Yes, a massage oil is important since it not only sets the mood of the massage, some oils also contain healing and therapeutic properties that may benefit you.  It is also useful to know which massage oil has the tendency to give you a greasy feeling, as well as the oils that quickly turn rancid and oils that can irritate the skin and cause rashes.

Usually, when people create a massage oil, what they do is choose a base or carrier oil and an essential oil.   A few drops of the more expensive essential oil is added to the carrier oil.  This way, the oil used in the body is not too concentrated and will only deliver the right amount of substances that our bodies needs.  Essential oils, by themselves, may prove to be too overpowering and concentrated.

With that, here are some base oils that you can look into when choosing a massage oil.

Apricot Kernel Oil.  This is generously infused with vitamin E, giving it skin moisturizing and anti-oxidant fighting abilities.  The vitamin E also helps to make sure that the oil does not quickly go rancid.  This is also slightly more expensive than the other base oils.  Another good thing about this massage oil is that it feels good on the skin and is not greasy.  People who suffer from allergies to nuts can have this.

Sweet Almond Oil.  This is a sweet-smelling oil that acts as an excellent carrier oil.  The skin absorbs the oil quickly and will not give you a greasy feeling afterward.  It is also very gently to the skin.  However, this may not be suitable for those who are allergic to nuts.

Fractionated Coconut Oil.  This kind of oil is light and feels fresh.  It also has a long shelf0life and is actually quite affordable.  It also has the added benefit of softening the skin and removing dry scales that the skin may have.

Jojoba Oil. This kind of oil is a favorite not just for massage oils but also for other skin and hair care products.  It is actually not an oil but a wax.  The skin absorbs this oil fairly quickly so that you may need to reapply more of the oil during the massage.  But it is silky and smooth and can soften the skin effectively.

Avocado Oil.  Because this is more expensive and heavier in texture, you can mix avocado oil with a lighter massage oil.  Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E and has excellent anti-oxidant properties.  However, those who are sensitive to latex may be uncomfortable using this oil.

Sunflower Oil.   Light and fragrant, this oil is great for aged skin since it helps to moisturize and stimulate the production of essential fatty acids in the skin. It is also rich in vitamin E.  The drawback with sunflower oil is that it has the tendency to go rancid faster than the other oils, so if you want this oil, buy a little at a time.

Olive Oil.  Another great massage oil would be olive oil.  Yes, this is not used just for salads and pasta, you can use this on your skin as well.   Olive oil, however, is heavy, so it needs to be mixed with a lighter oil.

Grapeseed Oil.  Odorless and light, this glides smoothly on the skin and leaves it with a satiny feel.   This is infused with the essential fatty acid called linoleic acid.  It helps in the restructuring and regeneration of the skin.  It also helps to keep the skin moisturized.

Cocoa Butter.  This is a rich and luxurious alternative.  It does have a heavy texture and may need the addition of other lighter oils.

Shea Butter.  Similar to cocoa butter, this is also rich and luxurious and may also need the addition of lighter oils.  On its own, it does work well with the skin, but it is on the heavy side and may feel oily.

Sesame Oil.   This oil should be blended with lighter oil to have a better consistency that is suitable for massage.  However, ayurvedic massage makes use of this since it not only relaxes during massage, it can also help with problems such as dry skin, bloating, anxiety, constipation and poor blood circulation.

Whew!  This is quite a list.  But actually there is more!  There are plenty of massage oils to choose from.  All you have to do is maybe try a few and see which massage oil works best for you.

Having the right container for massage oil will mean that your personalized oils will last longer, as it decreases the oils’ tendencies to become stale with time.  The essential and basic oils (as well as the container for the massage oil) can be bought at health stores, as well as massage therapy store.

A container for massage oil will also keep the quality of the oil, ensuring that the oil it contains stays clean.  With a container where you can securely seal and prevent leaks, you can now bring your very own massage oil anywhere you go. This way, you can enjoy your very own scent and healing properties that you need. Some oils have a moisturizing effect on the skin.  Still other oils can rid your skin of dryness and rashes.  Also, some oils can cool and relieve one of swelling and pain.

Now, how do you create your oils?  First, read up on the properties of the different oils.  Find out how they work on the skin.  Then, test the oils – smell it and place a few drops on the back of your hand to measure how well or how badly your skin will react with the oil.  After you have selected your oils, place the carrier oil of your choice inside the container for massage oil.

Add a few drops of your selected essential oil and then shake the bottle or container gently.  Remember, it is important to use carrier oils sparingly.  For one, if you use the concentrated form, you may risk skin rashes.  Another thing, essential oils are generally more expensive than carrier oils.  In addition, the carrier oils will effectively administer the healing and soothing effects of the essential oils. To save up on the cost of your massage oils, you can also try to buy the oils by the bulk and then just keep this inside a container that is specifically for massage oils.

Also, once you have the correct mix that you desire, you can also make a holster for your container for massage oil.  This will help keep the massage oil bottle handy and close at hand when you are doing a massage.   You can tailor the holster to fit your massage oil bottles, creating the perfect fit so that you can wear it on your waist, where you can easily reach for it.  Using some fabric, make the housing for your bottle and then make the belt.  And voila!  You have a bottle for your massage oil and a holster to go with it.  Happy massaging!

Sweet Almond Oil This sweet smelling massage oil glides smoothly and is easily absorbed by the skin.  Extracted from the almond tree’s dried kernels, it is quite useful in soothing and softening tired skin.  Its ability to help the skin absorb moisture makes it a useful moisturizer and carrier oil for other kinds of massage oils.  The sweet almond oil also provides relief from muscle pain, as well as skin inflammation and irritation.   It may not be for those who are allergic to nuts, though.

Apricot Kernel Oil It is smooth and fine textured and makes for a good carrier oil.  It is rich in Vitamin E, as well as poly-unsaturated fatty acids.  This kind of oil works great for sensitive skin, as well as mature and dry skin, especially the face.  It leaves no greasy feelings since it easily gets absorbed by the skin.  Although this is a bit more expensive than sweet almond oil, it certainly is worth it, since it lasts longer than other oils that tend to become rancid quickly.  And since it is not nut-based, it is a great alternative to almond oil for those who are allergic to nuts.

Jojoba Oil Pronounced as ho-ho-ba, it is actually a wax and not an oil.  It is extracted from the jojoba seeds and is proven as an effective moisturizer.  It works the same way as your skin’s sebum or oil.  It works to declog your skin’s pores and cleanse your face and skin from dirt and grime that is wedged into the skin.  Jojoba oil is a popular ingredient for shampoo, hair care products and skin products.  However, it is more expensive but the good thing about it is that a little of this goes a long way.

Grape Seed Oil Light and quickly absorbed by the skin, it works as an excellent skin toner and is used for skin problems such as acne.  It is infused with essential fatty acids that our cell membranes and skin need.  Grape seed massage oil also makes a great moisturizer.

These are just four of the more popular massage oils.  Do give these a try – we are sure you will appreciate what these can do for you.