at a slower rate as well. Although better with certain types of massage than others, using even the best oil over a lotion or a cream can be as simple as just a matter of personal preference – yours and theirs.
Jojoba oil is an excellent choice for massage because its structure is the closest to the oil our skin produces (sebum). Because Jojoba oil is so like sebum, it is quickly absorbed in the skin. And as a bonus for massage therapists: It doesn't stain linens.
Oils are the best for massages because they're lightweight—so it doesn't leave a sticky, thick residue—and help your hands glide seamlessly across your body. The best ones have longer-lasting skincare benefits (like radiance-boosting effects) and make you say “aah” with their calming scents.
Lotions and creams are among the most common mediums for massage therapists to work with, across all the different types of massage. Lotions are generally your best option when working with particularly hairy clients, as the light consistency won't mat the hair and you will be able to conduct your treatment unimpeded.
A question we're frequently asked is, “Are body oils better than lotions”? In short, both can do the work of moisturizing skin, but body oils go the extra mile. If you've been considering a clean swap, opting for a body oil over a lotion is one of the most important shifts you can make.
When it comes to skin care products, it's always best to follow the directions of the product you're using. With that said, there is a general rule about whether to apply oil before or after moisturizer — and it might not be what you think. Generally, you'll want to apply oil as the last step in your routine.
Lotions moisturize dry skin: Nazarian opines that lotion has the edge over oil if we're talking about moisturizing abilities. "Lotions are a mix of oil and water and typically work better for dry skin," she says.
Don't Apply Lotion or Oil
It is smart, courteous and highly preferred that you shower just before a massage. But remember not to apply any lotion or oil to your skin. During your massage, you will be covered in massage lotion or oil which may or may not mix well with your own personal choice for skin moisturizer.
Oil should be used in massage to prevent excessive friction, not too much but just enough to let your hands flow with ease over the skin.
Types of Massage Oils
Massage oils vary. The most common include: coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, argon oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, macadamia oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil and olive oil. These oils are some of the more popular massage oils used for massage.
The main difference between massage oil and body oil is that massage oils are lighter as they glide more smoothly during a massage while body oils contain richer carrier oils. Massage oils and body oils are a combination of carrier oils and essential oils.
When you're giving a massage, the key is to use your hands to work the muscles in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs and feet. Use a gentle touch to locate the soft, fleshy muscles, then knead them with your hands. Never exert pressure on a person's bones, especially the spine and tailbone.
Massage oil is designed to make a massage session relaxing and restorative. It's also hydrating—protecting the skin's barrier and retaining moisture, in addition to reducing friction between your skin and the hands of the masseuse.
Massage Envy massage lotions are paraben and sulfate free, and full of antioxidants rich in vitamins A, C & E. With 14 different moisturizers and skin softeners, you'll enjoy wellness benefits that go far beyond massage.
Massage lotion has the shortest glide and is the most absorbent of the three, which makes it ideal for real deep tissue massage. Lotions will give you the ability to maintain the best grip and apply the most pressure to your client and allow you to penetrate more deeply into their muscles to release tension.
Rub some oil on your hands. Place your palms at the base of your partner's neck, with fingers facing your partner's upper back and palms against the base of the neck where it meets the shoulders. Glide your hands out to the tops of your partner's arms, then glide down over the outside of their arms down to the elbow.
The same moisturizing properties of dry oil that benefit your hair and skin may also be good for your nails. Applying dry oil to your cuticles may help prevent nail dryness and cracking. To apply: Rub a few drops of a dry oil between your palms to warm it, then massage it into your cuticles.
A therapist should never be sexual in any way with a client. That includes sexual touching, sexually explicit comments to or any sexual act whatsoever. Every well-trained massage therapist understands – or should understand – the guidelines that follow.
A cream drives moisture into the skin, while fatty oils and ingredients like vegetable-derived Glycerin prevent the water from evaporating. This hydration boost means that skin cells retain moisture, leaving skin supple, healthy and glowing.
Research has shown that almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, argan oil, and others are best for dry skin and conditions that cause dry skin like eczema.
Moisturizers prevent water loss to help skin rehydrate from the inside. These products contain three basic types of ingredients: Humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea pull water from both the air and the deeper layers of skin into the stratum corneum to add moisture.
Moisturizers and face oils are not interchangeable. You cannot use oil in place of moisturizer because oils are too heavy for the skin. They will make your face oily and greasy, which is something you definitely want to avoid as it will make your skin look worse than ever.