Massage is one of the simplest and most accessible methods of maintaining good health. You can increase the effectiveness of manipulations if you call on special means, for example, massage oils. What can pharmacy cosmetic products do, and how to choose them correctly?
All vegetable oils are divided into fatty, essential and mineral. The difference between them lies in the composition and properties.
Fixed oils
Fatty oils are extracted from oilseeds and consist mainly of triglycerides and fatty acids. They also contain small amounts of vitamins, minerals, waxes, lipochromes and other compounds that give them their characteristic smell and taste.
For massage, it is better to choose cold-pressed oils. They retain more active substances than products produced by hot extraction. Information about the production technology must be indicated on the packaging of the drug or in its instructions.
Preference should be given to those types of oils that do not form a sticky film on the skin:
- peach;
- apricot;
- jojoba oil;
- grape seed oil;
- argan;
- avocado oil;
- wheat germ oil.
Flaxseed oil is least suitable for manual manipulation, since it quickly becomes thick in air.
Due to the high concentration of fatty acids, all viscous oils perfectly moisturize the skin, increase its elasticity and firmness. However, if the feeling of a greasy film on the body causes discomfort, you can use so-called whipped oils for the procedure. Their consistency is no different from creams, but they are absorbed only with prolonged rubbing. In pharmacies you can find whipped shea, coconut or mango butter.
When purchasing a product, it is important to pay attention to its appearance. The “correct” fatty oil should be transparent, without sediment and be in a dark glass container.
Mineral oils
Mineral oils include:
They are obtained by distilling oil. These oils undergo a multi-stage purification process, so they do not cause allergies or irritation. But in terms of their properties, they are pharmacologically indifferent, that is, they do not have any therapeutic effect on the skin. During the massage, their only task is to ensure good gliding of the hands. Mineral products are not absorbed for a long time, so many experts even prefer them to fatty oils.
After the procedure, it is recommended to wash off petroleum products, as they form a waterproof film on the skin that interferes with the processes of nutrition and hydration.
Essential oils
Essential oils are fragrant, volatile liquids with a heterogeneous composition. In addition to essential compounds, they also contain proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
Due to their high allergenic potential, essential oils are never used in their pure form, but mixed with some kind of base - fatty oil or cream (at the rate of 4-5 drops per 10 mg of base). For pregnant women, the dosage is reduced by 2 times.
Which essential oil to choose depends on the purpose of the massage:
- for muscle pain, juniper, rosemary, and fir will help;
- Sage, lemon, tea tree will help with spider veins on the legs;
- for uneven skin color and age spots, neroli, ylang-ylang, and rosewood are recommended;
- oregano, myrrh, valerian, lavender are good for combating stress and nervous excitement;
- for sagging skin, incense, bergamot, ylang-ylang are indicated;
- orange, tangerine, lemon are suitable for eliminating cellulite;
- for chronic fatigue and nervous exhaustion, basil, cloves, and cinnamon will invigorate.
Almost all essential oils have bactericidal, antioxidant and biostimulating properties, therefore, at the same time, they improve nutrition and regeneration of the skin, and restore the “breathing” of cells.
You can identify a good essential oil based on 3 criteria:
- The bottle with it must have the inscription “100% pure” (or 100% essential oil).
- The container must be made of dark glass. Standard volume is 10 ml.
- The cost of this product cannot be less than $3, since the process of obtaining it is quite expensive.
When preparing a massage mixture, add the required amount of base to a bowl and only then dig out the essential oil. You can mix up to 5 different incense in one composition.
It is very easy to choose the right composition of oils. The only criterion is olfactory sensations. If you don’t like the smell of the prepared product and it seems heavy, then the procedure with it is unlikely to be enjoyable. Conversely, a pleasant aroma will promote high-quality relaxation.
How to choose quality essential oil? 10 criteria:
Proper body care is always necessary. After all, it is incredibly important for the beauty of the body. What should care include?
First, a good moisturizer that will protect and care for your skin. Secondly, it is an effective cleanser. What else? That's right - a good oil that will help moisturize the skin even more, making it soft and elastic. Moreover, if you love massage and practice it often, then you definitely need this product. True, there is a question about where you can buy this body product. It is best to do this at a pharmacy. There you can find high-quality and effective options at an affordable price. Today we will talk about oils for body massage from the pharmacy, make a list of the best, read reviews and find out the composition. So let's get started.
