Which one is right for you and what are they.

As far as which one is best for you, mostly it’s just what feels good to you. The main reason for all of them is to allow the  therapists hands to glide over your body without too much friction. Yet at the same time a lubricant needs to provide some drag against the sign to allow better manipulation of the skin. A therapist may suggest one knowing the treatment that will be done requires more or less drag on the skin.

Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage lubricants. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.

Massage Oil

Oils are applied easily to the skin for a light, even glide and smooth workability. Pure cold-pressed oils are ideal for therapists looking for natural products.

Here are some common choices:

• Almond oil is an excellent emollient (softening and soothing to the skin) and also helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture.
• Grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid quite important for the skin and the cell membranes.
• Apricot oil has moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties and is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature and sensitive skin.
• Avocado oil is often used for clients with dry or mature skin, people suffering from eczema, psoriasis or similar skin complaints.
• Jojoba oil closely resembles that of your own skin; it is an excellent moisturizer and is ideal for all skin types.
• Wheat germ oil has a high vitamin E content and essential fatty acids, thus it is used extensively in aromatherapy massage blends.Hazelnut oil is fine in texture, and has great moisturizing qualities.

Most commercial oils are blends of several oils. There is also organic varieties available.

Massage Lotion

Massage lotion is a functional alternative to massage oil and an essential component of deep tissue, stimulating and non-slip techniques. Lotions provide a non-greasy formula that is ideal for medium glide, maximum friction massage. They also allow the therapist to have complete control without excessive drag on the skin, providing optimum relief of tension and stress.

There are several different types of massage lotions available to choose from. Most lotions available are commonly a blend of oils (some blend sweet almond oil with sunflower oil) to develop a uniquely special texture.

Massage lotion conditions the skin throughout the massage and yet doesn't absorb quickly into the skin. Blends of lotions are perfectly balanced to provide glide with enough friction for deep tissue massage. In addition massage lotions can still be used for relaxation or lighter techniques. Lotions have a tendency to provide maximum glide, with superior workability, without feeling sticky. Massage lotions allow for a good grip for deep tissue, yet allows for skin lubrication and protection from friction to the skin.

Massage Gels

Gels are a variant on massage lotions. Gels provide a light formula that moisturizes the skin while covering a large surface area very little gel. It also isn't absorbed by the skin very quickly so it's great for prolonged massages.

Massage Cream

Massage cream is suitable for therapists who want more glide than a lotion allows. Cream provides the right balance between workable massage oil and an absorbable lotion. Massage creams glide easily over the skin creating a surface that is neither too slippery nor dry.

Used commonly for deep tissue styles of massage. The thicker texture of massage cream allows for the proper amount of resistance, and as a result allows therapists to penetrate deeply into the tissues.