What is Body Oil and Its Moisturizing Benefits? (2024)

FAQs

What is Body Oil and Its Moisturizing Benefits? ›

Body oils are actually non-greasy; As opposed to body butters or lotions, body oils moisturize the skin without a heavy and greasy finish. Its fast-absorbing and immediately leaves the skin feeling soft than greasy. Soothes and heals dry skin; The changing weather is one of the main factors for skin to become dry.

Body oil has occlusive properties that make it especially useful for sealing in moisture. Body oil does an amazing job of sealing in moisture that's already there, such as when your skin is damp after a shower or bath. Body oil can also be used to seal in and enhance the moisturizing effects of your body lotion.

A healthy skin barrier leaves everything feeling smooth and looking supple, whereas a damaged barrier may leave skin feeling rough and appearing dull. By using a body oil once a day, you can allow the natural ingredients to penetrate the skin and boost levels of linoleic acid.

What Are the Benefits of Moisturizing Oil? Moisturizing oil helps hydrate and infuse your skin with nourishing ingredients. Plant-based facial oils work synergistically with your skin's natural oil to support natural moisture in your skin.

If you have chronic dry skin, creams or ointments may have more benefit for dry skin. If you don't have dry skin and want to lock in moisture to help your skin stay hydrated, then body oil may work well.

It is most beneficial to apply body lotion first and then apply body oil. By applying the products in this order, the body lotion is able to hydrate and moisturize the skin with the body oil being applied on top to seal in those benefits.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Dermatology, you should look for plant-based oils — such as jojoba, almond, and coconut — when choosing a body oil because they mimic the natural lipids found in your skin, helping to restore and balance your skin's moisture level.

You can use the Facial and Body Oils interchangeably as your heart desires. However, I recommend first trying a small patch test of the Body Oil near your face if you have especially sensitive skin to be sure your skin feels happy with it.

Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, excessive hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Yes, absolutely! We recommend using body oils right after a shower to moisturize the skin, or at night.

Can I mix body oil with lotion? ›

If applying oil and lotion, rub a small amount of oil onto your skin after the lotion. The two can be mixed, but mix only the amount you will use at one time. Both can be applied daily but may be more necessary in winter. Morning and night applications may help during colder weather.

Here's a handy little trick for applying the oil: we always recommend applying the oil to skin that is still damp or wet. In other words, right after you get out of the shower after blotting off any excess water with a towel, or even while you are still in the shower.

Besides the ingredients, both moisturizer and oil have the same purpose: to soften the skin. All skin types will benefit from a moisturizer while dry and aging skin may prefer a facial oil. If you're super thirsty or looking to up your barrier's defenses during the winter months, we recommend using both.

Many people make the erroneous assumption that face oil can replace moisturizer because it's so rich and emollient. But because face oil adds nourishment and seals in moisture, using it alone is like eating food without drinking water. You'll get by, but your skin won't be adequately hydrated.

Most dry oils are made from vegetables, herbs, or seeds that contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid. They're typically used as lightweight moisturizers for your hair, skin, or nails.

For maximum hydration, mix your face oil into your moisturizer or apply it directly afterward to lock in its water content. While you can use face oil every day, consider reserving it for nighttime; face oil can make sunscreen less effective, and you should be applying sunscreen every morning—including in winter!

Your skin needs oil and moisture to function properly, feel comfortable, and look healthy. Not only does this hold true for the skin on your face, but it extends to your entire body, hence the need for moisturizing body products. As you know, the best body oil formulas excel at nourishing and moisturizing skin.