How to choose a good oil?
Before talking about individual representatives of body massage oils from the pharmacy, you need to figure out how to choose it. This information will help you find the best option that will be ideal for you.
- No artificial oils. Most vitamins and nutrients are not absorbed if they are synthesized by humans. That is why it is necessary to choose only natural oils in stores.
- Optimal fat level. It will be incredibly difficult to work with oil that is too greasy, because your hand will simply slide. Solid oil is also not the best option, because it will simply be difficult to distribute. That's why you need to find something in between.
- If possible, try the oil on yourself. This way you can find out how quickly it is absorbed and what it smells like.
- Pay attention to the composition. In a good oil, vitamins and beneficial elements should be on the first lines.
- Before the massage, be sure to apply the oil to the crook of your elbow to be sure that it will not cause allergies.
- Choose exclusively hypoallergenic options.
Weleda oil: appearance, properties
The first representative we will talk about is an anti-cellulite type of massage oil. The product is produced by Weleda - a Swiss brand of natural cosmetics.
Birch anti-cellulite oil can improve the appearance and condition of the skin. Intensive strengthening, complete hydration, elasticity and smoothness can be felt after just 1 month of constant use.
Weleda oil contains extracts from orange seeds and wheat germ. These components are completely natural and work well against orange peel. In addition to them, the composition contains jojoba and birch oil.
Weleda oil is packaged in a 100 ml bottle made of thick, dark glass. The jar has a light green label.
Positive and negative reviews about oil from the Weleda brand
Now let's talk about reviews. Let's start with the positive points:
- Nice smell. The aroma is not too bright, herbal, notes of jojoba oil are clearly felt.
- Well absorbed. With a medium-intensity massage, it is absorbed in literally 4–5 minutes.
- Does not stain clothes or bedding.
- Minimum consumption. Weleda body massage oil from the pharmacy is a very economical product. In 10–11 days of use, approximately 1/6 of the bottle is consumed.
- Compound. The product is completely natural, does not cause allergies, and is completely safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Unfortunately, there are also small disadvantages that also need to be discussed. Namely, the price. For many, 1,200–1,300 rubles for 100 ml of oil is too much.
Oil from the Green Pharmacy company: appearance and properties
If you want to try home massage, but don’t want to spend money on expensive and professional products, then try the Green Pharmacy massage oil. It can be found in literally any store.
“Green Pharmacy” is a Ukrainian brand that produces face and body care products. This relaxing oil promotes complete relaxation and restoration of state of mind. During a light massage with this product, the body is filled with the energy of life. It is worth saying that the product is universal. It can even be used in professional activities.
The relaxing oil contains sunflower extract. In addition, there is macadamia, avocado, orange, lavender, mint, and rosemary oil. Unfortunately, there are also unnatural components, for example, benzyl salicylate, limonene.
The product is packaged in a 200 ml brown glass bottle with a special dispenser.
Positive and negative reviews about the oil from the Green Pharmacy brand
Let's now talk about reviews, perhaps the opinions of other people will help you make your choice:
- Pleasant aroma. The smell is really incredibly tasty and lasts well. If you apply the oil before bed, you will fall asleep under a veil of wonderful aroma.
- Does not leave stains.
- Well absorbed. The product is absorbed remarkably in about 5–7 minutes.
- Well moisturizes. After using the oil, the skin is incredibly soft, smooth and moisturized.
- Gives a good relaxing effect. If you are giving a massage to someone, then your patient will be completely relaxed.
There are also negative aspects. Let's talk about them:
- Unnatural substances in the composition. Yes, the manufacturer does not guarantee complete naturalness, but the oil contains many flavors and additives.
- Inconvenient dispenser. It is wide enough that you can accidentally pour out too much product.
Brand oil “Granny Agafya’s Recipes”: appearance and properties
If you want to purchase body massage oil at the pharmacy, pay attention to such an option as “Grandmother Agafya’s Recipes.”
