Massage Lotion
Natural Lotions as Massage Supplies

Massage lotion is an alternative to massage oil. Natural lotions are among the most common massage supplies. Many people prefer using lotion to oil because it absorbs into the skin better and is less greasy. Oil tends to stain and lotion doesn't.

Though it absorbs into the skin better than oil, the lotion used for massage doesn't absorb as quickly as normal lotion. If you used normal body lotion, you'd have to reapply more often so you'd end up using more. I've used regular lotion to give a massage before when I was in a fix, but it's generally better to use lotion made specifically for massage.

Lotions are often used for deep tissue massage and other work where the therapist has to do a deep massage. Lotion has more grip than oil so it allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure.

Another alternative to massage lotion and oil is massage cream. Massage creams are even thicker than lotion. I usually use oil to give a massage, but on occasion I use a massage cream. I like the silky consistency of most creams. Another good thing about cream is that a little goes a long way. You don't have to reapply it very often.

There are also massage gels. There aren't very many gels on the market and most therapist don't work with them. Like massage cream, a little goes a long way. I used a gel once in massage school and didn't like the feel of it, but that was a long time ago. Different gels have different qualities.

Many of these products are made from a combination of massage oils. No matter what you decide to get you should check the ingredients before purchasing any product. Try to buy products with natural ingredients. It's better for you and the person you're massaging.