I think we all can agree that a massage is one of the best forms of self love – a form of self-care that releases muscle tension, releases toxic build up and activates your lymphatic system, eases your mindset, energizes the body, and simply levels up your health inside and out.

I am a massage enthusiast, having received all types of treatments over the years.  I am  fascinated with the various massage oils that contain true healing benefits. Whether you need to tighten the skin, nourish your bones, reduce cellulite, or all of the above there is an oil for you. 

I encourage you to educate yourself about the oils your favorite masseuse uses and also build your own collection of healing oils for use at home. Here are a few of my top picks that you need to know:

Sesame Oil

This massage oil is perfect for those who need relief from aches and pains, as it’s an Ayurvedic essential that’s considered one of the top forms of holistic medicine. How so? It penetrates deeply into the skin with a nutrient-rich blend of magnesium, copper, zinc, and calcium. Basically, it’s a multivitamin in the form of a massage oil. Once it’s massaged into the skin, the sesame oil helps to relax even the most stiff joints and muscle aches, along with improving bone health and reducing inflammation.

Jojoba Oil

You may recognize this oil from your favorite skincare products, as it’s known as a humectant that moisturizes and protects the skin. Unsurprisingly, it’s just as effective when used as a massage oil! It’s beloved for its natural qualities that mimic the oils already found in your skin, helping to restore lost moisture and leave your complexion feeling smooth, soft, and supple. In addition to its power as a moisture magnet, jojoba oil also contains antioxidants like Vitamin E to help shield against environmental stress and damage.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

As one of the most versatile ingredients around, is anybody really shocked that coconut oil is a top pick from massage experts? And we’re not talking about the thick, greasy type that you use in the kitchen… but fractionated coconut oil that’s lighter and more lubricant during your massage. It helps your massage therapist to target more specific areas of muscle tension, using short strokes to release stress and get you back on your feet. Coconut oil is also known to moisturize, smooth, and tighten the skin – making it versatile enough to be effective on people of all ages and skin types. 

Olive Oil

Another staple of Ayurvedic medicine, olive oil massage is just as effective on your skin as it is for your hair. Not only does it help relieve muscle pains, spasms, and aches while reducing inflammation, especially helpful for those who are always on their feet, it also has countless beauty benefits. Olive oil has long been said to “tighten” the skin and reduce wrinkles and cellulite, which many skincare experts and celebrities can confirm, while it’s rich in vitamins to help prevent premature aging. If you have a bit of olive oil left over after your massage, you can even use it to gently remove makeup in a way that’s easier on your skin!

Almond Oil

If you’re looking for a mild yet effective massage, almond oil is your new essential. It has a sweet but not overpowering scent, along with a well-rounded list of benefits including moisturizing the skin, anti-inflammatory properties, soothing aches and pains and more. It absorbs quickly into the skin in a way that won’t leave residue or clog the pores, and can even be mixed in with jojoba or rosehip oils for a powerful blend that leaves you feeling recharged. 

Rosehip Oil

This massage oil has rapidly gained popularity in the skincare world, due to its gentle nature and hydrating and anti-aging benefits. If you love the way rosehip oil feels on your face – just wait until your massage therapist blends it across your legs, arms, and back. The fatty acids in this oil can help smooth out the skin and help you look younger below the neck, while it can also be effective at reducing acne or blemish-prone skin. Studies have shown that rosehip oil improves skin elasticity and collagen production in as little as two months, which is even more of a reason to relax during your rosehip oil massage!

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