This product incredibly nourishes and moisturizes the skin. If you are looking for a product to combat dryness during the heating season, then this product is definitely for you.
The manufacturer assures that the oil from the Agafia Bathhouse series is completely natural. It contains organic rosehip extract, which moisturizes, tones, improves elasticity and evens out skin color. In addition, there is nutmeg oil, which perfectly nourishes and replenishes the lack of vitamins.
The wheat germ extract included in the composition gives the skin the necessary amount of vitamin E. In addition, it softens and soothes the skin.
The uniqueness of the product is that it is quite thick, more like a cream. This texture helps to better moisturize and nourish the skin. The oil is packaged in a transparent thick plastic jar with a black screw cap.
Positive and negative reviews about the oil from the “Agafia’s Bathhouse” series
Let's now get acquainted with the reviews about this oil. First, let's find out all the advantages:
- Price. The product is really quite budget-friendly; for 300 ml of product you will pay 200–350 rubles.
- Compound. It contains many natural and skin-beneficial ingredients.
- Well softens and moisturizes. If you suffer from severe dryness during the cold season, then this product is your indispensable assistant in skin care.
- Good aroma. The oil smells wonderful, leaving behind a light, pleasant veil.
- Interesting texture. The consistency is very similar to solid butter, which instantly melts in your hands, instantly absorbing into the skin.
The girls in the reviews highlighted only one minor minus. The product does not provide a cumulative effect; hydration is only a temporary result.
Coconut oil for face and body with jojoba Aasha Herbals: appearance and properties
Oil massage is a truly magnificent procedure that helps you relax and unwind. In addition, with its help you can quickly tighten the skin, remove cellulite and get rid of pain.
Now we will talk about coconut oil for body massage from Aasha Herbals, which can instantly moisturize the skin and enrich it with healthy vitamins. The product can soothe irritated or sensitive skin.
The oil is produced in India. According to the manufacturer, it is 100% natural and therefore does not cause allergies or irritation. The product is packaged in a long, deep blue bottle. All inscriptions are made in orange. The oil can be bought at pharmacies, Auchan and many online stores. It must be stored in a cool place; before use, you need to warm up the product a little, because coconut oil is used only in liquid form.
Positive and negative reviews of Aasha Herbals Jojoba Coconut Oil
Now we will talk about what other people think about this coconut oil. Let's start with its advantages:
- Nourishes well. After using the product, the skin really becomes soft, smooth and tender.
- Multifunctional. It is great for the body, face and hair.
- Universal. It can be used by both professionals and ordinary customers.
- Nice smell. Coconut smells really good and its aroma is incredibly moisturizing.
- Price. Oil costs no more than 200 rubles.
- Naturalness. The product consists only of jojoba and coconut oil.
Well, we need to devote time to the negative aspects. Quality of packaging. Yes, this is not so important, but many girls are upset that over time the letters on the packaging are erased, which makes the appearance unaesthetic.
Johnson's Baby Body Butter: appearance and description
Looking for body massage oil at the pharmacy? Pay attention to Johnson's Baby products, which are designed for baby skin care. It is worth saying that the oil is suitable not only for small children, but also for adults. The “children’s” label only makes it more natural and safe. If you are looking for a product for a regular massage, then this oil is perfect.
The oil is weakly moisturizing, it is more intended to provide slip. It is worth saying that the product has a good consistency, which helps it spread well. The oil smells good, the fragrance is quite bright and floral. In addition, it softens the skin well, even the next day it remains smooth and soft. An important advantage is that the oil does not cause allergies, so it is suitable for sensitive people.
The product is packaged in a transparent plastic bottle. The lid has a special child-proof dispenser.
Every woman dreams of having a beautiful face and body, and having smooth, elastic skin. To do this, you need to constantly take care of it, do various cosmetic procedures, nourish and moisturize it. The most effective and easy-to-use products are natural cosmetics and essential oils.
Which body oil is best?
It is impossible to name one oil that is ideal and suitable for every woman. Everyone has different skin and different concerns, and its effectiveness will depend on your overall health and age. You also need to take into account the time of year; in winter, the skin dries and flakes, and in summer it burns easily.
