You’ve made up your mind — you’re starting a pinch-and-roll massage routine! You’ve heard about its benefits for cellulite and you’re ready to give it a go. Only one snag: you’re not quite sure how to go about it, and above all, you’re wondering which oil to choose for an effective pinch-and-roll massage…
A closer look at the pinch-and-roll technique
The pinch-and-roll massage is a traditional massage technique. Energising, stimulating, toning and soothing, it is widely appreciated. This type of massage is used therapeutically to relieve pain, but its best-known application remains the treatment of cellulite. By pinching and rolling the compressed skin, the pinch-and-roll technique helps to:
- Encourage the “draining” of adipocytes, the subcutaneous fat cells
- Boost blood and lymphatic circulation — helping tissues eliminate toxins and improve oxygenation
- Reduce potential water retention
The pinch-and-roll massage can be performed manually or mechanically, at a physiotherapy clinic, a beauty salon, or at home. If you’re a devoted home-care enthusiast, using a massage cup (such as our Cellublue Cup !) will help you perform a pinch-and-roll massage with professional results. And of course, applying a massage oil is essential for an effective pinch-and-roll — and to ensure the cup glides smoothly over the skin.
What makes a good massage oil?
The oil plays a key role in the quality of your pinch-and-roll massage, allowing your hands or the cup to glide effortlessly across the skin. Depending on its properties, the oil can also:
- Nourish the skin
- Allow it to breathe
- Improve elasticity and softness
- Firm and tone
- Soothe and comfort sensitive skin
A good massage oil should be a natural, virgin, pure vegetable oil, obtained through manual or cold mechanical extraction. Before choosing your oil, make sure it is not a refined oil extracted using solvents, which may contain residues that are harmful to the skin — and to your health.
When choosing a massage oil, there are a few key criteria to consider:
- Scent: choose an oil whose fragrance you enjoy and that motivates you to massage. If you don’t like the smell of your massage oil, you’re unlikely to stick with it — and your pinch-and-roll routine won’t be nearly as effective!
- Texture: the oil should be neither too runny nor too thick, with enough slip — otherwise the quality of your pinch-and-roll massage may be compromised.
- Absorption rate: when using the Cellublue cup for pinch-and-roll massage, it’s important that the oil absorbs fairly quickly. We recommend massaging each targeted area for 3 minutes.
The best vegetable oils for pinch-and-roll massage
Each oil has its own unique properties — and when it comes to pinch-and-roll massage, it’s important to choose one that supports skin tone and firmness, such as:
- Avocado: a vitamin-rich oil that promotes cell regeneration and skin elasticity.
- Borage: a highly effective vegetable oil for circulation, ideal for targeting water-retention cellulite, and also known to help regulate cholesterol levels. It boosts the collagen fibres responsible for keeping skin firm and supple.
- Calendula: this is an oil macerate (calendula is a flower!), and its anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly interesting for treating fibrous cellulite.
- Wheat germ: a very gentle, regenerating oil that promotes cellular oxygenation and supports healthy blood flow.
- Macadamia: when used in massage, this oil supports microcirculation and acts as an excellent tonic for the veno-lymphatic system.
- Sesame: its fluidity and lightness make it one of the finest massage oils available. Perfect for a smooth, effortless pinch-and-roll massage.
For an even more effective pinch-and-roll massage, you can add a few drops of essential oil to your natural vegetable oil (avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as most essential oils are not recommended). Opt for Samphire (firming), Virginia Cedarwood (decongesting), Grapefruit (fat-releasing), Sweet Fennel (detoxifying) or Juniper (draining).
Our massage oil, specially formulated for pinch-and-roll massage, combines grapefruit to protect the skin from premature ageing with ivy to help combat cellulite and orange-peel skin. Its Monoï fragrance soothes and delicately perfumes the skin. For optimal results, discover our complete Anti-Cellulite Pack, which brings together all our best products to target cellulite — with visible results from as early as 7 days.
