Used by the ancient Greeks to deliver goddess-like skin, centuries on, body oils continue to be used all over the world and are touted to deliver heavenly results. But are body oils really worthy of the best shelf in our beauty cabinet or are they best left for the salad dressing? We give you the low-down on the top 5 benefits of using a body oil.
#1 they are incredibly nourishing
Body oils are the golden elixir of skin youth! Delivering fatty acids to the skin that act to nourish and plump skin cells, body oils can bring scaly and dry skin back to life. Body oils are like an instant infusion of nutrients that give your skin what it needs to be plump, hydrated & bright.
#2 they deliver a smooth & soft finish to your skin
Whilst the idea of a body oil may bring to mind images of sticky, greasy skin we are pleased to report that body oils have come a long way. Body oils today are sophisticated formulations that leave skin feeling soft, hydrated & silky smooth.
Nourished Tip: apply your Body Oil to your skin just after showering when your skin is still moist. The oil traps the moisture into your skin, increasing hydration and creating an effective hydro-lipid barrier to stop moisture loss and to protect against environmental stress. This also reduces any greasy after-feel! This technique is great in summer and in winter.
#3 they assist with scar healing and regeneration
These super oils not only act to nourish and hydrate your skin, they can also assist with healing scars and regenerating skin thanks to their ability to reduce inflammation in skin cells and promote collagen formation and organisation. It is also assumed that introducing the healthy fats of a body oil add to the ‘free-pool’ of fatty acids in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). These fatty acids help to normalise and strengthen our skin barrier, improving skin function & protection from environmental stresses whilst also reducing moisture loss.
#4 they can prevent & even improve stretch marks
If you don't mind getting them, or you already love your stretch marks then skip to the next point, but for those of us who don’t, the good news is that body oils can be your saviour! Body oils can assist in preventing and reducing stretch marks by improving skin elasticity & reducing scarring when massaged daily into vulnerable and affected areas.
Nourished Tip: ideal for use in preparation and during pregnancy, we recommend massaging thighs, abdomen, breasts and arms with a body oil daily to reduce stretch marks occurring with the growth of your beautiful body & baby! Weleda has a beautiful pregnancy oil for this.
#5 they are multifunctional
Body oils are amazing for the body, but they also double as the ultimate multifunctional product! They can be used as a:
+ Facial serum
+ Hair oil
+ Shaving oil
+ Cuticle treatment
+ Heel oil
+ Massage oil
+ Relaxing bath Oil
+ and some can even be used as a personal lubricant!
The ultimate multi-functional beauty product that helps you save money, cupboard space & the planet. Not to mention that this means you are using a fresher product rather than using a number of creams, potions & lotions you have had on your shelf for years!
Our favourite body oils
+ Sans [ceuticals] Activator 7 Oil This divine multifunctional body + hair + face oil has been coined a 'Miracle In A Bottle' by beauty industry experts due to its high-dose vitamin formulation & reparative qualities.
The Activator 7 Oil contains potent levels of vitamin A, scientifically proven to stimulate skin repair, increase collagen production and boost skin strength and elasticity. Its unique blend of pharmaceutical grade, bioavailable oils that possess strong antibacterial properties also make it excellent for dermatitis and eczema.
+ Kenko Calming Body Oil is a popular body oil for mama's, mama's to be or women ;) This beautiful oil has a magical scent and can be paired with a body oil in the same scent for your little one. Check out the baby body oil from Kenko, twinning is winning!
+ Relaxing Pregnancy Body Oil from Naif comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. This pregnancy oil is made with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, grape seed oil & jojoba oil to nourish, hydrate and support the repairing capacity of your skin. It improves blood circulation, which helps to decrease the risk of striae or stretch marks during pregnancy.
+ Kester Black's Self Love Oil doesn’t just give you stronger nails, it loves (almost) every part of you. Use it to soften your cuticles, unchap your lips, moisturise dry skin, remove lipstick, and even mascara. With Jojoba, Sweet Almond and Avocado Oil, you can mix it with your foundation to boost your face, or add to your cheeks for a dewy glow.
+ Biologi Br Organic Rosehip Oil harnesses the pure power of Rosa Canina, the Br Organic Rosehip Oil is rich in natural vitamins and essential fatty acids that promote the skins internal hydration and protective processes to support healthy cellular turnover. This oil can be used on your face after a serum or on its own and can be used as a healing treatment on spots all over your body.
Enjoy lathering up and keep that body hydrated with some well deserved and often needed body oil!
Want more skin-spo? Read all about How To Shed Your Dry Summer Skin.
References:
Pengyi Zhu, Andrew Fung and Benjamin KP Woo, Consumer preference of products for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks (Preprint), JMIR Dermatology, 10.2196/18295, (2020).
Bielfeldt, S., Blaak, J., Staib, P., Simon, I., Wohlfart, R., Manger, C. and Wilhelm, K.P. (2018), Observer‐blind randomized controlled study of a cosmetic blend of safflower, olive and other plant oils in the improvement of scar and striae appearance. Int J Cosmet Sci, 40: 81-86. doi:10.1111/ics.12438