The face, body, hands, feet have skin of different structure and needs, so oils are selected in combination; you should not smear yourself with one product from head to toe.
Below we present seven of the best and most famous cosmetic oils for body care, revealing their beneficial properties and main methods of use.
Olive oil for moisturizing
It can be found in every housewife's kitchen; it is a valuable nutritious product. Olive oil has long been used as a cosmetic product. It is extracted exclusively from ripe and juicy olive fruits growing in southern latitudes.
Olive oil is rich in vitamins A and D, which are necessary for healthy skin, promote its restoration and accelerate the healing of small wounds. Also contains vitamin E (slows down aging), a complex of fatty acids and minerals that prevent moisture loss and keep the skin elastic
It has a pleasant sweet aroma, the care procedure turns into pleasure!
If you decide to take olive oil straight from the kitchen cupboard, read the label. It can be refined or unrefined. Unrefined oil contains more useful substances, since it is less subject to chemical processing.
Cosmetics for the face and body of many manufacturers are made on the basis of natural olive oil.
When choosing a ready-made product, study the composition indicated on the bottle so as not to buy a cheap fake. Typically, manufacturers enrich the base oil with other components (vitamins, essential oils) for greater effectiveness.
But there should be no artificial flavors and fragrances, as well as other chemical compounds! They are added to reduce the cost of the product, since natural high-quality ingredients are not cheap.
If you choose foreign-made oil, look for the special body* marking. High-quality oil contains the ingredients olive oil* and extract (…)*.
Ways to use olive oil:
Since it is able to moisturize and retain moisture well, it is recommended to use it for those areas that are prone to severe dryness and flaking. These are the feet, elbows, palms, and décolleté area. But it can be applied to the whole body. Do this after taking a shower, when the skin is still slightly damp, with light movements of the palm.
You can use it on the face, but then you need to take refined one, as the skin on the face is thinner and there is a risk of clogging the pores.
Make a bath for your hands and nails by simply dipping them in warm oil. Keep for at least half an hour. Nails stop flaking and crumbling, peeling and irritation on the skin disappear.
Perfect for massage. To do this, you should warm it up a little, and if you take food, then add a drop of essential oils to it:
Cinnamon – causes a rush of blood and warms.
tea tree – disinfects and heals.
Grapefruit oil – tones, relieves swelling and muscle tension.
Almond body oil
It is obtained from the seeds of almond nuts; it has a specific tart aroma. Almond oil contains special oleic acid, which helps the oil penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, vitamins A and F (its deficiency leads to many skin diseases, such as acne, eczema, etc.). Has a delicate scent.
Ways to use the oil:
This oil is included in many ready-made creams and mixtures for massage. You can use it at home, in pure or enriched form.
To moisturize very problem areas, it is better to use it in combination with ready-made cream or other oils.
For massage, like other oils, it is heated. Massage until absorbed. The skin softens, becomes smooth, and smells pleasant.
For the face, take only high-quality almond oil and apply it strictly along the massage lines. It is perfectly absorbed and does not leave a greasy film, the skin breathes. To enhance the effect, you can add drop by drop:
Lavender essential oil – relieves inflammation, treats acne.
Common juniper – reduces pores, smoothes skin
Mint – tones, gives a light blush.
Grape seed oil
It is obtained in two ways - cold pressing and hot extraction from grape seeds. What is obtained by the first method is much more useful, and therefore more expensive. You need more than half a ton of these berries to get just a liter of oil. But it's worth it!
It is unique in its composition, containing several times more vitamin E than olive oil, flavonoids, valuable fatty acids, a special complex of substances that protect cells from aging and destruction. As well as the substance resveratrol, which prevents the development of cancer.
This oil has a very beneficial effect on women's skin, as it contains phytoestrogens - substances similar in structure to female hormones.
Creams created on the basis of grape seed oil have a pronounced rejuvenating effect. Even fairly deep wrinkles are smoothed out, the skin is filled with radiance and becomes elastic.
Ways to use the oil:
It is most often used for facial care, but it is also included in massage oils and nail strengthening products. You can add it to any of your usual creams, it will make it more effective, or apply it in its pure form. This should be done before bed, on thoroughly cleansed skin.
