The Best Oils for Massage

Fernanda Santiago • February 14, 2023

The Best Oils for Massage

Do you know what’s in your massage medium (lotion/oil/cream)? This is the question I ask the students who attend my Aromatherapy therapy trainings.

I often hear comments from therapists who have concerns and would like healthier options for their clients and themselves. Some haven’t realized that what you use on your clients you’re also exposing yourself to on a daily basis and at a much higher level from multiple treatments per day. After coming to this conclusion they often ask for different options.

Preservatives in Lotions & Creams
Many commercial lotions are packed with nasty preservatives. There has been a concern in recent years about what we put on our skin and it disrupting our natural skin’s microbiome.

Did you know…Probiotics don’t just exist inside our gut. Our skin contains good bacteria that serve as protection from the outside world. However, if we don’t take care of it or worse destroy it by the use of harmful chemicals, this can lead to skin problems such as eczema. # *

Why do lotions and creams often contain preservatives? Preservatives are a common ingredient in these products to extend the shelf life. Lotions and creams contain water and when you add water to a product you’re at risk for funky things growing in there!

Many therapists choose to use lotions and creams for different reasons. Sometimes it’s the concern of getting oil on the carpet. Also, they are worried about not having enough grip and being too slippery. But there are ways that you can adapt when you find the right oil base for your practice.

The Use of Oils for Massage
This post is specific for the use of oils for massage.
You can’t get any more natural than just using a pure vegetable base oil. The traditional way to perform massage therapy has always been with oil.

For specific neuromuscular or myofascial therapy to Swedish massage, oils can be adaptable when used accordingly.

If you’re looking for more grip and less glide then all you need is a few drops. Oils can go a long way!

With so many available oils on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose. As a certified clinical therapist and bodyworker for almost two decades, I’ve had hands-on experience with formulation giving me the opportunity to utilize a wide array of natural oils for massage therapy treatments.

These natural oils are rich in nutrients such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. By applying these oils to the skin we are providing “topical nutrition”.

You can blend a combination of these natural oils to make the consistency suitable to your preference.
With proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight), you can expect a good shelf life with these oils.

When purchasing your oils look for cold pressed and organic (always a plus).

Here are my top oils that are beneficial for massage:

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)– This is my favorite carrier oil by far! A liquid wax with a light, fine texture, very similar to our own body’s natural sebum. It is rich in vitamin E which gives a healthy-looking complexion to your skin. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties are great for soothing eczema, psoriasis and inflammatory skin conditions. A wonderful all-around skin and body oil. Shelf life-up to 2 years

Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus)
This deeply nourishing oil is a wonderful skin conditioner with high amounts of Vitamins A, B, D and E, minerals, and also has beneficial amounts of lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids. Sunflower is a versatile oil that is readily absorbed by the skin and can be used in massage and in aromatherapy. Shelf life-up to 2 years.

Sweet Almond (Prunus dulcis)- A great all-purpose oil. Suitable for all ages and skin types. An excellent emollient and is known for its ability to soften and re-condition the skin. It is rich in proteins, Olein Glyceride Linoleic Acid, and Vitamin D, and is considered extremely nourishing to the skin when used regularly. It is nourishing, non-irritating and easily absorbs. Medium consistency. Shelf life -up to 2 years

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)– Skin protecting, Emollient (soothes and softens the skin). Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides and making it an absolutely saturated oil. This saturation gives it a very, very long shelf life and greatly increases stability. If you need a light oil that will mix well with the other oils, absorbs into the skin easily and will moisturize without clogging pores, then fractionated coconut oil is a good fit. It is predominantly composed of Capric and Caprylic acids. Virgin coconut oil is suitable for massage as well. Melting it in a small bowl inside a towel warmer provides for a luxurious application of this warm oil. Shelf life – up to 2 years.

Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)– A gentle emollient oil, suitable for all skin types especially great for dry, sensitive or inflamed skin. Rich in oleic, linoleic and palmitic fatty acids, as well as Vitamins A and E, it is known for its revitalizing, moisturizing and nourishing properties for skin and hair. Skin nourishing and softening with a light consistency. Shelf life -up to 1 year

Hemp Seed (Cannabis sativa)- Rich in minerals, proteins, amino acids, omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids. Hemp Seed Oil is also said to closely match our own skins lipids and the essential fatty acids are readily absorbed into the skin. A natural protectant for the skin’s moisture barrier while improving the texture of skin. Shelf life – up to 2 years.

Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera)– A great all-purpose oil suitable for all skin types. Light green color, light consistency that israpidly absorbed by the skin, which makes it a good massage oil. Shelf life – up to 2 years.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you are using oils as your massage medium, what are your favorites?

Please share below! 💚

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The Discount Dilemma: Why Spa Businesses Should Proceed with Caution

By Fernanda Santiago • April 20, 2024

In the competitive world of spa services, it's tempting to resort to discounts and specials to attract clients. While creating seasonal offerings can be helpful to engage current clients, attract new clients and encourage them to try new services, we don’t want to fall into the trap of offering specials too often. While it may seem like a quick fix to fill appointment slots and boost revenue, this approach can actually be detrimental to your business in the long run. Here’s why: Devaluation of Services: Constantly offering specials can devalue the perception of your services in the eyes of your clients. When clients become accustomed to discounted rates, they may hesitate to book appointments at full price in the future, leading to a decrease in overall revenue. Attracting Price-Sensitive Clients: Clients who are primarily attracted to specials and discounts are often more price-sensitive and less loyal. They may shop around for the cheapest deal rather than forming a long-term relationship with your spa. This can result in a higher churn rate and lower client retention. Erosion of Brand Image: Your spa's brand image is crucial for attracting high-value clients and standing out in the market. Constantly offering specials can cheapen your brand image and undermine the perception of quality and exclusivity that you've worked hard to cultivate. Negative Impact on Profit Margins: Continuously discounting services can erode your profit margins over time. While specials may initially attract clients, the reduced revenue per service can ultimately outweigh the benefits of filling appointment slots, especially when factoring in the cost of providing the service. Difficulty in Upselling: When clients are accustomed to discounted rates, they may be less receptive to upselling additional services or premium treatments at full price. This can limit your ability to maximize revenue per client and hinder the growth of your business. While offering specials occasionally can be a strategic marketing tactic, constantly relying on discounts can have detrimental effects on your spa business. Instead, focus on highlighting the unique benefits of your services, building long-term client relationships, and maintaining the perceived value of your offerings to ensure the sustainable growth and success of your spa. In other words, work with what you’ve got! The Power of Highlighting Services: A Strategic Approach for Spa Professionals Here’s why we believe that highlighting your services creates a more sustainable and effective approach: Value Perception: When you highlight a service, you're showcasing its unique benefits and value proposition. This elevates the perceived value in the eyes of your clients, making them more willing to pay full price. Building Expertise and Trust: By focusing on specific services, you position yourself as an expert in those areas. Clients are more likely to trust your expertise and recommendations, leading to higher retention rates and client satisfaction. Targeted Marketing: Highlighting services allows you to target specific client needs and preferences. This enables you to tailor your marketing efforts more effectively, attracting clients who are genuinely interested in the services you offer. Filling Open Slots Strategically: Instead of resorting to blanket discounts that can devalue your services, strategically highlight services that have open slots on your schedule. By showcasing these services to your clients, you can fill those slots while maintaining the perceived value of your offerings. Encouraging Repeat Business: When clients experience the full benefits of a highlighted service, they're more likely to return for future appointments. This fosters long-term client relationships and generates consistent revenue for your spa. In conclusion, highlighting services offers a more sustainable and valuable approach for spa professionals compared to giving discounts or specials. By focusing on the unique benefits of each service, you can keep clients engaged, fill open slots on your schedule, and ultimately grow your spa business.