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Coconut Oil wit Holly Massage oil, Coconuts and bar

Holly Massage Oil vs Fractionated Coconut Oil: A Review

As a massage therapist, you know that selecting a good massage oil is essential if you want to be able to perform your job with ease and help your clients relax during their treatments.

What kind of massage oil are you using right now? Are you relying on holly massage oil, or have you selected fractionated coconut oil  for your clients massage experience. If you’re not sure what this type of oil is, or if you have questions like “what is holly oil, mineral oil, or liquid paraffin?” keep reading. Everything you need to know is explained in this article.

What is Holly Oil?

For years, Holly Massage Oil has been a popular choice among massage therapists. A practical choice and an excellent option because this oil is thin, light, inexpensive, has an indefinite shelf life. As a bonus, it does not stain sheets or other linens.

However, the term Holly Massage Oil can be misleading because the product only contains a small amount of holly essence or extract blended with  a variety of therapeutic-grade oils, usually mineral oil (liquid paraffin) to varying degrees.

Holly oil refers to extracts from the plant Ilex paraguariensis, a member of the holly family native to South America. It is not to be confused with the familiar shrub/tree commonly used to decorate at Christmas. Ilex paraguariensis is the same plant used to harvest a stimulating drink known as yerba mate. This drink is relatively high in caffeine, and central to social gatherings in Argentina and elsewhere in South America.

Scientific studies appear to demonstrate that various properties of Ilex paraguariensis have potential benefits, including weight reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, vasodilation, and hypocholesterolemic effects. Ilex paraguariensis is also thought to have a high antioxidant potential, both in vitro and in vivo. That said, this ingredient is used in such minute quantities in massage products, no real therapeutic claim can be made.

Paraffin is derived from petroleum, which is something many people do not want to have rubbed on their body’s largest organ, the skin. Although safe to use, long term petroleum exposure has been linked to skin irritation, allergies, and potentially certain types of cancer. For these reasons, many professional therapists are making the switch to fractionated coconut oil.

What is fractionated coconut oil?

Unlike holly oil, pure coconut oil is derived straight from the wick, meat, and milk of the coconut palm. It’s still light and easy to use. It won’t stain sheets, either. Fractionated coconut oil stays liquid at room temperature.

What is unfractionated coconut oil?

Coconut oil in its natural (unfractionated) state is a semi-solid which easily melts in your hands like butter. In fact, many therapists and lotion manufacturers use un-fractionated coconut oil in the making of many quality blended massage butters.

Why use fractionated coconut oil?

Coconut oil provides many benefits to both massage therapists and their clients. The following are some of the greatest benefits:

  • No toxic ingredients: Pure 100% coconut oil only contains one ingredient and won’t contribute the same issues that other massage oil ingredients can
  • Easy switch: It’s easy to transition because coconut oil feels the same and yields similar results
  • Protect yourself: As a massage therapist, you’re in physical contact with oils all day long; Make sure you are fully aware of the ingredients you are using. Why expose yourself to petroleum based products or other chemicals when safer alternatives exists? For example, if you suffer from contact dermatitis and or have a predisposition to skin rashes, consider altering your massage oils often to keep skin reactions to a minimum.

If these perks appeal to you, it might time to switch to coconut oil or an organic massage oil alternative.

Choosing the best fractionated coconut oil

When choosing a good massage oil brand, there are a few factors you ought to consider. Here are some tips to help you.

  • Look at the ingredients and make sure only 100% coconut oil is listed
  • Since both coconut oil and holly oil have indefinite shelf lives, consider the price points and look for products you can buy in bulk to save money
  • Read reviews to see what other massage therapists have to say about a particular brand

Keep these tips in mind and you won’t have to keep wondering.

At Know Your Body Best you will find the following fractionated coconut products:

Are there downsides to fractionated coconut oil?

Coconut oil clearly can be a great massage therapy option, however it might not be ideal for everyone.  We suggest clearly presenting your oil options to your clients before you begin a treatment. Massage therapists operating in your clinic should also be very aware of the oils you have to offer.

Anaphylactic reactions to coconut and coconut oil are very rare, but can occur. These types of contact reactions are commonly called contact dermatitis. They usually result in more mild symptoms, such as a skin rash or blistering on the skin. For some, coconut oil can cause clogged pores and may trigger breakouts. For those who have sensitive skin, a different type of oil that’s still natural and non-toxic, such as jojoba oil, might be a better fit.

Try fractionated coconut oil today

Are you ready to make the switch to fractionated coconut oil or continue using holly oil? Consider the best fit for your massage clients and for you.

Visit our online store to purchase your own fractionated coconut oil, natural coconut oil and holly massage oil. We have several high-quality brands for you to choose from. We will ship them right to your door Shipping included.

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