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June 24, 2024Regarding skincare, the body is often sadly forgotten as more attention and marketing budget is directed at promoting facial products. This shouldn’t be so as more people forget to invest in other important skincare products like body oil.
Think about your skincare routine. Are you giving your body the same attention as your face? Do you consistently use a body care routine that includes special products? Like many people, your answer was probably “no” to one or both of these questions. And that’s fine. We are going to change things up now.
The structure of the skin on your body makes it just as vulnerable to premature signs of ageing and skincare risks as the skin on your face. To keep your entire skin healthy, it is essential to use hydrating products at least twice daily. Neglecting to do this may result in the contraction of skin imperfections, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, cellulite, and other blemishes that can affect your confidence levels.
That’s where body oil comes in.
What Is Body Oil?
Body oils are body care products that contain nourishing vitamins and hydrating nutrients that improve the look and feel of your skin. The formulations for different body oils differ but they usually work just as well as your favourite lotions or moisturisers when it comes to nourishing, hydrating, and revitalising the skin on your body. The skin is your body’s largest organ, and treating it gently is important to keep it soft, happy and healthy.
Body oils are universal. Almost anyone can use them regardless of skin type. For those with a drier skin type who are prone to eczema or rosacea, you can find relief with a natural body oil as your skin may naturally produce less oils than other skin types. These oils can help to lock in and retain moisture whilst replacing the oils that your skin may be struggling to produce. For other types of skin, the addition of nourishing body oils is just another great way to give attention to areas of the body that are often neglected. They are also a simple and effective way to upgrade your self-care routines and pamper yourself!
Body oils are also a great tool for anyone who struggles with dry skin, signs of ageing and dull skin, and is perfect for those who work in dry air-conditioned offices and buildings to those who work outdoors or in a more labour-intensive role, clearing away impurities and the days build up and providing relief and nourishment.
Benefits Of Body Oil In Skincare
Typical skincare routines usually include a combination of cleansers, toners, and moisturisers, however when it comes to the rest of our bodies, most people will simply moisturise and move on, focusing more on the face.
We have to change that with a comprehensive body care routine, to help give your skin a little extra love and attention to improve your skin quality and achieve firmer, younger-looking skin all over. Some of the many benefits of incorporating a body oil into your everyday body care routine include:
- Hydrating and moisturising dry, tired, and dehydrated skin.
- Reducing signs of ageing.
- Winding down after a long or stress-filled day.
- Soothing redness or inflammation from things like sunburn.
- Smoothening, firming up and clearing the skin.
- Improving the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles, and scars.
- Protecting against free radicals and other environmental aggressors.
- Helping to achieve a relaxed and comfortable feeling.
The addition of body oil is a great, affordable way to bring a much-needed spa experience to your home. Simply massaging into the skin will bring instant relaxation and relieve the body of tension and the stress of the day as it absorbs in, whilst giving your skin the boost and benefits it needs to keep you looking good and feeling fresh.
Does Every Skin Type Need Body Oil?
Most body oils are suitable for all skin types. However, they’re especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin. They can also help with common skincare insecurities, including scars, stretch marks, cellulite, or an uneven skin tone.
That said, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should be careful when adding a body oil to your routine. When you choose a body oil, we recommend non-comedogenic options with lighter oils and ingredients like Kanda’s Minty-Lemon Body Oil.
Body Oil or Lotion? Which Should I Use?
The big difference between body oil and lotion is that body oil doesn’t contain water while lotions do. Lotions revive dehydrated skin and help you lock in moisture for softer, supple skin, and a trusted moisturiser is a must-have in your body care routine, especially during the dry, harmattan months.
On the other hand, body oils are also a great remedy for dry, dehydrated skin. Their thinner consistency is better suited for warmer months as they give your skin a smooth, supple glow that’s perfect for this season. When your skin needs extra TLC, you can use both products in your routine to help you lock in all-day hydration and provide your skin with a glow.
Ultimately, this all comes down to personal preference and your skincare goals. How much time do you want to commit to your body care routine? What skincare concerns are you looking to remedy? Answering these questions will help you find the right products to build a routine that meets your needs.
