This is one part of my role as a Holistic Massage Therapist, taking the whole body into account, it’s all explained if you click on the link – it’s nothing mysterious it’s a wonderful way of looking after our selves!
As we are aware, our skin changes as we age and I think it’s always good to know that the carrier oils are being used to aid with the massage but to also help improve skin and make it feel pretty much “better” after you have left the Treatment Room.
The Skin We are In…..the peri to menopause & post menopause years….
With menopoause our skin changes too, Davina McCall has been nothing but brilliant in her endeavours to bring to light the way our bodies, minds and skin changes – she has a fabulous book written with Dr Naomi Potter called Menopausing – the Positive roadmap to your Second Spring! Put like that – makes it feel that someone really has taken the time and energy to be “real” about the lifes changes we undergo.
When the oestrogen levels start to fluctuate during perimenopause, it can have a knock-on effect on your skin. The falling oestrogen levels, will affect your skin’s ability to retain ceramides, fatty acids that help the skin lock in moisture.
Because your skin is literally becoming thinner, you’ll also probably notice (and this is the case from perimenopause onwards) that it takes longer for the skin to heal, so if you do get a spot, it’ll take longer to go away. Your skin will be slower to respond because it doesn’t have the same receptors to deal with spots, and this goes for cuts or open wounds, which will probably take longer to heal as well.
My Menopause Centre Dr Naomi Potter and Davina Mcall
How can Massage really help me?
This is where the role of body massage and the oils that are used comes into being, using massage oil that can reduce stress and alleviate muscle tension and stiffness, in the body and face, why not encourage your skin to glow with a Tsuboki Face Massage or a Wellbeing Facial Massage – this is more than just a “facial” though 🙂 These are 2 wonderfully relaxing, reinvigorating and totally revitalising to your face. And because in both of these you will enjoy a head massage – which as you may know if you are already a client, it is also critical for our mental health and also our social development! Indian Head Massage provides a ‘de-stressing’ programme for the whole body and has a far reaching effect on everyone of the body’s systems.
As always, when with me in the HY Treatment Room it is more than “a massage”….
I like to take in all the considerations of ‘Your Time’ with me, and one of the most important factors to a good, relaxing, muscle softening, head floaty massage is without a doubt, the Base Oils that are used. I spend time working out which ones my clients might benefit from at each massage treatment.
Some of these carrier oils focused on, may well lap over during the course of these articles but primarily these are the ones that I will use for my ladies with mature or problematic skin.
As with all my massages I will personalise to suit you and how you are feeling at that particular time, so with that in mind I turn my attention to the best Essential Oils that can be used to help promote the feeling of wellness and wellbeing. If this is the case then it’s always a good idea to send me a message preceding ‘Your Time’ as I can make a blend specifically for you.
LAVENDER
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils Its fresh & Calming floral scent both helps you to balance your hormones but can also relieve stress, irritability and aid a deep sleep making it an all-round essential oil for use during menopause.
Clary sage
This essential oil is another uplifting floral scent that helps to manage anxiety, depression, irritability. These symptoms can contribute to the ‘Hot Flushes’ ‘so commonly associated with menopause. The impressive range of therapeutic properties of this essential oil it will help rebalance hormonal levels, and has been previously proven to reduce blood pressure demonstrating its powerful property when it comes to relaxation.
YLANG YLANG
With its sweet and floral scent this essential oil is perfect for calming the nervous system and reducing stress. It will help to rebalance the hormonal levels and thus helping to reduce the likelihood of ‘hot flushes’
PEPPERMINT
This essential oil is great to help reduce sugar cravings, as it helps to suppress your appetite. This would means your more likely to crave unhealthy foods, making it easier to stick to your diet.
GERANIUM
Geranium is a popular essential oil for managing hormonal changes. It helps balance hormones, restoring balance and reducing symptoms of menopause. The floral scent of geranium is said to be soothing an uplifting, making it a great choice for managing anxiety and depression too.
JUNIPER
This essential oil has been proven to have both anti-obesity & antioxidant properties. Although more research needs to be conducted it could be beneficial to help maintain your bodyweight during menopause rather than worry about gaining more weight than usual
NEROLI
During menopause, many women experience sexual dysfunction and/or loss of libido. Whilst it’s completely normal for sexual desires to vary throughout your life, for some women a loss of libido can be a frustrating symptom of menopause. Citrus-based neroli essential oil has been proven to increase sexual desire in menopausal women, as well as reduce blood pressure and relieve some of the most problematic menopause symptoms.
