When you get a professional massage, the therapist typically applies some sort of oil or cream that lubricates the skin, making it easier for the therapist to manipulate the area and more comfortable for the patient. It may come as a surprise to learn the most common choice by massage therapists is coconut oil. There are several reasons that coconut oil is the first choice of massage therapists. Here are a few of the benefits:
Coconut oil is readily absorbed and tolerated by most people. The skin requires fatty acids to maintain its shine and appearance. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that do not become rancid and spoil when left on the skin for several hours. This makes it ideal for avoiding infections.
Coconut oil is rich in many beneficial nutrients that can help your skin. Capric acid and lauric acid, which are antimicrobial agents, are found in abundance in coconut oil. These can help prevent microbes from infecting the skin. Vitamin E is another nutrient found in coconut oil that has many known skin benefits. Vitamin E keeps the skin looking young and healthy, by rejuvenating the superficial skin layers.
Coconut oil provides a stable layer full of saturated fats that can keep the skin from drying and cracking. It is also full of antioxidants that can prevent skin wrinkling and sagging.
Coconut oil penetrates the skin very well, so it can be used as a carrier for herbal extracts or essential oils that may also help with aches, pains and stress. In fact, studies show that using essential oils mixed with coconut oil can relieve stress, tension, insomnia and even digestive upset.
Coconut oil has a long shelf life and it is less expensive than most other options. Because of the many benefits of coconut oil, it is a clear choice for most people. And when compared with other oils, it also doesn’t stain clothing or bedding.
