Knowing when to use a massage oil and when to use shea butter can be difficult; massage oil is often used in preference over shea butter, but shea butter does have its uses, too.
Massage Oil
There are many types of massage oils available; some massage oils are light and some are heavier and less absorbent. To choose the right massage oil, establish skin type and skin condition first.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is extracted from the seed of the shea tree and is solid at room temperature; shea butter is an excellent moisturizer and contains beneficial ingredients for the skin such as vitamin A and vitamin E, which helps to protect against aging and soothes many skin conditions.
Uses of Massage Oil
Many massage oils are excellent for skin care as well as massage. Depending on the type of massage oil, it may contain other beneficial ingredients such as vitamins and minerals. Massage oils can also be combined to be of greater benefit; for example, combining a small amount of carrot oil with sunflower oil increases vitamin content, as carrot oil is extremely high in vitamin C, which sunflower oil lacks. However, sunflower is a lighter oil.
Uses of Shea Butter
Shea butter's main benefit is as a skin care agent; shea butter is not usually used on its own in massage but can be combined with other massage oils for additional skin care benefits.
Additional Tips
Shea butter is not as greasy as some massage oils; however, shea butter may be heavier than some massage oils. Combine shea butter with light massage oils such as apricot kernel, almond or grapeseed oil or use on a particular area of the body in small quantities.
Tags: massage oils, skin care, some massage, some massage oils, beneficial ingredients, Butter Shea, Butter Shea butter