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Choose the Right Massage Lubricants

It’s easier to prevent stains in the first place than to try to get them out after the fact. Choose high-quality massage oils, lotions, creams, or gels that are completely water soluble for easier cleanup. Lubricants that absorb easily into the skin generally leave behind fewer stains, simply because there’s no excess lubricant left to absorb into the sheets.

Choose the Right Massage Sheets

The quality of the sheets is another factor in preventing stains. 100% cotton sheets release stains more readily than polyester linens or cotton-poly blends. And if you’re worried about how your sheets will look after a few bouts with massage oil, choose light-colored massage table sheets. They show stains far less than dark colors. Patterned sheets are another slick trick for hiding oil stains. Also, remember that the dimmed lighting in the massage room helps hide light stains, so don’t stress too much over pristine-looking linens.

Wash or Soak Sheets Immediately After Use

Soak the massage sheets immediately after use and wash them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the stains will set and the harder it will be to get them out.

Add a half cup of vinegar to the load to help disperse the oil. Pre-treat larger stains with detergent, vinegar, or other stain-fighting agents. Large oil stains and makeup stains may need to be soaked overnight.

Shake out the sheets before transferring them to the dryer and take the sheets out of the dryer before they are completely dry. This keeps the sheets from getting wrinkled and saves you the hassle of ironing.

Related Posts

• For more tips on caring for massage linens, see the post on Caring for Your Massage Linens.

When you’re working with clients with sensitive skin or allergies, knowing which massage oils to use can make the difference between a blissful massage and a miserable experience for you and your client.

Every so often you may encounter a client with sensitive skin or allergies. How should you handle these situations, and how can you know which massage products to use on their skin?

Most likely you already ask about allergies and sensitive skin on your client intake form. But if the client hands you the form at the beginning of the massage session, it won’t do you much good to find out that the client requires nut-free massage oil and all you have on hand is an almond-based oil.

A better idea is to ask new clients about allergies and sensitivities when they call to set up an appointment. Even though you request this information on your form, it’s helpful to know beforehand what the client’s specific needs are. The client may forget to mark sensitivities on the intake form. Asking this question twice shows that you care about their needs, and it lessens the chance of the client forgetting to report an allergy. The extra effort may save you from running into problems later on if the client’s skin reacts to your standard massage oil.

For clients with sensitive skin, use unscented, hypoallergenic massage oils or creams. If the client is allergic to nuts, use a nut-free alternative such as jojoba or grapeseed oil. Ask the client what lubricants they have used successfully before and that they know are safe to use on their skin. If the client is unsure, try using jojoba or grapeseed oil, as both of these oils are considered non-allergenic for virtually all skin types.

Keep in mind that each individual’s skin may react differently, so test the lubricant in a small area and wait several minutes to check for a reaction before using the lubricant on a larger area. Clients with ultra-sensitive skin may feel more comfortable bringing in their own oil for massage. Use only as much massage oil as necessary and wipe off any excess oil with a warm, damp cloth.

Always keep a bottle of fragrance-free, all natural massage oil on hand for clients with sensitive skin. You may even want to replace your standard massage oil with an all natural one. Natural and organic massage oils enrich the skin—both for your clients and for you as the therapist. Your skin is in constant contact with the lubricants you use every day. Don’t neglect the quality of your massage oil. Your skin will thank you for it.

Lubricants aren’t the only concern for sensitive clients. Scented linens and detergents with harsh chemicals can also irritate the skin. Wash your massage linens with natural laundry detergent—no synthetic preservatives, toxins, bleach, or fragrance added. Air dry your linens, if possible.

The more care you take in choosing natural products that enrich the skin, the happier your clients’ skin—and your own skin—will be.

Learn how to choose a massage lubricant that meets both your clients’ needs and your own.
With all the types of lubricant available on the market, choosing the one that best meets your needs can be overwhelming. We’ve put together a simple guide for you to understand the differences between the basic lubricants used for massage therapy. Although the specific formula and subtle properties vary with each brand, there are several defining factors for each lubricant that can guide you in the decision-making process.

