Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Hold approximately 1 tsp of the oil in your pre-warmed hands until it reaches body temperature and then begin to apply in gentle yet confident strokes. Less is more at first when applying oil - add more oil if needed, but not so much that your hands slip off the area you wish to focus on.

If you’re looking to make your own with a carrier oil and your preferred essential oils, we’ve also got you covered.The wide variety of massage oil products can make it very confusing to choose one. Start with what you want the product to do and what your personal preferences are. This will help you narrow down the possibilities. Massage therapist Cynthia Parsons, LMT, prefers using a gel, not an oil. “Gel gives you a glide,” she said. This massage oil is ideal for anyone suffering from sports- or exercise-related injuries, as it harnesses the powers of peppermint and eucalyptus to soothe and relax overly-tensed, uncomfortable muscles. Suffering after an intense workout, or plagued by arthritis? Try Weleda's spectacularly popular massage oil enriched with the healing properties of arnica. The makers actually recommend use before or after exercise, so you can prevent as well as cure. This glorious massage oil has a base of coconut and jojoba for a warm, exotic scent. Peach kernels, grapefruit, rosemary and juniper then add new layers of sweetness, making it a sensory treat, plus there are some muscle-soothing additions such as eucalyptus and mint, too.

Sadly, there are no magic treatments that can prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Vitamin E oil is commonly used to prevent stretch marks, as research shows that vitamin E helps the skin become more elastic, allowing it to stretch further without damage. This oil uses a number of vegetable carrier oils, including fractionated coconut oil, wheat-germ oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, and almond oils. If you're worried about the texture of your skin, an all-over body massage with this sweet-smelling oil could prove highly effective. Using 100% natural ingredients, Weleda's offering promises to firm and tone skin effectively. Quality. Buy from a reputable company to ensure that you’re getting a pure product without unwanted additives. Note that a filtered oil is more refined.If you have a physical ache you'd like to work on in your massage, such as an injured muscle area or painful joints from arthritis, various plant-based ingredients can help. Strained your hamstring? Try a massage oil with arnica, which is believed to soothe sprains and muscle aches or one containing stimulating mint, eucalyptus, fennel, or cyprus-leaf oils. Young Living is a reputable brand that’s used by professionals, and it’s one of the largest suppliers of essential oils. Cheraghbeigi N, et al. (2019). Comparing the effects of massage and aromatherapy massage with lavender oil on sleep quality of cardiac patients: A randomized controlled trial. DOI:

Nasiri A, et al. (2016). Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial. DOI: Mirmohammadali M, et al. (2015). The effect of massage with oils on the growth of term infants: A randomized controlled trial. DOI: Nyssa Hanger, MA, LMT, a massage therapist who founded an institute promoting the science of essential oils, said that her “absolute favorite carrier oil is fractionated coconut oil.” Lin TK, et al. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. DOI: Test a small amount of the oil on your forearm before using. This is important if you’re concerned about allergies. You may find a store where there are samples you can try before you buy.https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/draft-assessment-report-arnica-montana-l-flos_en.pdf A massage is a great way to loosen muscles, aid relaxation and soothe your mind. For couples or anyone keen to try massage, using oils not only makes the massage more comfortable and pleasurable, but they also smell great - turning the experience into a treat for the senses. Some oils come with added benefits for sensitive skin, stretch marks, and cellulite too.