6 Best Oils for a Body Massage At Home

Elevate a body massage at home to a spa-level experience with these 6 best oils recommendations. Expect relaxed and calm energy around you by the time you’re done. 

We pay a lot of attention to pampering our hair and face but not much time is spent thinking about the body.

The basics for the beyond being slapping on a great body butter or lotion for moisture and hydration after a shower.

However, a good body massage can make a huge difference in overall well-being not to mention improve the texture of your skin.

A lot of people think a body massage is about relaxing and getting energized but there are a lot more benefits than that.

In this article, I cover the benefits of body massage, best oils, and essential oils for a body massage regimen.

6 best oils for a body massage at home
6 Best Oils for a Body Massage at Home

7 Amazing Benefits of a Body Massage

1. A Body Massage Relieves Stress

After a hard day at work, a body massage can go a long way in helping you relieve your stress and sore muscles.

It can help lower your stress levels and increase the serotonin levels in your body. Serotonin is the happiness hormone.

2. A Body Massage Promotes Glowing Skin

A body massage with the right kind of oil can lead to glowing, smooth, and beautiful skin.

Combined with exfoliation therapy, dry, dull, and scaly skin will start to improve while slowing down the signs of aging and refining the appearance of scars and wrinkles.   

3. A Body Massage Revives Sore Muscles

Intense workout programs or other physical activities can cause sore muscles.

By incorporating a body massage into your regimen, you can work on those sore muscles, connective tissues, and tendons, and help them heal faster.

7 Amazing Benefits of a Body Massage at Home

4. A Body Massage Improves Your Mood

A deep body massage is a great mood booster.

If you’re feeling a bit blue, a body massage can lift you out of the slump and increase your serotonin and dopamine levels.

5. A Body Massage is Helpful for Back Pain

A body massage can be very helpful for back pain. It relieves the superficial symptoms of back pain and improves mobility and blood circulation.

Note that the body massage shouldn’t replace advice from your primary care physician if you have back pain.

6. A Body Massage Reduces PMS Symptoms

A body massage, especially on the stomach and lower back areas, can greatly reduce the effects of PMS.

I started a body massage therapy a few years ago with calendula oil and lavender essential oil.

The results were such a blessing, as my PMS symptoms can be pretty debilitating. 

7. A Body Massage Helps You Sleep Better

Regular body massages can help you sleep better at night if you suffer from insomnia.

You can improve your breathing patterns and let your body relax completely, which improves your sleep pattern.

What is the Best Massage Oil for Relaxation?

Now that you know just how beneficial massage oils can be, are you ready to try them for a body massage?

To get the best benefits of a body massage, though, you can’t use just any random oil out there.

There are specific oils that are best for a body massage, and the way you combine them also matters.

This article will share the best carrier and essential oils for a body massage.

The next article will outline DIY sensual body massage oil recipes and how to use them on yourself, plus a tutorial video.

Body Massage with Coconut Oil

Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has long been used as body massage oil in many tropical regions of the world.

Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and a high vitamin E content in addition to easy absorption.

I recommend Garden of Life Coconut Oil, Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Oil or Viva Labs Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. 

Body Massage with Olive Oil

chacewater mission ulfiltered extra virgin olive oil

Olive oil is one of the most popular oils for hair care and cooking but the benefits are applicable when it comes to a body massage.

Olive oil also contains a high amount of vitamin E. Try Ojai Olive Oil Provencale Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Chacewater California Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Body Massage with Calendula Oil

Eminence Calendula Oil

Calendula oil is one of my favorites for use on the skin. It’s distilled from the flower tops of the marigold plant by steam distillation.

Calendula oil massage oil soothes and softens the skin. It also helps calm inflammation and contains a high amount of vitamin A.

I recommend Eminence Organic Calendula Oil, Herbal Choice Mari Organic Calendula Oil or Salem Botanical Calendula Oil.

Related Content: 8 Benefits of Calendula Oil for the Skin

Body Massage with Sweet Almond Oil

Silk Elements Pure Sweet Almond Oil

Extracted from sweet almonds, sweet almond oil is easily absorbed into the skin.

A great moisturizing oil that fades the appearance of scars and stretch marks. If you have a nut allergy, try another oil on this list.

I recommend Life Flo Pure Sweet Almond Oil, Molivera Organics Sweet Almond Oil, or Silk Elements Pure Sweet Almond Oil.

Body Massage with Apricot Kernel Oil

Bella Terra Oils Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot kernel oil has a similar texture to almond oil. However, it is a good alternative if you have a nut allergy.

Apricot kernel oil blends well with essential oils. It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K.

Apricot kernel oil moisturizes, nourishes, and softens the skin.

I recommend Aura Cacia Apricot Kernel Oil, Bella Terra Oils Apricot Kernel Oil, or Maple Holistics Apricot Kernel Seed Oil.

Body Massage with Jojoba Oil

trader-joes-jojoba-oil

If you have acne-prone skin, jojoba oil is a good alternative to the other body massage oils in this article.

