How To Use Body Oil: Tips & Body Oil Benefits
When you later up in the shower, those suds help wash away the dirt and sweat from the day, but it also washes away healthy oils and moisture from your skin.
When you apply body oil to your body pre-shower, it helps to protect your skin from abrasive (yet cleansing) soaps.
Body lotion seems to reign supreme when moisturizing below the neck. However, applying a body oil on top of your moisturizer (or use it alone) will seal in hydration, reduce the signs of aging, and protect the skin’s natural barrier.
To reap the full benefits of body oil, it’s essential to know how to use it!
Below, I wanted to dive into ways to get the most out of your body oil and its incredible body care benefits to your thirsty skin!
How to Use Body Oil
Use A Moisturizer First, Then Body Oil.
Essential oils are much heavier than lotions, which creates a protective barrier to the skin. If you apply oil first and then moisturizer, the moisturizer won’t be able to absorb into the skin.
If you pair the two together, moisturize first, then add your oil on top.
Apply Before You Get In The Shower.
I know it seems a little strange, but hear me out. When you later up in the shower, those suds help wash away the dirt and sweat from the day, but it also washes away healthy oils and moisture from your skin.
When you apply body oil to your body pre-shower, it helps to protect your skin from abrasive (yet cleansing) soaps.
Apply After Your Shower.
After a pleasant and steamy shower, your skin is more receptive to absorbing nutrients and locking in moisture. Be sure that you apply a body oil on damp skin – this will help keep your skin moisturized.
Don’t Skimp On Quality.
A good body oil should quickly absorb into your skin and never leave it feeling greasy. Stick to brands with a good track record and never skimp on quality. Just like facial oils, different skin types have different needs.
Argan oil is a great place to start if your skin is naturally oily. It absorbs quickly into the skin and won’t leave your skin feeling overly greasy.
Toss It Into Your Bathwater.
Hot baths are magical, but hot water can dry out your skin. You can opt to take a cooler bath (no thank you) or throw in a few drops of body oil to transform your bath into a steamy, moisture-locking paradise.
Massage It Into Your Skin.
Your face often gets all of the love, but the rest of your body needs love too! When applying your daily body oil, take a moment to massage it into your skin.
Massaging will help evenly distribute the oil, but it also helps melt away tension in your shoulders and legs.
5 Benefits of Body Oil
1. Reduce The Signs Of Aging
We often apply age-fighting serums and oils to our faces but neglect our bodies. Your basic moisturizer may help keep your skin nice and soft, but the benefits often end there.
Good body oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamins (such as A, C, and vitamin E) that will boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and make your skin look younger.
2. Locks In Moisture
Oil creates an impenetrable barrier between your healthy skin and the environment. Moisturizer alone can boost your skin’s moisture, but it can easily rub off as you move throughout your day.
Think of body oil as a nourishing shield of armor used to protect your skin from moisture loss!
3. Replaces Lost Lipids
Lipids appear naturally on your skin and promote a natural barrier and smooth skin, but excessive dryness can reduce the production of lipids.
Body oils work to replace lost lipids by filling in the cracks on dry skin and making your body feel smoother. If you have severely dehydrated skin, body oil can help it feel incredibly soft.
4. Gives Your Skin A Healthy Glow
When your skin is dehydrated, it loses that youthful glow. As you age, you lose a lot of healthy oils in your skin that can make it start to look dull.
Adding a body oil into your daily skincare routine mimics the lost natural oils in your skin to give it a glowing and youthful sheen!
5. Lasts All Day
Body oils absorb quickly into your skin and stay in place all day. Even in the summer heat, when you constantly sweat, an oil will cling to the skin much better than your moisturizer.
Body oil is the way to go when you need to lock in moisture on a hot summer day!
When To Avoid Body Oil
When Your Skin Is Broken Out.
If you have acne-prone skin, body oil can worsen a bad situation. If you are suffering from a breakout, steer clear of heavy oils.
They’re not entirely off the table, but it’s better to stick to lightweight oils such as argan oil.
When Sunbathing.
I’m simply using this as an opportunity to urge you to kick your sunbathing habit! Applying oil to your skin will make your skin burn faster and speed up the signs of aging over time.
If you want a golden glow after your beach vacation, slather your skin in a good sunscreen and invest in a sunless tanner!
