Massage oils are a staple for many masseuses. Not only can they heighten the massage experience by offering aromatherapy benefits in addition to allowing for greater ease of movement over the body, but many massage oils are believed to contain healing properties for everything from breakouts to arthritis. As a part of the art and science of massage for centuries, it's no wonder that massage oils continue to be a must-have for massage therapists all over the world.
Challenges of Working with Massage Oils
One of the biggest challenges of working with massage oil is the skin irritation factor. Although there certainly are some massage oil types that are gentler on the skin and preferred by professionals, each person's skin is different. What works wonderfully for one client may cause skin breakouts or an allergic reaction on another.
Feeling greasy after a massage is something that almost no client wants, especially if that grease will rub off onto their clothes and leave hard-to-get-rid-of stains. For this reason, many massage therapists prefer oils that absorb quickly and easily into the skin, despite their need for constant re-application.
Storage and length of shelf life are also important considerations. Oils with high levels of vitamin E and those that have been cold-pressed tend to store well over long periods of time. For all other types of oils, the addition of vitamin E or storage in a cool, dry place can help to increase shelf life.