What Does Body Oil Do For Your Skin & Do You Really Need One?

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Beauty can be overwhelming sometimes with so many products constantly hitting the shelves. Some come and go, feeling amazing at first but turning out to be more hype than substance, while others earn a permanent spot in our routines because they actually deliver results. In my opinion, body oils fall into the second category. But do you even need one? What does body oil do? What are the benefits of body oil and which one is best for your skin type? Let’s find out.

What is body oil and who should use it?

Body oils are products you apply to your body (excluding your face) to hydrate and moisturize your skin. Anyone can use body oil but I personally think it’s especially great for people with dry skin or those living in low-humidity climates. The reason it’s ideal for dry skin is pretty obvious, it hydrates and moisturize dry skin but that doesn’t mean people with oily skin can’t enjoy a good body oil. It all comes down to choosing a lightweight formula for their oily skin that won’t feel greasy. If you have oily skin, look for body oils with ingredients like:

• Jojoba oil
• Hemp seed oil
• Squalane

I totally get that some people just can’t deal with body oils, either their skin takes forever to absorb them or doesn’t absorb them at all. There could be a few reasons for this. You might be applying it directly onto dry skin instead of damp skin (applying on damp skin helps with absorption). Or you could be using a heavier oil like olive oil, or coconut oil. These oils take a bit longer to sink in. Another reason can be a humid environment, which makes oils feel like they’re just sitting on your skin rather than absorbing properly.

How to apply body oil for maximum results?

The best way to apply body oil is on damp skin right after a shower (after pat drying with a towel but when the skin is still damp). That’s when your skin will absorb it best. Use a small amount, since oil spreads easily on damp skin, and massage it in using circular motions, starting from your legs and working your way up. This creates warmth which not only helps with absorption but also feels super relaxing.

If you’re using body oil for relaxation, go for one with lavender or chamomile. But if hydration is your goal, look for ingredients like jojoba, squalane, or rosehip oil. Coconut and olive oil can work too, but personally, I find them a bit too heavy on the skin.

Can body oil replace body lotion?

While both body oil and body lotion make your skin soft, can you use them together, or can body oil completely replace your lotion? That depends on your skin type and how hydrating your body oil is.

Personally, I have very dry skin, so I still need body lotion. But if you have normal to oily skin, you can probably get away with using just body oil. The main difference between the two is that body oils are thicker, while lotions are lighter. Oils work by sealing in moisture acting as an occlusive barrier. But here’s the catch though, if your skin doesn’t already have enough water then oil alone won’t do much for your skin. That’s why, if your skin is dry or flaky, it’s best to apply lotion first to add hydration and then seal it in with oil.

Four mistakes to avoid when using body oil

1. Applying body oil on dry skin – Body oil works best on damp skin. If you apply it on dry skin, it will just sit on top instead of absorbing properly. Oils seal in moisture but don’t hydrate on their own.
2. Using too much body oil – A little goes a long way! You only need a few drops for your entire body, using too much will leave you feeling greasy rather than nourished.
3. Ignoring your skin type – Not all body oils are the same. Heavy oils can be too much for oily skin, while lightweight oils might not provide enough moisture for dry skin. Choosing the right oil for your skin type makes all the difference.
4. Getting dressed too soon after application – Give your skin a minute or two to absorb the oil before getting dressed. Rushing into that can lead to oil transferring to your clothes and causing stains. Let it fully sink in first.

Best body oils for dry and oily skin

1. L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil is a great for normal to dry skin and also helps improve the appearance of stretch marks. The main ingredient here is almond oil. It comes in a super convenient spray bottle that makes application easy and mess-free. The scent is a pleasant, nutty almond vibe without being too strong. At first, I was skeptical that this oil might feel heavy on the skin since almond oil tends to be rich, but to my surprise, it was lightweight and absorbed really well. The only downside is that it is on the pricier side, but if you are willing to spend, it’s a solid pick.

2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil

Palmer’s cocoa butter has a rich, nourishing formula that deeply moisturizes dry skin, and it’s also a more budget-friendly alternative to L’Occitane. You can pour it directly into bath water, but personally, I think that’s a waste of the product, your skin will benefit much more if you apply it directly to damp skin after a shower. I personally feel that this oil is a bit on the heavier side.

3. Neutrogena Body Oil (Light Sesame Formula)

If you’re looking for a body oil that works for both dry and oily skin, you will be find Neutrogena body oil light sesame formula working just well. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves the skin feeling soft and mellow without being greasy. The scent is light and really pleasant. However for some, it smells like baby johsnson’s body oil. If you have oily skin and want a body oil that doesn’t feel heavy, this is your safe bet. Also it’s more budget friendly.

Final verdict

Body oils are essential for any if you want to keep the rest of your body hydrated and moisturized. My skin leans more on the dry side, so I like to apply both body oils. I also apply body lotion prior to that. But that doesn’t mean that everyone has to follow this routine. If your skin is normal and a bit towards oily side, you might not even need a body lotion at all. That said, I don’t follow this routine after every shower (lotion and then oil), just when my skin feels extra dry especially in the winter.

I also love using body oils on relaxing weekends as part of my self-care routine. For me, body oils are a must-have, but one bottle lasts forever since I don’t use it daily. Sure, you can apply it after every shower, but even with dry skin, that feels like overkill for me.

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