Here are the answers to the five most common questions about body oils.
1. Do you recommend body oil and why?
For many of my patients, body oils are perfectly acceptable to use, and may be beneficial. Here are some of the reasons why.
Because body oils penetrate the skin’s outer layer, they can lock in moisture more effectively than some lotions or creams, provide long-lasting hydration while improving skin texture. Many oils contain essential fatty acids and lipids that help restore and reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which protects against environmental stressors and helps maintain hydration.
Body oils can improve skin elasticity, which may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and stretch marks. Ingredients like vitamin E or rosehip oil, rich in antioxidants, support skin health and renewal.
Certain oils, such as argan or grapeseed oil, are rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals, protecting the skin from environmental damage and potentially slowing signs of aging.
Oils like chamomile or calendula are especially known for their calming properties. Many body oils have a luxurious, smooth feel and are often lightly fragranced or naturally aromatic, making them enjoyable to use and creating a relaxing, spa-like experience.
2. How can you make body oil more efficient?
To make body oil more therapeutically efficient, you can enhance it with specific ingredients and apply it strategically to maximize benefits. For example, adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, tea tree, or chamomile, can tailor the body oil for specific therapeutic effects. Adding vitamin E oil boosts antioxidant content, which helps protect skin cells from environmental damage, enhances healing, and extends the shelf life of the oil.
You can use carrier oils with specific benefits. These include jojoba oil (balances oil production), argan oil (high in antioxidants and helps with skin elasticity and moisture), rosehip oil (rich in vitamins A and C), or coconut oil (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it’s helpful for dry, flaky skin).
Warming the oil slightly before applying can improve absorption and give a more comforting, spa-like feel, especially beneficial for easing muscle tension.
3. Is body butter or body oil better for moisturizing?
Good question! The answer depends on what you want to accomplish. Generally, body butter is typically better if you’re looking for an intense, long-lasting moisturizing effect. Body oil is ideal if you want a lightweight, natural-looking glow and fast absorption.
Body butters are thicker and often made from rich ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter, blended with oils. They’re typically more solid and dense, and form a thicker barrier on the skin, making them ideal for locking in moisture and providing long-lasting hydration. They’re best for very dry skin, especially in colder, drier months when the skin loses more moisture. Body butter is also helpful for areas prone to dryness, like elbows, knees, and feet.
Body oils are typically a blend of plant-based oils (such as jojoba, almond, or coconut) that are thinner and liquid in texture. Offering a lightweight feel, body oils penetrate the skin more easily and are effective at sealing in moisture. They’re best for normal to dry skin, especially if you prefer a lighter, fast-absorbing option. They’re also great for adding a subtle glow without a heavy finish, making them popular in warmer months.
4. Is it better to use body oil on wet or dry skin and why?
It’s generally better to apply body oil on wet (or damp) skin because it maximizes hydration and helps the oil absorb more efficiently. When skin is damp, pores are slightly open, allowing the oil to penetrate more effectively and lock in moisture at a deeper level. Applying oil on damp skin seals in hydration, keeping the skin soft and hydrated longer. The oil forms a barrier over the water, preventing it from evaporating quickly and making the moisture last.
The best time to apply body oil is right after a shower or bath when the skin is still slightly damp. This routine locks in maximum hydration and leaves skin feeling smoother and more nourished.
5. Can you/should you use body oil and body lotion together?
Yes, you can definitely use body oil and body lotion together, and many people find this combination particularly effective for achieving maximum hydration and a smooth, radiant finish.
Here’s how you should apply them. After a shower, first apply lotion to damp skin to hydrate. Follow up with a body oil to seal in the moisture. This order works well for dry skin that needs both hydration and a barrier to prevent moisture loss.
You can blend a few drops of body oil with your body lotion in your palm before applying. If you have combination skin, you can apply lotion all over and add oil only to drier areas, such as elbows, knees, or heels, for extra moisture where it’s most needed.