Massage Oil

Generally regarded as the traditional lubricant for massage therapy, massage oil is a natural choice for modalities that require maximum glide, such as Swedish massage. Oil is perfect for techniques that require long-lasting strokes with little to no friction. A typical oil base consists of seed or nut oils. Several prime choices include jojoba, apricot, and grapeseed oil, all of which are nut-free and therefore safe to use on clients with nut allergies. Fragrance-free oils are recommended for pregnant women or for clients (and therapists) who may be allergic or sensitive to smell. For patients who prefer a touch of aromatherapy, you can also add a few drops of essential oils.

If you prefer massage oil as your lubricant, provide the client with a moist-heated towel after the session to wipe off excess lubricant before getting dressed. Your clients will appreciate it, especially if they are planning to return to work or run errands before returning home to shower.

Massage Cream

Massage cream is the preferred lubricant for modalities that require less glide and more grip, such as deep tissue. Richer in density than oil or lotion, massage cream provides more resistance for deeper penetration into the tissue. A little cream goes a long way, so there’s also less need to reapply lubricant.

Massage Lotion

Professional-grade massage lotion provides excellent grip for modalities such as deep tissue. Its texture is looser and lighter than cream and is perfect for clients who prefer a less oily lubricant on their skin. It also dispenses easily and absorbs well into the skin while still satisfying your need for a long-lasting lubricant.

Massage Gel

Massage gel is a comparatively new lubricant for massage therapy. Its soothing properties are ideal for sports massage and other light to semi-deep work. Your clients will appreciate the lack of oily or greasy residue that, with certain other lubricants, can linger on the skin well after the massage.

The Final Decision

In order to fully satisfy the varying needs of your clients and your own needs, keep several types of lubricant on hand. If you are a professional therapist, the most cost-effective way to purchase massage oil is in bulk. If you’re still undecided on which type of lubricant to buy, purchase a sample kit or the smallest size available. Then if you like it, you can purchase larger quantities.

Natural and organic oils, such as Bon Vital Naturale, are healthier for your skin and your clients’ skin. Also, look for water dispersible oils for easy laundering. For proper care and longer shelf life, store your massage oil and other lubricants out of extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.

In caring for your massage table linens, the quality of your massage sheets and lubricants can make a huge difference in keeping your linens clean and free of stains and odor.

Proper care of your linens will make your sheets last longer and increase the aesthetic experience of massage.

• Choosing Quality Massage Supplies

Pure 100% cotton massage sheet sets release oil much more easily than blends such as cotton and polyester. Choosing a completely water soluble massage oil, such as Bon Vital, will also simplify the cleanup process, since water soluble oil lifts easily out of linens and clothing and wipes cleanly off the skin. Bon Vital also offers water dispersible massage lotion and creme for easy cleanup.

• Washing Massage Sheets and Linens

Washing your massage table sheets as soon as possible, within 24 hours of use, will prevent oil from turning rancid. Although the most effective wash temperature is disputed, washing your sheets in warm or lukewarm water is the most widely recommended suggestion. Hot water may set stains, making them that much harder to remove. Make sure all oil is washed out of your sheets before putting them in the dryer, as the heat from the dryer may “cook” any remaining oil into your sheets. Set the dryer on the lowest heat setting or on cool tumble dry.

• Removing Excess Massage Oil or Lubricant

For excessively oily massage sheets, presoak the sheets in a degreaser or dish detergent before washing. Adding automatic dishwasher detergent or dish soap to the washer also aids in removing excess oil from linens.

• Professional Massage Use

For professional therapist or spa linen use, keep at least two days’ worth of linens on hand. Since all linens, including face cradle covers, must be washed after each use, keeping extra linens on hand will ensure that clean linens are always available. Any linens that are noticeably frayed or thinning should be replaced as soon as possible.

OneTouch Massage Table 100% Cotton Sheet Set