Which oil do massage therapists use?

— the choice of oil really depends on the therapist’s training, the type of massage, and the client’s skin type. Here are the most common oils professional massage therapists use:

🌿 Oils Commonly Used by Massage Therapists

1. Sweet Almond Oil 🌰

  • Most popular choice in spas and clinics.

  • Light, glides smoothly, doesn’t absorb too fast.

  • Packed with Vitamin E → nourishes skin.

  • Gentle enough for most skin types.
    ⚠️ Not for clients with nut allergies.

2. Grapeseed Oil 🍇

  • Very popular in professional settings.

  • Lightweight, silky, and odorless.

  • Absorbs fairly quickly → great for oily or acne-prone skin.

  • Doesn’t stain sheets (a big plus for therapists).

3. Jojoba Oil 🌵

  • Technically a liquid wax, not oil.

  • Non-greasy, long-lasting, hypoallergenic.

  • Ideal for clients with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

  • Used often in high-end or therapeutic massages.

4. Coconut Oil (Fractionated) 🥥

  • Common in wellness centers & spas.

  • Fractionated form stays liquid at room temp (unlike regular coconut oil).

  • Light, moisturizing, and doesn’t clog pores.

  • Naturally antimicrobial.

5. Sesame Oil 🌼

  • Widely used in Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga).

  • Warming, nourishing, detoxifying.

  • Often combined with herbs for therapeutic treatments.

✅ Why Therapists Choose These Oils

  • Texture & glide: Oil must allow smooth hand movements without constant reapplication.

  • Skin safety: Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, safe for sensitive skin.

  • Practicality: Non-staining, doesn’t go rancid quickly, easy to wash off.

  • Therapeutic effect: Some oils (like sesame or jojoba) are chosen for specific healing properties.

✨ In summary:
Most massage therapists use sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil for general sessions because they’re versatile, safe, and provide excellent glide. For specialty treatments, they may switch to jojoba, coconut, or sesame oil.

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