Massage candles, or spa candles as they are sometimes called, can be melted and used to mositurize your skin as part of a luxurious massage. Making one of these candles is easier than you may realize, and it's also a lot of fun. Once you learn how to make a basic massage candle, you can try including different ingredients to create a unique combination you really love.
Make Your Own Massage Candles
Making massage candles is almost the same as making any other type of container candle. Soy wax is one of the safest waxes to use on the skin. It's quite soft so it melts and pools easily, and it won't irritate your skin unless you have a soy allergy (in which case you can use beeswax instead). The soy wax is melted down and combined with various oils and butters that will help the skin absorb it. Without these additions, the wax would cool and harden as it was being massaged into the skin.
Essential oils or cosmetic grade fragrance oils are also added to create a soothing atmosphere. Make sure that the fragrance you choose is safe for both candle making and use on the body. All soap-making fragrances that are also soy candle safe are perfect choices for scenting your massage candles. Try the basic directions below to make your first candle.
Massage Candle Recipe
Supplies
- Good quality soy wax
- Sweet almond oil, olive oil or vitamin E
- Skin-safe essential oil or cosmetic grade fragrance oil
- Small, fire-proof containers or tins
- Candle wicking
Directions
- For every three ounces of wax, you'll add one ounce of liquid oil, and one-quarter ounce of fragrance. You can try making an even softer bar by substituting one ounce of the wax with one ounce of shea or cocoa butter. Colors and dyes aren't added to massage candles since they can stain the skin quite easily, especially when heated.
- Melt the soy wax and oil (and butter, if using) in a double boiler over simmering water, or in short 30-second intervals in the microwave in a heat-safe, non-metallic container.
- Add the fragrance and stir gently. Stirring too vigorously will create air bubbles, so take your time here.
- Once the wax has cooled somewhat but is still melted enough to pour, place the wicks in your containers and pour in the wax.
- Allow several hours for the candles to harden.
- Trim the wicks to one quarter of an inch above the top of the candle, and they're ready to burn.
Additonal Ingredients to Try
If you'd like more variety, try customizing your candle by adding or substituting one of the following ingredients in the original recipe.
- Apricot kernel oil
- Sunflower oil
- Jojoba oil
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
Using Your Candle
To use your homemade massage candle:
- Light the candle and allow some of the wax to pool inside.
- Blow out the flame and allow the candle to sit for a minute or two. You don't want the wax to be too hot!
- Test the wax to make sure it's not too hot, and then pour or scoop some into your hand and apply directly to your skin, or use the mixture as part of a massage.
You can burn as much or as little of the candle as you'd like. Whatever pooled wax you don't use on your skin will re-harden so you can melt it again when you need it.
Experience the Sensation
You might hesitate at using melted wax as part of a massage if you've never tried it before. However, once you experience the soothing sensation of warm wax and how soft and glowing your skin is afterward, you may never go back to a traditional massage again. The combination of aromatherapy, skin care and muscle relaxation is hard to resist once you experience just how wonderful a wax massage can be.
