The Art of Touch: Massage Oils, Wax and the Magic of Aromatherapy

One of the questions I am often asked is: what do you use during a massage? It might seem like a small detail, but the medium a therapist works with makes an enormous difference to the quality of your treatment — and to how your skin feels afterwards. So I wanted to share a little about the products I love and why I choose them.

A good massage medium does several things at once. It reduces friction on the skin, allowing the therapist's hands to glide smoothly and work deeply into the tissues without causing discomfort. It nourishes the skin. And in the case of aromatherapy, it carries the therapeutic properties of essential oils directly into the body through absorption.

I take real care in choosing what I use, because I believe your skin — and your whole experience — deserves the very best.

Carrier oils are the base of most massage treatments. They are cold-pressed from nuts, seeds or fruits and are rich in vitamins, fatty acids and skin-loving nutrients. Here are some of my favourites:

A classic for good reason. Sweet almond oil is light, easily absorbed and wonderfully nourishing. It suits most skin types and has a gentle, neutral scent that allows the aromatherapy oils to shine. It is rich in vitamin E and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.

Lightweight and non-greasy, grapeseed oil is ideal for clients with oilier skin or those who prefer a less heavy feel. It absorbs quickly and is packed with antioxidants, making it a great choice for maintaining skin health.

Technically a liquid wax rather than an oil, jojoba closely mimics the skin's own sebum, making it exceptionally well tolerated — even by sensitive skin. It is deeply moisturising without feeling heavy and has a long shelf life, which means it stays fresh and effective.

Rich and deeply nourishing, coconut oil is wonderful for dry or mature skin. It has natural antimicrobial properties and a beautiful, subtle scent. I use it selectively, as it can be a little heavier than other carriers.

A wonderfully affordable and skin-friendly oil, sunflower is rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid, making it excellent for maintaining the skin's natural barrier. It is light, non-comedogenic and absorbs beautifully — a reliable all-rounder that works well for most skin types and blends seamlessly with other carriers.

Rosehip is a true skin hero. Cold-pressed from the seeds of wild rose bushes, it is packed with vitamins A and C, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It is particularly wonderful for mature, dry or scarred skin, helping to improve tone, texture and elasticity. I love adding a little rosehip to treatments for clients who want an extra boost of skin nourishment.

One of the most nutrient-dense oils in nature, sea buckthorn has a striking deep orange colour and an extraordinary profile of vitamins, carotenoids and omega fatty acids. It is deeply regenerative and anti-inflammatory, making it a beautiful choice for damaged, sensitive or ageing skin. I use it in small amounts blended with other carriers — a little truly goes a long way, and the results on the skin are remarkable.

Moringa — sometimes called the "miracle tree" — produces an oil that is exceptionally stable, deeply moisturising and rich in oleic acid and antioxidants. It has been used in skincare for centuries and is prized for its ability to cleanse, nourish and protect the skin. It absorbs readily without leaving a greasy residue and has a light, pleasant scent. It is a wonderful addition to treatments for dry or environmentally stressed skin.

For clients who prefer a product that is completely plant-based and free from animal-derived ingredients, I am delighted to offer vegan massage wax. This is a firm wax that melts on contact with the skin, providing a wonderfully smooth glide without the greasiness that some oils can leave behind.

Vegan massage wax is made from a blend of plant-based waxes and oils — typically candelilla wax, shea butter and coconut oil — and is completely free from beeswax, lanolin and any other animal products. It is also a great choice for clients who find oils too slippery, as the wax gives a slightly firmer grip that can be particularly effective for deeper tissue work.

Many of my clients are surprised by how much they love the feel of wax — and how beautifully soft their skin feels afterwards. It is a lovely option for anyone with dry or sensitive skin too.

When it comes to essential oils, quality is everything. I use Absolute Aromas — a British brand with an outstanding reputation for purity, sustainability and ethical sourcing. Their oils are rigorously tested, genuinely therapeutic grade and a joy to work with.

For aromatherapy massage treatments, I blend Absolute Aromas essential oils into a carrier oil at a carefully measured therapeutic dilution, tailored to each individual client. Here are the oils I work with — I can always find the perfect combination for you:

The most versatile of all essential oils. Lavender is deeply calming, supports restful sleep, eases muscle tension and is wonderfully balancing for the nervous system. It is my go-to for clients dealing with stress or anxiety.

Fresh, citrusy and beautifully uplifting — bergamot is wonderful for low mood, anxiety and stress, bringing a gentle sense of optimism and calm. It blends beautifully with lavender and frankincense.

Warm and woody, cedarwood is deeply grounding and sedating — perfect for stress relief, restless minds and promoting a good night's sleep. A wonderfully comforting oil.

Warming and invigorating, black pepper is excellent for muscular aches, poor circulation and fatigue — a wonderful addition to treatments for tired, tense bodies. It works beautifully alongside ginger and frankincense.

Bright, zesty and uplifting — grapefruit is a fantastic mood booster that also supports lymphatic drainage and helps ease fluid retention. A great choice for anyone feeling sluggish or in need of a lift.

Uplifting, warming and joyful — sweet orange is a beautiful oil for low mood, fatigue or simply when you need a little sunshine. It blends beautifully with lavender and is one of the most universally loved scents.

Rich, creamy and deeply calming, sandalwood is a beautiful oil for meditation, emotional balance and mature or dry skin. Its warm, woody scent is deeply grounding and long-lasting.

Balancing and floral, geranium is a beautiful oil for hormonal balance, skin health and emotional wellbeing. It blends harmoniously with almost everything and has a gentle, uplifting quality.

One of my personal favourites. Frankincense is deeply grounding and meditative, with a rich, resinous scent that supports emotional balance and a sense of inner calm. It is also wonderful for mature skin.

Clarifying and invigorating, eucalyptus is wonderful for respiratory support and muscular aches. It has a fresh, clean scent that many clients find deeply refreshing.

Cooling and stimulating, peppermint is excellent for tired, aching muscles and headaches. A little goes a long way — it is one of the most powerful oils in the collection.

Exotic and floral, ylang ylang helps reduce tension, lower blood pressure and restore emotional balance. A beautifully sensual oil that is deeply relaxing.

Gentle, soothing and anti-inflammatory, Roman chamomile is ideal for sensitive skin and clients who are feeling emotionally fragile or overwhelmed. It is one of the kindest oils I know.

Every aromatherapy massage I offer is completely bespoke. Before your treatment, I will take a full consultation to understand your health, your skin, your mood and what you are hoping to get from the session. From there, I will select and blend the oils that are right for you on that day — because your needs are never exactly the same twice.

Whether you are based in Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Cuckfield, Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint, Lindfield, Wivelsfield, Ditchling, Keymer, Bolney or any of the surrounding villages, I would love to create a treatment that is perfectly suited to you. I offer treatments from my room in Burgess Hill and mobile visits within a 10-mile radius for a small additional charge.

Get in touch on WhatsApp at 07956 430871 or email [email protected] — I am here Monday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm.

With warmth, Sian 💚