Additives

Oil additives are used for various purposes. In massage oils they are used to improve emollient property of the oil. When oils are too viscous or too thin, oil additives are used to transform them. Among the main reasons however, is that oil additives often improve or facilitate the medicinal and curative properties of the base oil.

As natural oils are expensive, manufacturers are resorting to using synthetic oil additives with increasing frequency. However, medicinal practitioners believe that the best oil additives are those that are derived from natural sources since they have minimal adverse effects, and are very effective for the desired purpose.

Synthetic oil additives are hence not a preferred option. Although this does make the product more expensive they will be of premium quality with no chances of undesired side effects. Natural additives, on the other hand, do not detract from the therapeutic properties of essential oils. Amongst oil additives that work for a host of therapeutic oils are wheat germ, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and almond oil are common additives in oil used for aromatherapy. These oils are known as carrier oils and they enhance the natural benefits of the pure essential oil.

Other commonly used oil additives are organic vegetable extract oils as they are ideal carriers for applying the beneficial properties of essential oil adding vitamins and nutrients to the essential extract. Because of the potency of essential oils it is recommended they should not be applied directly to your skin and oil additives that work with the essential oil of choice.

Aromatic oils

Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.

By adding aromatic oils to products, it works through the sense of smell and skin absorption.

There are nearly one hundred types of essential oils available. Each essential oil has an array of unique healing properties, uses, and effects. Combining essential oils to create a synergistic blend creates even more benefits.

Carrier oils

Carrier oil, also known as base oil or vegetable oil, is used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin.

Diluting essential oils is a critical safety practice when using essential oils. Oils alone are volatile because they begin to dissipate as soon as they are applied. The rate of dispersion will vary based on how light or heavy the carrier oil is.

Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, though some, such as olive, have a mild distinctive smell. Neither do they evaporate like essential oils, which are more volatile. The carrier oils used should be as natural and unadulterated as possible. Many people feel organic oils are of higher quality. Cold-pressing and maceration are the two main methods of producing carrier oils.

Carrier oils best used are -

Coconut oil

Olive oil

Jojoba oil

Sweet almond oil

Argan oil

Avocado oil

Grapeseed oil

Apricot kernal oil

Flaxseed oil

Wheat germ oil

Other mediums

A massage medium is a lubricant that enables the therapist’s hands to move freely and smoothly over the client’s skin. The three most common mediums are: oils, creams and powder.

Massage Creams

Creams are good for small and delicate areas such as the face or on very dry skin, especially the feet. They tend to be heavier and greasier than oils and absorb faster, therefore more frequent application may be required.

Powder

Powder is useful for oily skin, very hairy clients or clients who dislike their skin feeling oily after a treatment. Powder allows for a deeper pressure to be applied and prevents body hair knotting and pulling during the massage, non-talc powder that is a blend of arrrowroot, bicarbonate of soda and rice flour are good to use.