CBD Massage Oil vs. Regular Massage Oil

Nothing’s better than stretching out and enjoying a relaxing massage — except, perhaps, if that massage is boosted with the impressive benefits of CBD. In this guide, learn how CBD massage oil compares to regular massage oil, and find out what to expect if this is your first time receiving an ultra-relaxing CBD massage.

What is massage oil?

Massage oil is a light, oil-based substance that is used to reduce friction when giving a massage. Designed to be slippery rather than sticky, massage oil helps a masseuse’s hands move across your body, and it’s often infused with substances that improve the benefits of receiving a massage.

Can you add CBD to massage oil?

Yes, it’s perfectly possible to add a CBD tincture, also known as CBD oil, to a pre-formulated massage oil product. Since adding new substances to massage oil often negatively affects its consistency, however, it might be better to simply make your own CBD massage oil from scratch.

Does CBD absorb through the skin?

Yes, CBD oil is an ideal ingredient for massage oil and other types of topicals since it absorbs through your skin relatively effectively. As a lipid-based substance, CBD oil doesn’t absorb quite as well as water-based alternatives, but it penetrates your skin effectively enough to get the job done.

What are the benefits of CBD massage oil?

Including CBD in massage oil may enhance the inherent benefits of receiving a massage. CBD has been researched extensively, for instance, for its potential ability to both improve inflammation and reduce pain. What’s more, most CBD users report that this cannabinoid has a relaxing effect, which may also apply when this cannabinoid is applied topically.

How do I prepare for a CBD massage?

There’s nothing special you need to do to prepare for a CBD-infused massage that you wouldn’t already do before receiving a normal massage. Here are some general guidelines you should follow whenever you’re getting ready for a massage:

• Make sure to drink plenty of water ahead of time since staying hydrated during a massage will improve its effects
• Use the restroom before your massage to avoid needing to go during the middle of your appointment
• Don’t eat too much before your massage since it’s likely you’ll be asked to lay on your stomach
• Shower before your massage to make sure your skin is clean and aid the absorption of massage oil
• Arrive early to give yourself time to prepare and allow a few minutes to properly communicate your needs for your masseuse

What happens during a CBD massage?

The procedure when you receive a CBD massage is essentially the same as when you receive any other type of massage. First, your massage therapist will ask you some questions about any pain you may be experiencing and what you expect to get out of your massage, and then they’ll ask you to lay on a massage table.

Depending on the type of massage you’re receiving, you may be asked to remove some or all of your clothing. Massages involving massage oil generally involve at least partial nudity.

Once you’re properly prepared, your massage therapist will begin working CBD-infused massage oil into your aching muscles and joints. Moving from one area of your body to the next, your masseuse will make sure that all problem areas are addressed and that you feel the expected relief before completing the session.

The addition of CBD oil to your massage therapy session should result in enhanced feelings of relaxation and relief. If you don’t experience the results you expected, make sure to let your massage therapist know so you can explore potential solutions.

CBD massage oil & regular massage oil compared

What are the differences between normal massage oil and massage oil that has been infused with CBD? Let’s explore this question thoroughly by breaking it down into a few separate parts:

Effectiveness

Most people report finding CBD massage oil to be more effective than massage oil that does not contain CBD. The purpose of massage oil is to enhance the feelings of relaxation you experience during a massage, after all, and CBD is almost universally reported to be relaxing.

Benefits

Receiving a CBD oil massage should provide benefits that go above and beyond the normal benefits you enjoy after receiving a massage. Since CBD has been investigated for its usefulness in relieving pain and inflammation, this non-intoxicating cannabinoid certainly seems to have the potential to do more than your average, everyday massage oil.

Side effects

CBD massage oil should not cause any side effects that are not already caused by the type of massage oil you are using. In general, CBD appears to be practically devoid of significant side effects, and negative effects are even less likely to occur when this cannabinoid is applied topically.

Consistency

Adding CBD may somewhat thicken the consistency of massage oil depending on the type of CBD extract you can use. This potentially undesirable factor can be mitigated, however, by formulating your own CBD massage oil at home.

What is the best CBD massage oil?

The best CBD massage oil will contain full-spectrum CBD that includes plenty of natural cannabis terpenes. It won’t contain any unnecessary ingredients like artificial scents or emulsifying agents. Generally speaking, CBD massage oil should be as simple as possible while still retaining all the desirable qualities of massage oil, such as a light texture that is easily absorbed by your skin.

Can I make my own CBD massage oil?

Yes, it is actually quite easy to make your own CBD-infused massage oil at home. All you need to do is create a natural massage oil base that has the proper consistency to counter for any potential thickening that may occur when adding CBD extract. 

Effective massage oil bases include almond oil and apricot oil, and you may want to add essential oils as desired. Stay tuned to the Shared Secrets blog for a comprehensive guide to making CBD massage oil at home.

The bottom line: Is a CBD oil massage worth it?

In the end, most pre-formulated CBD massage oils most likely aren’t worth your money. Like many unconventional products that now come in CBD versions, CBD massage oils are more often gimmicky than they are genuinely useful, and many are formulated in a haphazard way that reduces effectiveness.

If you want to experience the full benefits of CBD massage oil, you’re better off making it yourself. It isn’t as hard to make your own CBD massage oil as it may seem, and taking the DIY approach provides you with total control over the type of massage oil you end up with.

CBD massage oil FAQ

Anything else you’d like to know about the comparative benefits of CBD massage oil and regular massage oil?

1. Should you shower before a CBD massage?

Yes, it’s a good idea to take a shower before receiving a CBD massage or any other type of massage. Not only does doing so prevent your masseuse from being assaulted by sweat, grime, and body odor, but it also facilitates the absorption of CBD massage oil by opening your pores.

2. What does a CBD massage feel like?

Receiving a CBD massage shouldn’t feel considerably different from receiving a normal massage. A massage boosted with CBD might feel more relaxing, however, and many people find CBD massages to offer improved effects compared to normal massages.

3. Are CBD massages safe?

There’s nothing about a CBD massage that makes it any less safe than a normal massage. CBD doesn’t get you high, and it doesn’t have any serious side effects. In fact, side effects of topically applied CBD are practically unheard of even though the benefits of applying CBD to your skin are often reported to be quite impressive.

4. How much does a CBD massage cost?

CBD massages don’t generally cost much more than normal massages. The cost of a massage varies significantly depending on the person who provides it, though. In general, a CBD massage costs between $100 and $200.

5. Does a CBD massage make you feel tired?

Even though tiredness is a common side effect of CBD, receiving a CBD massage shouldn’t make you feel excessively tired since topically applied CBD doesn’t reach your central nervous system. You may, however, feel a sense of boosted relaxation in the area where CBD massage oil was applied.

6. Will CBD massage oil make me feel high?

No, CBD massage oil will not make you feel high since CBD does not have intoxicating properties. When ingested orally, CBD may make you feel relaxed or even sleepy, but these effects will not occur when CBD is applied topically, and CBD will never make you feel intoxicated no matter how you use it.

7. How long does CBD massage oil stay in your system?

CBD massage oil should not accumulate in your body tissues to any significant degree. Even if the CBD present in massage oil contains trace amounts of THC, concentrations of THC necessary to be detectable in a drug test are practically guaranteed not to accumulate.