A wax extracted from the jojoba plant, it is one of the few oils that mimic the sebum produced by the human skin.

I recommend Trader Joe’s Organic Jojoba Oil, Leven Rose Jojoba Oil or Viva Naturals Certified Organic Jojoba Oil.

All the oils recommended above are easily absorbed, and won’t leave behind a greasy residue or stain on your towels. The smell also dissipates quickly enough.

If you’re not sure if you’re allergic to any of these oils, try a patch test a few days before your body massage.

Related Content: Top 30 Non-Comedogenic Oils for Oily Skin

Best Essential Oils for a Body Massage
Best Essential Oils for a Body Massage

What Essential Oils Are Good for a Body Massage?

A few essential oils should also be included in the recipe to improve and enhance the benefits of a body massage oil.

There are over one hundred types of essential oils, and choosing the right one can be dizzying.

However, the very best essential oils for a body massage, based on my experience and research, include the following:-

Lavender Essential Oil

now-foods-lavender-essential-oil

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular oils used in hair and skincare. Its scent is soothing and refreshing.

It calms, relaxes, revitalizes, and soothes all simultaneously. You cannot go wrong by adding five drops of lavender essential oil to your body massage oil.

Try Now Solutions Lavender Essential Oil and Radha Beauty Lavender Essential Oil.

Geranium Essential Oil

edens-garden-geranium-essential-oil

Another essential oil that provides relaxing and uplifting effects on the senses. It promotes better circulation and revitalizes body tissues.

It also improves overall emotional and mental health. Try Edens Garden Geranium Essential Oil.

Lemon Essential Oil

edens-garden-lemon-essential-oil

Derived from the peel of the citrus lemon plant, lemon essential oil can ease fatigue, stress, emotional issues, and insomnia among other conditions.

It also helps improve the functioning of the immune system. Try Edens Garden Lemon Essential Oil.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Maple Holistics Pure Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil has refreshing and stimulating effects on the senses. It can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and uplift your mood.

Rosemary essential oil can also assist with mental clarity. Try Maple Holistics Pure Rosemary Essential Oil.

Orange Essential Oil

edens-garden-sweet-orange-essential-oil

Orange essential oil, also known as sweet orange essential oil, energizes the body and is another essential oil that works well for acne-prone skin.

It enhances the functioning of the immune system and helps lower blood pressure.

It also calms the senses and elevates the mood. Try Edens Garden Sweet Orange Essential Oil.

Vanilla Essential Oil

Plant Therapy Vanilla Oleoresin

The scent of vanilla is incredibly soothing to the senses and acts like an aphrodisiac.

Vanilla essential oil is available as an absolute and can be very expensive but luckily only a few drops at a time are needed. 

Vanilla essential oil is ideal for sensual body massages. Try Plant Therapy Vanilla Oleoresin Pure Undiluted.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Edens Garden Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is popular for a myriad of hair and healthy treatments because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. 

Peppermint essential oil has a strong and distinctive aroma but it has a cooling effect on the system and helps soothes sore and tired muscles.

Try Edens Garden Peppermint Essential Oil and Plant Therapy Organic Peppermint Essential Oil.

5 – 10 drops of essential oil are adequate in a body massage oil recipe.

Do not use an essential oil by itself as a massage oil. Essential oils are volatile and should not be applied undiluted to the skin.

15 Best Body Massage Oil Brands

Can’t be bothered to mix your body massage oils? You can purchase ready-made massage oil. Here are my top fifteen body massage oil brands:-

Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil

Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil

Maple Holistics Calming Massage Oil

Maple Holistics Calming Massage Oil

Surya Calming Body & Massage Oil

Surya Calming Body & Massage Oil

Bellefontaine Body Beauty Rescue Vital Massage Oil

Nooky Orange Blossom Massage Oil. With Jojoba & Essential Oils

Nooky Orange Blossom Massage Oil with Jojoba & Essential Oils

Nooky Massage Oil With Essential and Sweet Almond Oils

Nooky Massage Oil With Essential and Sweet Almond Oils

Drift Away Bath & Massage Oil

Temple Spa Drift Away Bath & Massage Oil

NaturOli Warm and Sensual Massage Oil

NaturOli Warm and Sensual Massage Oil

Tata Harper All-Natural Revitalizing Oil

Tata Harper All-Natural Revitalizing Oil

Weleda Arnica Massage Oil

Weleda Arnica Massage Oil

ZENTS Cashmere Elixir Body Oil Spray

Zents Cashmere Elixir Body Oil Spray

Majestic Pure Coconut Massage Oil

Majestic Pure Coconut Massage Oil

Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil

Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil

Viva Naturals Organic Massage Oil

Viva Naturals Organic Massage Oil

Nexon Botanics Sore Muscle Massage Oil

Nexon Botanics Sore Muscle Massage Oil

The next article will share amazing homemade body massage oil recipes for all skin types. 

Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines

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