Body cream gets all the love on our self-care shopping lists – but you should invest in a high-quality body oil, too! We know the benefits of bath soaks, masks, and body creams for self-pampering, and a body oil can perfectly round out your home spa experience. Specific oils can help alleviate dryness, soften rough edges and most importantly, nourish the skin barrier. Skeptical about what a body oil can do for you? We’re covering why oils benefit the skin, the best times to use an oil, and naming the best oils across the board. Get ready to double down on maximum moisture! Body Lotion Vs. Body Oil A body oil is simply an oil that you can use on and below your neck. They can range anywhere from inexpensive mineral oils to more luxurious (and higher quality) plant oils. Ideally, a body oil should sink into the skin and not leave you feeling greasy. They’re often not much different from facial oils, though certain body oils might be too greasy or heavy for the face. PRO TIP: One of the best face-body oil hybrids we know is Argan oil – it’s a perfect starter oil for any skin type. If you’re wondering how a body oil is different from a lotion, the answer lies in its fatty content. Oils contain several types of fatty acids. Some of the most important among them are linoleic and oleic acids; these fatty acids are also known as omega-6 and omega-9. They’re important for protecting our skin barrier, since they play a role in helping us fight off sun damage and skin aging. Skin lotions, on the other hand, tend to contain humectants. Humectants bring moisture to our skin, which is important for healthy skin barrier function. The downside is that not all body creams contain the essential fatty acids that oils do. Low quality body lotions are often lighter than oils, and depending on the formula can evaporate from the skin more quickly. PRO TIP: Our body cream collection is fortified with fatty acids from avocado and cocoa butters. Major Benefits of Body Oils #1: Seal in moisture #2: Smooth and soften #3: Instill antioxidants Oils are a great way to remedy that! Choose oils that are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E – they’re among the most effective for free radical protection and collagen production. Wheat germ oil offers one of the highest concentrations of vitamin E, and can have big benefits for dryness, scars, and stretch marks. #4: More moisturizing than facial oils How to Use a Body Oil There’s technically no “wrong” way to use an oil for your body. However, there are certain ways to maximize the effects of your body oil! We’re listing the do’s and don’ts here to help you get the best results. DO:
DON’T:
Best Oils to Use on Your Body The best body oil is one that’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and full of vitamins. As mentioned before, you should choose oils high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E for an extra anti-aging boost. A few great options include rosehip seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, and argan oil. Rosehip seed oil is high in vitamin C and omega-6 fatty acids. Sea buckthorn oil boasts vitamin C and vitamin A, while touting omega-6 and omega-9 acids. Argan oil is a potent source of vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. Most oils can even be combined for a unique, truly-you blend that’s catered to your exact skin needs. Interested in a DIY blend? We’ve got you covered! You’ll need:
Mix in a dark container and shake! Feel free to adjust these portions based on how big your container is and how much scent you enjoy. Picking out an oil might just be the best choice you can make for your skin, especially in the drying winter months. An oil simultaneously seals in moisture, promotes supple skin, and provides anti-aging benefits. While oils might not replace your creams and lotions, they’re a worthwhile investment for your long-term skin health. When should I apply body oil?The best time to use body oils is immediately after your shower. It will help seal the skin's hydration. Just after toweling off, spray away and rub the oil in completely.
Do you put lotion on top of oil?Because oil is the heaviest — or most dense — product in your routine, it's able to penetrate your moisturizer, allowing it to reach your skin, but the reverse isn't true. If you want to really amp up the moisture, apply your oil after applying moisturizer onto damp skin.
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