What is Body Oil?
When it comes to body moisturizers, you're probably most familiar with body lotions. While lotions are water-based, body oils are, just like the name suggests, oil-based. For example, our Nourishing Body Oil is made from a blend of lightweight oils, such as Apricot Kernel Oil, Jojoba Oil, Muskmelon Oil and Plum Oil.
Oils closely match the natural sebum of your skin, meaning they can penetrate deeper to retain moisture. Oils are beneficial for dry skin types that are prone to eczema or psoriasis, as they can compensate for the natural oils that your skin is struggling to produce. Contrary to popular belief, lightweight oils are also suited for those with oily and acne-prone skin because they are able to balance natural sebum production.
Benefits of Body Oil
- Oils moisturize your skin: Oils are occlusives that create a physical barrier on your skin to prevent transepidermal water loss and lock in moisture.
- Oils are non-greasy: If you hate using lotions because they feel sticky, a body oil will be your best friend. It is lightweight and immediately sinks into your skin, leaving you with a soft glow without a greasy finish.
- Oils soften and smoothen your skin: Oils can act as emollients to soften and smoothen your skin. This is because spaces start to form between your skin cells when your skin is dry or cracked, and oils can fill in those spaces.
- Oils improves your skin's overall health: Consistent use of a body oil improves skin tone, texture and elasticity. It rejuvenates your skin and gives you a healthy and glowing complexion.
When Should You Use a Body Oil?
As you know by now, oils are occlusives that help lock in moisture into your skin. As such, they work best when applied to damp skin after a bath or shower to trap in water. Body oils are excellent at replenishing moisture into your skin after exfoliating and/or shaving. If you're planning to use a body lotion for extra hydration, make sure to apply body oil at the end to lock everything in.
Body oils can also be used to protect your skin while shaving. It can be a better alternative to shaving creams, as it softens your hair and skin without harsh ingredients, making it easier for the razor to glide smoothly.
Finally, body oils can be used all year around. Change in weather can be the main culprit of dry and flaky skin. Cold winter air, fluctuations in humidity or the hot summer sun can all damage your skin barrier and contribute to loss of moisture. Body oils will soothe your skin and restore moisture!