I must admit I get quite excited when I find a new carrier oil that may help one of my clients whether that be due to thinning skin or dry skin, there is literally a carrier oil for pretty much everything and of course, the benefits are noticeable when they are used regularly.
Many Carrier Oils without Essential Oils help aches and pains, and yet more help with scarring, rashes etc.
As a huge believer in the power of massage to ease many of the symptoms above; oils like Grapeseed, Sweet Almond and Jojoba are perfect carriers for Essential Oils or can also be used alone if a client isn’t feeling it for an aromatherapy blend.
Carrier Oils for Menopause within Massage Therapy and the days inbetween appointments…
These are readily available and if you a wanting to keep your skin looking lovely inbetween massages then here are some great Carrier Oils to use, and as they are carrier oils they can be used directly onto your skin and hair unlike Essential Oils.
Which carrier oil penetrates the skin best?
Sunflower: sunflower oil is high in linoleic acid, A, D, E, and minerals.
Rosehip oil is considered one of the best anti-aging face oils due to its nutritional content and omega fatty acid profile. Rosehip oil is chock full of antioxidants, carotenoids, omega fatty acids and vitamin E , all of which work in unison to nourish and moisturize even the driest skin.
My favourites in the Treatment Room are:
- Jojoba Oil: Similar to the skin’s natural oils.
- Argan oil: Quickly absorbed, non-greasy.
- Grape seed oil: Suitable for oily skin.
- Apricot kernel oil: Light and soothing, suitable for sensitive skin.
Recently I have discovered Soybean Oil for massage, I have found the smooth texture of soybean oil makes an excellent choice for a relaxing and moisturising massage.
It can benefit dry skin, sensitive and combination skin, and can even be useful for healing post-treatment skin.
In addition, Soy improves the look of dark spots and discoloration, and also for decreasing skin redness — making it ideal for those with rosacea or irritation.
Soybean oil is also a great choice for the hair because it moisturises and nourishes the hair and scalp. It can help to reduce frizz and add shine to the hair.
Another plus – soybean oil has been shown to promote healthy hair growth and prevent breakage. With a regular Indian Head Massage your hair health could heartily improve.
Camellia Oil / Teaseed Oil
It is a highly protective oil, being naturally rich in antioxidants including Vitamin E and Polyphenols, thereby enhancing the skin’s natural ability to safeguard from external irritants. It contains vitamins that stimulate collagen production and help tackle fine lines and wrinkles. Studies show that the plant offers restorative properties that can reduce the appearance of premature ageing and promote healthy skin. Vitamins A and B along with antioxidants increase elasticity and prevent lines and wrinkles by nourishing your skin cells. The vitamins provide incredible nourishment to your skin, leaving it looking and feeling velvety. Because the oil mimics your skin’s natural oil, your skin absorbs it quickly. It also penetrates deep through the epidermis. This is why after a Tsuboki Face Massage – it doesn’t feel like there is any oil on the face. Also, applied to the hair and scalp; it hydrates, softens, adds luster, and tames dandruff.
To promote the benefits of your Massage Time and to get the best out of your time with me there is general lifestyle that needs to be taken into account also.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake
- Avoid tugging and pulling when removing make-up
- Always remove make-up before going to bed
- Use gentle facial cleansing products
- Avoid smoking
- Drink plenty of water
I would like to add a link here to a hard working young lady that is aiming to get us all on the right path to looking after our skin. I have bought many of her products and I love them all! She also has great tips on her facebook page too. If you would like to know more then please GO HERE to browse Dr Nichola’s little shop of goodies!
This article is an accompaniment to Massage For All Ages,
Part 3 of the “Skin We Are In” will follow where I will share oils and tips for another Massage for all Ages Group!
As you can probably imagine, writing these articles does take time, however I love doing the research, always have! So if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me!
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Holistically Yours disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Never use essential oils directly on skin, always use a base oil to blend, I’m happy to help, I have a plethora of information at hand but also google is your friend.
If you have never used an essential oil on your body before please take a patch test 24 hours prior to using, especially if you have plant or nut based allergies! Dilute the essential oil in a base oil before using on any part of your skin, there are very few EO’s that can be applied directly to skin.
