There are various type of carrier and massage oils. I’m sure most oils have been tried before, and there are varying results to different oils. Rapeseed oil massage, or canola as it’s also called is one of the lesser oils used. But it’s a very good carrier oil with some great health benefits.
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Rapeseed Oil Massage Skin Benefits
Rapeseed, or canola as it’s also known is great for the skin. This is why it makes a good massage oil, along with being a good consistency for massage and great and blending with other oils. If you visit a spa ask them to use rapeseed oil next time you go. Take their advice on which essential oils to mix, if any.
Here are a few of the notable skin benefits you can enjoy from regular rapeseed oil massages.
Vitamin E for Healthier Skin
Rapeseed is high in vitamin E and other anti-oxidants, which are known active ingredients in protecting and improving the look and quality of skin. Some people use it as a moisturizer for these reasons.
Great Moisturizing Properties
As mentioned above, canola is great as a moisturizer The fatty acids in the oil are particularly helpful for people suffering with dry skin. Its a natural, inexpensive way to moisturize and will result is soft, youthful feeling skin.
Actively Helps Combat Skin Infections
Always check with a doctor and on a small sample size first, but many people have lessened the appearance of skin conditions like eczema, acne, and scarring with canola oil. A massage with an essential oil might be just what you need.
What Makes a Good Massage Oil?
Massage oils need to be suitable for application on the skin and not cause irritation. Some people will have allergies, but most good massage oils have very few instances of irritation. Almond oil is not suitable for people with nut allergies for example, but there are many alternatives that are suitable.
Massage oils need to have a good consistency without being too oily. Be able to carry other oils to make therapeutic blends, and not leave behind a sticky residue. There are numerous health benefits with massage therapy. Having the correct oil is incredibly important.
Properties of Massage Oil Explained
There are certain properties that make massage oils effective. If you’re looking at different oils for suitability, look for the following:
Viscosity
Viscosity basically refers to how thick an oil consistency is. A substance like tar for example is very high viscosity, while water is low. A good massage oil should be low in viscosity. It needs to flow smoothly over the body when massage strokes are being applied. It shouldn’t be as low as water however, the therapist needs to keep control over it.
Absorption Rate
A good oil does not absorb into the skin either too quickly, or too slowly. A typically massage session is 30-40 minutes long, the oil should start to absorb fully as the session comes to an end.
Odor
A lot of natural massage oils are low in odor, especially carrier oils as this allows for the main oil being blended in to be the primary scent. You can buy oils of all different scents and odors however. It will come down to personal preference what scent you want.
Moisturizing Quality
Good moisturizing properties means the client is receiving all the benefits of the oil on their skin. Oils that are also good moisturizers hydrate the client and leave their skin feeling and looking younger and healthier.
Oil Purity
Oil purity and quality is important for an optimal massage experience. Filtered oils have been put through an additional filtering process to remove small solid particles and contaminants. They are typically better quality and less less residue.
In Summary
As you can see from the above benefits, rapeseed oil massage can be incredibly relaxing, enjoyable, and good for your health. If you have regular massages its good to mix up the oils used and keep the sensation fresh an interesting.
There are endless oils and combinations to consider. The lesson learned here is that there are lots of different oils out there.
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.