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When selecting massage oil, it is important for a massage therapist to discuss potential and existing allergies with his client. Second, the type of massage also influences the choice of oil to use. For the best deep tissue massage, an oil with less glide should be selected. Conversely, the greatest enhancer for a lighter massage is an oil with a lot of glide capability. A massage therapist only applies enough oil necessary to allow for easy workability and a smooth feel. You will find descriptions of a few of the most common massage oils listed below:
Grapeseed Oil
This type of oil is popular and commonly used because it contains large amounts of linoleic acid, an important fatty acid that is essential for skin regeneration, restructuring, and moisturizing. Grapeseed oil is non- greasy oil and many massage therapist opt to blend it with almond oil. Known for its fine, satiny texture, grapeseed oil is rich in vitamins as well.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is a great massage oil because of its softening and soothing capabilities. Further, almond oil also assists the skin in balancing absorption of moisture. Almond oil is nourishing, easy to work with and non-greasy – making it a popular choice. If you are interested in aromatherapy, this is also a great oil to consider. Almond oil is known for its lovely, light and sweet scent.
Apricot Oil
Containing both oleic and linoleic acid, Apricot oil is known for its moisturizing and revitalizing qualities. This is a great choice of oil for a client with delicate, sensitive, dry, and mature skin. Apricot oil is also commonly used to sooth inflammation. Massage therapists generally like working with this finely textured, easily spread oil.
Avocado oil
Often used for to treat clients with mature skin, psoriasis, and eczema, avocado oil is also great for skin damaged by natural elements. Avocado oil has strong regenerative qualities and is commonly used for under nourished skin. You will often find that massage therapists blend this type of oil with almond or grapeseed oil.
Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. As a result, wheat germ oil is commonly used in aromatherapy massage. This is also a good choice of oils for healing scar tissue and stretch marks. It also is great for repairing sun damage and encouraging the formulation of new skin cells. In most cases, wheat germ oil is used in a blend because it is often too sticky on its own. This oil is a good blend partner because it offers a wealth of antioxidants.
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