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Benefits of Massage Lotions and Creams

Madhavi Ghare
Massage therapy incorporates the use of the hands, fingers, and forearms, along with the knowledge and technique of massage.
However, the practitioner also uses a variety of creams and oils for a good massage.
The reason behind using creams and oils is very simple.
When a massage practitioner is massaging the body of a client, he/she is rubbing the soft tissues of his/her body. During this time, friction may occur, which can prove detrimental to the massage.Therefore, oils, creams, lotions, gels etc., are used.
They also help the fingers glide smoothly and softly over the skin of the patient. Massage creams and oils often contain vitamins and nutrients that are essential for skin rejuvenation.
Massage practitioners usually prefer to use a mixture of two or more massage oils. These are pure in nature, and are easy to use because they are light and provide a smoother glide.
There are a variety of oils available in the market that are used for their beneficial effects.
Jojoba oil is useful for its moisturizing properties along with its beneficial effects for acne. Almond oil is preferred for its non-greasy nature. Apricot oil is used for revitalizing dry, delicate, and mature skin. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E, which makes the skin look younger.
Massage lotions are often used as an alternative to massage oils because of their non-greasy nature.
They can help during deep-tissue massage. Most of the lotions are a blend of two or more massage oils. The lotion is useful for skin conditioning, and the oils get absorbed slowly by the skin. Massage lotions provide maximum glide for the therapist without the sticky feeling of oils.
They also help the therapist gain a good grip over the skin during the massage session.
Massage creams are preferred when more amount of glide is needed.
Creams are often a good balance between oils and lotions. Massage creams are beneficial for deep-tissue massages, and the oils get absorbed deeply by the skin.
Massage gels are also being preferred by therapists around the world.
This is because a small amount of gel spreads easily. It doesn't get absorbed too easily into the skin, and allows for a longer massage time. Massage gels don't leave a greasy feeling after the session. They also help in providing semi-deep tissue massage and condition the skin.
Thus, massage therapists the world over, have a variety of tools to choose from―creams, lotions, oils, and gels―so as to provide maximum benefits to their patients.