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.
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.
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 right out of the slump and increase serotonin and dopamine levels in your body.
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 quite 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 are able to 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 give them a go for a body massage?
In order 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.
I will share the best carrier oils and essential oils for a body massage in this article.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
What Essential Oils are Good for a Massage?
To improve and enhance the benefits of a body massage oil, you should also include a few essential oils in the recipe.
There are over 100 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
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils used in hair and skincare. It has a soothing and refreshing scent.
It calms, relaxes, revitalizes, and soothes all at the same time. You simply cannot go wrong adding 5 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
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
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.
Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil aka sweet orange essential oil energizes the body. 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
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
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 as they are volatile oils and shouldn’t be applied undiluted to the skin.
16 Best Body Massage Oil Brands
Can’t be bothered to mix your own body massage oils? You can purchase ready-made massage oil such as the top brands below:-
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Lavender Chamomile Massage Oil
Bath & Body Works Jasmine Vanilla Massage Oil
Eau Thermale Avène Body Oil
Herbivore Natural Jasmine Body Oil
Kora Organics Noni Glow Body Oil
Nooky Orange Blossom Massage Oil with Jojoba & Essential Oils
Nooky Massage Oil With Essential and Sweet Almond Oils
NaturOli Warm and Sensual Massage Oil
Neal’s Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Massage Oil
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body Oil
Tata Harper All-Natural Revitalizing Oil
The Body Shop Spa of the World Polynesian Monoi Radiance
Venu Anti Cellulite Massage Oil and Treatment
Weleda Arnica Massage Oil
Zents Cashmere Elixir Body Oil Spray
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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