Christine Giordano
You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again: your skin is the largest organ in your body and your first line of defense against the outside world. One aspect of keeping your skin healthy is making sure it stays hydrated, as chronically dry skin can lead to infection and other ailments. Certain lotions and creams can be fantastic in their moisturizing capacity, but if you’ve slept on body oils here as well, it’s time to explore this underutilized category. Why? This is because body oils can help seal your skin so it will retain water and give you a smooth, youthful, and even glowing appearance, from head to toe.
“Oils can contain components of fatty acids such as ceramides or linoleic acid and from this perspective offer a minimal sealing effect,” says Dr. Orit Markowitz, a certified dermatologist and founder of OptiSkin in New York City. “They may also contain certain anti-inflammatory agents, such as safflower and tea tree oils.” When looking for a body oil, Dr. Markowitz to look for these two categories of ingredient based on what you want to achieve for your skin on a given day.
Sometimes the best moisturizer is the one you actually use, and contrary to what you might think, many of today’s oils absorb directly into the skin, leaving virtually no residue – unlike thicker creams and ointments. “The advantage of an oil over an ointment is that it is not as greasy,” says Dr. Markowitz. “Because it is thin, it is absorbed into the skin much faster and does not rub against clothing.”
In general, oils should be the first thing you apply to your skin to really get the maximum benefit, says Dr. Markowitz, and most formulas, can be applied right after you shower while your skin is still slightly damp. However, when mixing your own skincare cocktail, it’s best to apply your body oil as a final step so it can lock in the extra moisture your lotion or cream provides.
Ready to Add a Body Oil to Your Beauty Routine? Start with one of these hard working products that will keep your skin hydrated – and more.
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$ 35.00
The consistency and texture of this cold-pressed, vegan body oil sets it apart from others on the market; It’s not heavy or runny at all, and followers rave about how quickly the product melts into parched skin and hydrates it (though the dropper could benefit from a redesign). Use this solo or combine it with your favorite body lotion. Since it’s fragrance-free, you can even use it as a base to add a little more persistence to your favorite fragrance.
$ 48.00
Powered by green tea seeds, hemp seeds, and sandalwood oil – in addition to a host of other antioxidants and essential fatty acids – this pregnancy-safe, hypoallergenic blend can be applied after a shower for an instant, complete glow. Small things have a big impact. Try it twice a week for the skin-smoothing benefits and step up your uses when you just can’t get enough of the subtle woody scent.
$ 12.99
You can’t go wrong with Neutrogena’s lightweight sesame oil-based formula: It’s fragrance-free, easy to apply without feeling greasy, and it’s inexpensive. Massage a few drops into your skin to soften it, or add them directly to your bath water for a similar silky effect.
$ 25.00
The musician Alicia Keys worked with the board-certified dermatologist Dr. Renée Snyder on skin care brand Keys Soulcare, which is about creating a ritual around taking care – and loving – the skin you find yourself in. Also formulated with baobab and jojoba oil As vitamins A, C and E, the Sacred Body Oil is part of the four-step cure from Keys Soulcare, but in itself a hero product. With regular use, just a few drops of this multitasker can revitalize dry hair, brittle nails and rough skin. His secret weapon? Marula oil, which targets old age and dark spots if hyperpigmentation is an issue for you.
$ 38.00
Dr. Markowitz recommends the Supergoop Glow Oil with SPF 50. “When my patients enjoy using an oil, I want them to always be protected with an SPF,” she says. The nourishing formula from Supergoop not only works as a sunscreen, but also contains marigold extract against free radicals and fatty acid-rich meadowfoam oil, which locks in moisture and prevents water loss so your skin remains supple.
$ 30.00
If you believe in the power of full-spectrum CBD, then Ellis Brooklyn Aromatic Massage Oil will do a double blow when it comes to awakening your senses and releasing the tensions that are holding you in your body. Try on tired joints and muscles, and work it in on areas like the neck, shoulders, back, and even legs. Pain relief may come first in this blend, but it’s also flavored with sweet almond oil so it works wonders on dry skin.
$ 39.00
Are you looking for a one-and-done oil to save time? Then Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Mind Shower Oil is for you. This oily to milky cleaner provides moisture with a generous foam when showering and leaves behind a silky smooth skin as soon as you rinse away the soapy water.
$ 35.00
For those who want to shimmer, shine, and smell like a tropical vacation, the best choice is something from Sol de Janerio’s GlowMotions collection, which comes in a handful of sun-kissed hues. The most important ingredients cupuaçu butter, açaí oil and coconut oil nourish and care for the skin and make it supple, while tiny glitter spots create a transparent but buildable glitter effect. Fans of the brand’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream will also appreciate that these oils carry the same delicious signature scent. Rub a pump or two into clean, dry skin to prevent streaking.
$ 48.00
A true multitasker, the vegan squalane oil from Biossance, made from sugar cane, is gentle enough for the face, but can be moisturized from head to toe. Try it on dry, chapped hands or as a post-shave post-shave treatment to relieve razor burn. It can even tame flyaways!
Another budget cult drug favorite, Bio-Oil uses a variety of vitamins and vegetable oils to heal, repair, and in some cases prevent skin problems that range from stretch marks and scars to uneven skin tone and dehydration. For best results, apply twice a day; a large bottle is enough for a few months.
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