Massage lotions are typically used as a way to make the hands glide over the skin when getting a massage. Without massage lotion, the skin-on-skin sensation may not be as pleasant. Whether you use massage lotions on your own at home, or choose your favorite when at the spa, a massage lotion can greatly enhance your experience. Next time you get a massage, put a little thought into what type of lotion you'd like and how that lotion is benefiting your body throughout the massage.
Less Friction
When a masseuse applies a massage lotion to your back, he is preparing the skin in two ways. The first makes the skin smoother and easier to work with; there is less friction between hand and skin for a more relaxing massage, notes Everest College. Popular with Swedish massage, it also helps to gently relax the muscles the masseuse will work on. Massage oils can bring about the same results, but they can often be greasy and don't absorb well. A lotion brings the surface of the skin to the right smoothness for the best massage possible. Massage lotions can also be heated in order to provide you with a more relaxing experience; you'll find that most spas work with heated massage lotions and oils.
Aromatherapy Benefits
Most spas and salons begin with a nonscented massage lotion and add essential oils to give it healing properties specific to the challenges you face personally. For instance, lavender could be added to a carrier lotion in order to make you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Peppermint essential oil is added to bring about rejuvenation and energy. Sandalwood could be added to make you feel more peaceful, notes the website AromaWeb. Massage lotion is an ideal way to infuse the healing powers of aromatherapy into your massage for a relaxation-intensive experience.
Smoother Skin
Massage lotion is readily absorbed into the skin so that you aren't only left feeling relaxed, but you gain smoother skin as a result of your massage as well. Most massage lotions are made up of emollient ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin, shea butter and coconut butter. These ingredients replace lost lipids and result in smoother skin, notes the Mayo Clinic. With the masseuse rubbing the massage lotion into your skin, your back, arms, legs, neck and shoulders can absorb the lotion readily, resulting in baby-soft skin at the end of your massage. Instead of only sitting on your skin like thick massage oil might, lotions are ideal for skin absorption and better massage results.
Member Comments