Beauty
Author:
January 24, 2022
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Director
By Alexandra Engler
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Director
Alexandra Engler is the senior beauty and lifestyle director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.
January 24, 2022 We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links. It's common to think of massage as an indulgence—something to treat yourself with when you "deserve it" (Spoiler alert: You always deserve to care for yourself). If you're an athlete or just generally active, regular massages may be of necessity as they can be a tool to help your body recover. Of course, massages can also be a way to connect to partners, an act of service for someone you care for.
Well, I believe that massages don't need preambles or excuses. In many cultures, massages are a standard part of body care, and people make it part of their weekly routine.
And certainly, there's good reason to do the same: Massage therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels1 (the stress chemicals) by an average of 31% for study participants and increase serotonin and dopamine.
Additionally, body-specific massages have been shown to reduce pain in areas all over, from headaches and shoulder tension to back pain and knee discomfort.
There's also tons of research demonstrating the benefits for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, and other conditions.
Yes, massage—be it a self-massage, done by a professional, or by a partner—is a great way to de-stress, get in tune with your body, and nurture your skin.
Now on to the logistics: Massages require some sort of oil or cream, as it will provide slip and comfort during the push-and-pull.
Not only that, but a good massage oil contains a host of good-for-you actives, so your skin is getting some nurturing, too. Here, some of our favorites should you be in the market to get your massage routine started.
A decadently thick oil, this option is made with 100% plant extracts—a first from this French brand. The stars of the show are the lemon, geranium, and sweet marjoram essential oils, which help firm and tone the skin for a smoother experience. Not only that, but the essential oils provide an earthy and herbal scent. Contour Body Treatment Oil, Clarins ($69)
Clarins
Of course lavender makes this list, thanks to its calming and soothing effects: The essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy as a way to relax and reduce stress. When blended into carrier oils (like this one, which is made of jojoba oil and almond oil), you can apply it to the body to tend to tense muscles and stressed skin. Relaxing Lavender Massage Oil, Kneipp ($23)
Kneipp
This Ayurvedic brand is famous for their high-quality, efficacious, delightful oils. I've been a regular user of their stuff for years. In particular, they are the brand that turned me on to the art of Ayurvedic self-massage called abhyanga (they also have a little how-to about applying the body oil on their website should you need guidance). The blend contains chamomile, vetiver, jasmine, and geranium essential oils for a luxe yet soothing fragrance. Pure Calm Wellness Body Oil, Uma ($90)
I love this option for a quick and easy daily massage. The light blend contains coconut oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, ylang-ylang essential oil, and calendula extract essential oil. The result? A sprayable dry oil that feels like heaven to rub in but won't leave you greasy after. Keep It Supple Body Oil, Versed ($14.99)
Versed
There's a reason jasmine pops up in most fragrances: The note is the perfect mix of sensual and sweet. This oil, which has a base of grapeseed and camellia seed oils, contains the even more luxe jasmine sambac. This specific option is extracted from the night-blooming jasmine, which has a richer aroma. Not to mention, the botanical even has moisturizing properties. Jasmine Body Oil, Herbivore Botanicals ($44)
Herbivore Botanicals
Try not to fall in love with this option: The cocktail of shea, coconut, and sweet almond oil creates the perfect balance of thick yet not greasy. But the highlight of this is the hibiscus oil, which has profound antioxidant properties that brighten, tone, and protect the skin from free radicals. Romantic Call Body Oil, Balmyard Beauty ($82)
Balmyard Beauty
Looking for an option that simply transforms you—perhaps to the Sicilian countryside? Well, this blend was created with just that in mind. The base is olive and grapeseed oil, botanicals native to the region. Those are combined with broccoli seed oil, which is anti-inflammatory and ultra-lightweight. But then it's layered with citrus notes for an invigorating aroma. Sicilian holiday, anyone? Olio Per Il Corpo, Jordan Samuel ($32)
Jordan Samuel
Things are heating up: This option warms on contact thanks to the black pepper essential oil, so it feels almost like you're lulling your body to rest in a sauna. It's also made with arnica and comfrey to ease muscle tension and stress. Use this to target sore muscles post-workout. Heating Massage Oil, EIR NYC ($43)
EIR NYC
Here's one that makes for a bathing multitasker. Add some to your warm bathwater to hydrate skin while you soak, then massage it in after to lock in all that moisture. The base is a high-quality jojoba oil (a favorite oil among beauty folk as it's good for any skin type, particularly sensitive skin). Then you can choose a fragrance to top it: ylang-ylang, lemongrass, or lavender. Organic Bath & Body Oil, CHOISELLE ($25)
CHOISELLE
This small-batch organic brand has several top-rated (and beauty-editor approved) spas in New York, so it's no wonder their massaging body oil is quality. The cinnamon and peppermint essential oils warm when rubbed between your palms; then when you rub in the sweet almond and safflower base, it simply sinks into skin. Cinnamon Arnica Oil, Savor Beauty ($30)
Savor Beauty
A certified organic and cold-pressed cocktail of argan, jojoba, coconut, and castor oil makes this massage option silky rich. And unlike most body oils, which lean heavily on scent or botanical notes, this is fragrance-free. Reach for this if you are sensitive to strong smells or you have easily irritated skin. Oil No. 0, Maude ($35)
Maude