How To Use Body Oil In Your Routine
Body oil is a lightweight, incredibly fast-absorbing oil capable of replacing your moisturiser. If you want to incorporate body oil into your everyday routine, here’s how to apply body oil after a shower:
- After you take a shower and your skin is clean, pat your skin almost dry with a towel,
- Massage the desired amount of body oil onto your damp skin; starting at your neck and working your way down to your toes.
When your skin is damp after a bath or shower, it’s more receptive to moisturiser and will soak up softening ingredients with ease. Apart from using it immediately after a bath/shower, you can also use your body oils in other ways such as:
- Mixing it with a highlighter for extra glow:
Adding a little out-of-this-world glow to your skin is the best way to finish off a killer outfit (if you’re brave enough to bare some skin or you need an extra glow for a photo shoot). To achieve that extra glow, mix a bit of your favourite highlighting powder with body oil and apply to areas where the light naturally catches for a little added shimmer.
- Amp up your regular body moisturiser:
Adding a few drops of oil to your regular body moisturiser is a great way to make it that little bit more nourishing in the cold months. Mix it up in your palms and apply as usual.
A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and continue to add more as needed. For the best results, apply body oil during your daytime routine before you start your day, and use your go-to daily body moisturiser before bed.
When You Should Apply Body Oil
Body oils work best when applied to damp or dry skin, so use your go-to body oil after a shower or bath for the best results. Make sure to dry off but keep your skin damp, as this will help maximize the formula’s hydrating results.
You can also apply body oil to wet skin after taking a shower, a technique that locks in moisture and helps keep your skin hydrated enough that there’s no need to apply any additional lotions or creams.
Apply body oil after your lotion to achieve an elegant glow before you take on the day. You’ll experience the maximum moisturizing benefits and achieve luminous skin from your shoulders to your toes.
Can I Use Body Oil On My Face?
We don’t recommend using body oil on your face as it may contain ingredients that irritate facial skin, which has different skincare requirements. Body oils also tend to have a slightly thicker and heavier consistency, which can clog your pores and lead to irritation.
To experience the same benefits, opt for a facial oil like the Revitalising Facial Oil, our potent and nourishing blend of Rosehip Oil, Grapeseed oil, Jojoba Oil, Squalene, Vitamin E, Rose, Lavender, and Geranium Essential oils.
Can I Layer Body Oil And Other Products Like Lotion?
Whether your skin is dry and sensitive or needs extra TLC, pairing a body oil with a lotion, cream or balm is an excellent option for achieving an ultra-hydrating and glowy experience.
If you plan to incorporate both products into your routine, we recommend pairing your favourite Body Oil with a Body Balm — two of our products designed to work in synergy. Our Body Balms are made with our proven formula infused with a potent blend of sustainably sourced, high-potency botanicals and clean actives that hydrate and reduce the appearance of imperfections.
When learning how to layer body oil with a balm, it’s essential to start with the body oil and then go in with the balm. In the case of a lotion or cream, do the opposite. For the best results, we recommend massaging your lotion or cream into your skin and following up with your body oil.
How To Choose The Right Body Oil
When it comes to adding a new product to your skincare or body care routine, knowing what the different ingredients do and what that means for you can be challenging. Which oils are best for dry skin? Do I need a nourishing body oil? What do the individual ingredients even do?
Natural ingredients such as Rosehip Oil, Geranium and Shea Nut Oil will greatly benefit your skin especially when combined with other natural ingredients and essential oils to create an all-round moisturising, smoothing treatment and comfortable body oil. With the scent profile of Lavender, the Lavender-Rose Body Oil is best for dry skin.
Body oils such as our ‘Minty-Lemon Body Oil’ are made with natural nourishing ingredients to ensure you get the best results. With Shea Nut Oil and Baobab Oil working hard to give your skin the treatment it deserves, and Lemon and Peppermint oils to leave you smelling heavenly all day with just a few drops, it is a key product to include in your skincare treatment and body care routine, no matter your skin type.
Incorporating body oils into your skincare and body care routine will help maintain radiant, nourished, and youthful-looking skin. However, choosing a natural oil that will suit your skin type and provide the most benefits to you and your skin health is crucial. Start including body oils in your body care routine for ultimate self-care and radiant, healthy skin.