Avocado oil for body
It is squeezed from the pulp of avocado fruits. It is a very good natural moisturizer, perfect for mature skin. Rich in vitamins A, D and E, proteins, lecithin.
- With regular use, it will help get rid of age spots and cope with sunburn.
- Regenerates and rejuvenates skin even with pronounced age-related changes, eliminates itching.
It is recommended to be used even for such serious diseases as eczema and psoriasis.
Directions for use:
Apply to the entire body or just the face. You can take a ready-made cream, or you can make it yourself, it will be no less effective.
It is also used quite often in its pure form; it does not require additional enrichment and does not clog pores.
Perfect for massage, especially useful for problematic and flaky skin.
Shea butter (karite) for the body
It is extracted from the seeds of the fruit of the shea tree (karite), which grows in Africa. There it is called the “tree of life.” It reaches an age of 300 years, and begins to bear fruit only at 20–25 years. Therefore, this oil is quite expensive, and its production is a complex process.
In appearance, it is more of a solid fat; it begins to melt on the surface of the skin and penetrate into its inner layers. Rich in a large amount of fatty acids of various compositions (stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic), triglycerides and carbohydrates.
The main effects it has on the skin are softening and protection from adverse external factors. In addition, this oil promotes collagen synthesis*, regenerates and rejuvenates.
Directions for use:
A huge range of cosmetics are prepared on its basis - creams, soaps, shampoos, lip balms, moisturizing lotions and emulsions. It can also be applied in its pure form after a shower, to the entire body or individual problem areas. Prevents moisture loss, peeling, protects from irritation and wind in winter, and from the sun in summer.
Treats many skin diseases, allergies, eczema, psoriasis. Helps with inflammation after insect bites.
Helps smooth out scars and stretch marks.
It is applied both to the whole body and to problem areas, depending on what problem needs to be solved or simply to moisturize the skin.
Sesame oil
It is obtained from sesame seeds and has been used in Asia to care for the beauty of the skin for many centuries. Now this wonderful oil is also known among us. It does not cause allergies and can even be used to treat and moisturize children's skin. Contains vitamins B, E, magnesium, lecithin, protein, fatty acids.
Ways to use sesame oil:
It is so light and absorbs so well that it can even be applied to the skin around the eyes. It perfectly smooths out wrinkles, saturates and tightens. It is better to use daily as a cleanser, nourisher and moisturizer. You can add it to your usual cream.
Suitable for massage, the skin becomes elastic. In addition, it tones, burns excess fat and gets rid of cellulite. Its use is the main secret of the slimness of Eastern women. Slows down the growth of unwanted hair.
Jojoba oil for moisturizing
In our country they learned about it not so long ago. This exotic oil has been extracted for more than two thousand years from a bush that grows mainly in South America. It contains proteins, vitamins (especially a lot of vitamin E), and unsaturated fatty acids.
Its structure is wax. It has a very long shelf life, which also applies to products made on its basis.
Protects from negative environmental influences. Heals wounds, improves health, helps fight acne. Does not add oily shine to the skin, suitable for all types.
Ways to use jojoba oil:
For massage, it is recommended to mix it with essential oil of any citrus; this mixture will get rid of cellulite and restore tone and elasticity.
Ideal for aging and sagging facial skin, can be applied instead of night cream or applied as a mask (keep for 15-20 minutes)
To eliminate oily shine on the skin, it is recommended to add drops to the oil:
Eucalyptus essential oil – heals, relieves acne.
Geranium, lavender, lemon, sage, lemon balm - will give the skin matte and velvety, normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands.
This oil is also ideal for massage; it has a dense texture that melts only on the skin, but does not spread. It will put even tired and irritated skin in order, you will look younger in a few sessions!
It helps very well with chapped lip skin, softens it and heals it.
All these wonderful natural remedies will definitely help you keep your face and body in perfect condition, you just need to choose your own. You can buy ready-made products or prepare homemade creams and masks. The main thing is to find a high-quality natural remedy, and also not to forget that only its regular use will bring good results!
Perhaps you already have experience in home cosmetology, or are you ready to recommend a good series of finished products? Share your reviews, tips, and signature skin care recipes in the comments!