When you are choosing the best oil for face massage, find one that is not too greasy. This is especially so if you have oily skin. You don’t want to clog your pores even more. A light-textured oil is best even for those with dry sensitive skin. It will also be easier to wash off the excess from your skin when you are done.
Thick oils like olive oil and sunflower oil are therefore out of consideration. If you have to use a thick oil, mix it with a lighter one first.
It’s also a good idea to look for an oil with antibacterial properties. With your face being one of the most exposed areas of your body a good quality protective oil will go a long way in keep your face looking great.
Finally, though this is up to you, use an oil with a nice aroma or at least has a very mild smell. It will make the massage more pleasurable and relaxing and you don’t have to worry about smelling awkward later.
Here are my top 5 recommendations. Remember to do a patch test before using any of these oils and if possible only buy unrefined ones. You can consider trying some of these even with an electric face massager.
1. Argan Oil
This is one of the best oils for face massage. It is full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that nourish and protect your skin. It’s also a very good moisturiser and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
The fatty acids and vitamin E in the oil are great for people with dry sensitive or damaged skin. Use it to treat any current skin damage and to prevent more of it.
Because it is non-greasy it doesn’t cause any build-up on your skin. So if you have oily skin, go ahead and use it without worrying about breakouts. In fact, it can help reduce mild acne.
The only downside with Argan oil is that it’s expensive. A small 100ml bottle of 100% pure Argan oil will cost you around £11. But you just need to use a little to reap its full benefits. And because of its smooth texture a little spreads easily over a large area.
2. Grape Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is often used as a carrier oil but you can also apply it directly on your skin. Like Argan oil, grape seed oil is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores). So it’s great for the face especially if you have acne or are prone to breakouts. It moisturises the skin without leaving it feeling greasy.
It can even help cleanse your skin and unclog your pores. It’s also very gentle, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin types.
The oil is full of vitamins (D, C and E), beta-carotene and fatty acids. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A which gives your skin a youthful glow and reduces sensitivity to sunlight.
The fatty acids are great at reducing wrinkles and fine lines, making grape seed oil a good addition to your anti-aging regimen.
3. Coconut Oil
This is another very gentle oil that works well for all skin types including sensitive skin. At room temperature, coconut oil is clear and non-greasy. It has a thin smooth texture that spreads easily over the face and easily absorbs into the skin.
Coconut oil is one of the best moisturisers. It creates a good oil-moisture balance on the skin, leaving your face soft and smooth without any build-up. It also leaves your face with a nice healthy shine.
Because it is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, coconut oil also cleanses your face during the massage. That’s why it’s important to wash off your face after the massage. The residual oil is loaded with dirt and dead skin cells.
4. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil has a light and airy texture and is quickly absorbed into the skin. This makes it a great choice for someone with an oily skin. Because of its gentle nature, it’s also a good choice for sensitive or damaged skin. You can even use it to massage your baby.
The oil is full of antioxidants which protect the skin against UV damage. Massage it onto your face then apply sunscreen before you go out to the beach.
It’s also a cleansing oil. As you massage it on your skin, it dislodges debris from the skin and unclogs your pores. This makes it ideal for those with eczema or acne.
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is technically a wax derived from jojoba seeds. But it has the light and smooth texture of oil. It has a low comedogenic rating which means it is unlikely to cause clogging. So it’s good for oily skin and those with acne or eczema.
The oil contains two main components: eicosenoic acid and erucic acid. They moisturise the skin, treat inflammation and reduce acne.
