The Incredible Benefits and Considerations of Using Body Oil

The Shock Truth About Body Oil

If you’ve been following the latest skin care trends, you couldn’t have missed the current enthusiasm over Body Oil. It is touted to be the best, simplest and most natural route to soft, moist and supple skin. 

This product provides long lasting protection against dry skin and keeps your skin nourished with vitamins. If you’ve been using a body lotion or cream for the same reasons, you would know that lotions tend to be lightweight but evaporate too quickly, while creams tend to be sticky and messy. Body and face oils combine the best of hydration effects that last for much longer, and oil gets absorbed into the skin relatively fast, leaving it smooth and moist. 

However, not all body oils give the same effect, and some of them can cause allergies especially if you have sensitive skin. You need to use the right one and in moderation. They are great products, but they do have their side effects and limitations. 

What Are Body Oils?

Body oil has an ancient history that goes back centuries in time. Oils have been used on the skin in many civilizations and cultures across the world. Their main function has been to keep the skin healthy and soft, and to form a protective barrier against minor skin diseases and microorganisms. 

Oils have been extracted from almost any plant, tree, nut or fruit. These oils are completely natural, and impart a beautiful, healthy glow to the skin, keeping it youthful and fresh looking. They combat aging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With age, the production of natural oil or sebum secreted by the body tends to reduce and this results in the typical “old” appearance of the skin. Older skin tends to get dehydrated and look dry and flaky. Body oils can substitute for the sebum and allow your skin to retain its youthful quality and appearance. 

They contain ceramides and fatty acids that provide instant hydration, and they seal the moisture into your skin, acting as a barrier against evaporation. When  you choose an all-natural, pure, cold-pressed or hand-pressed oil, it is free of chemicals, additives and preservatives. Many botanical oils have qualities that have natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory or antifungal properties.

Typical body oils include coconut, jojoba, almond, olive, almond, sunflower seed, tea tree, shea butter, cocoa butter and more. 

Body oils are not to be confused with fragrance oils or essential oils that impart a scent to the skin. These oils have to be used only on specific areas of the skin and must be mixed with an unscented carrier oil to prevent allergies. See the website for more details. 

How To Use Body Oils

One of the main reasons to opt for body oils over lotions or creams is when you need intense moisturization for dry or cracked skin. It is a great idea to start using body oil before such problems crop up, but better late than never. 

The main function of body oils is to seal in the moisture into your skin, so the best way to apply oil is immediately after a shower or bath. You can also add a few drops of oil in your bath water and get the benefit of a light coating while you cleanse the skin. Avoid using harsh cleansers or shower gels and stay away from soap or detergent based products. 

When you finish showering, don’t towel yourself dry too vigorously. Pat the skin dry so that it remains slightly damp. Take small quantities of body oil and massage gently into the skin. If you use a body lotion, you can apply the lotion and then apply another tiny bit of body oil on top of a layer of lotion to keep the skin soft and moist. 

You can also add a few drops of body oil to your regular moisturizer for extra hydration. Apply body oil after waxing, exfoliation or shaving to replace lost moisture and sebum. 

Body oils contain natural fatty acids, linoleic acids and emollients that mimic the secretion of the body’s own natural oils. You can make your own body oil by purchasing any all-natural, preservative free botanical oil. If you like a subtle fragrance, add a tiny drop of fragrance oil or essential oil such as lemon grass, sandalwood or rose-hip. Store in a cool, dark place and keep the lid tightly closed. If you live in a hot climate, you can store it in the fridge or larder. 

Possible Side Effects of Body Oils

Some body oils can cause allergies, inflammation or skin reaction on highly sensitive skins. If you are undergoing any other skin treatment it is important to consult your doctor before you begin a body oil regime. 

Some oils such as coconut, olive or almond oil are good for all parts of your skin and hair, but others such as lemongrass or peppermint may not be suitable for the face, eyes or private parts.  

Always read the labels at the back of the package that give a list of ingredients. Avoid oils that contain preservatives, fragrance or pigment. These are usually the culprits when you develop an allergy. 

Ensure that you confirm your skin type with a dermatologist before starting a body oil routine. If you have sensitive skin, avoid oils that contain fragrance and preservatives. Some products may be specially manufactured to include anti allergenic components, but in general it’s best to avoid oils with too many additives. 

If you have dry skin, certain oils such as almond, olive or jojoba oil help to combat dryness. They keep the skin supple and moist. 

People with oily skin must choose oils such as coconut oil that are lighter and don’t worsen the condition. Excessively fatty oils can set off other skin conditions such as acne. Oily skin types don’t require frequent use of body oil, but regular use can help to introduce vitamins and antioxidants that help to repair and rejuvenate the skin. 

Many people choose body oils to reduce stretch marks. These marks appear post pregnancy, or if you’ve recently lost a lot of weight. However, there is no clear evidence that massaging with body oils helps to clear stretch marks unless they were already being used during pregnancy or weight gain. 

If it’s the first time you’re trying body oil, select a simple and affordable off-the-shelf product or unrefined coconut oil. 

Oils that contain Vitamin E, microalgae, seed oils, fruit extracts, or tinted oils, oils that enhance your tan are some of the great options available once you get started on a regular body oil routine.