Body oil is no modern invention. It has been around for thousands of years. In fact, between 7000 and 45000 B.C.E., Neolithic tribes learned that animal fats, when heated, sucked up a plant's fragrance and created healing salves.
Neolithic tribes soon discovered that plants add flavor to food, smooth dry skin better than unscented fat, and assists in healing wounds. These fragrant fats protected hair and skin from insects and weather and relax aching muscles. At this time they also noticed that these early versions of body lotion and body oils affected people's energies and emotions.
Thanks to our inventive ancestors we now have thousands of body oils to choose from. But what body oil is best for your tastes and your skin type?
Continue reading to find out!
What is body oil?
Body oil is a mixture that you can use anywhere from your neck downwards. However, this type of oil is considered too greasy for the face. Body oils are often infused with essential oils, vitamins, and fragrances. They differ from lotions by containing more fatty acids. Natural oils like coconut, olive, and shea butter body oil have been used for thousands of years. Body oil creates a barrier between our skin and various pollutants, whereas lotions pull moisture from the air, to moisturize our skin.
What are the benefits of using body oil?
There are many benefits to using body oil as part of your daily skincare routine. Many people start using body oil when they see their first wrinkles or in an attempt to improve their skin quality before a wedding, or a vacation. It is well known that there are many benefits to using body oil.
Here are just a few.
Anti-aging
Body oils create a barrier over the skin that protects it from free radical damage. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This may be something you have only thought about on your face, but it may prevent wrinkles from forming on your neck, chest, and arms too.
Moisturizes your skin
Most body oils contain linoleic acid, a fatty acid that keeps skin moisturized by helping your skin maintain its water permeability barrier.
Combats eczema
Many studies show that body oils can combat symptoms of eczema. This includes reducing itchiness and dryness.
Reduces sun damage
The antioxidants in many natural body oils can fight against damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. You should leave body oil to sink into the skin and then apply sunblock afterward. Although body oil can help improve skin quality to reduce the risk of burning, it is in no way a substitute for sunblock.
Things to consider when buying body oil
There are so many body oil products on the market. To help you figure out exactly what you are looking for, we have compiles a list of considerations for your attention.
Here are some of the things you need to consider before making a decision.
Scent
If possible, use a tester of the body oil to see if you enjoy the fragrance. Your skin might feel amazing, but it won’t make you feel good about yourself if you think you smell bad. We recommend finding a body oil that smells good before checking the ingredients list. This will save you a lot of time.
Natural ingredients
To reduce the chances of skin irritation you should always purchase beauty products made from natural ingredients.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is often used as a body oil. It has many health benefits, including antifungal and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil contains vitamin E, which reduces UV damage in the skin. When vitamin E is applied topically, it can protect the skin from free radicals. Coconut oil also contains high amounts of vitamin K, known for reducing the appearance of stretch marks and spider veins.
Olive oil
Olive oil is thicker than coconut oil. It contains vitamin A which speeds up healing and supports the skin’s immune system, as well as moisturizing the skin and leaving you with a healthy glow. Olive oil also contains vitamin D, which promotes cell rejuvenation and skin repair.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E and is a great option for those suffering from eczema.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it is so biologically close to your natural oils that your body cannot tell the difference. As you might imagine, this makes for another great option for those who suffer from eczema. Jojoba oil contains vitamin A, E and is very moisturizing. Jojoba oil, like coconut oil, is antifungal and antibacterial.
Rosehip seed oil
Rosehip seed oil contains oleic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory that can combat symptoms of eczema and rosacea. It is known to soothe many other skin conditions like psoriasis.
Rosehip also contains gamma-linolenic acid. This substance assists the skin in repairing any damage that has caused it to become dry and no longer retain moisture. Rosehip oil contains vitamin A and C. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from sunburn. However, topical vitamin C should not be considered a replacement for sunblock.
Spray-on oil or pump
Spray on oils tend to be better for the places you can’t quite reach, like your back. They last a little longer than body oils that dispense with a pump. Pump dispensers are much easier to use if you want to get more out of your bottle at once and work better when using body oil for massage.
Shimmer
If you want to add a bit more of a glow to your skin, you can buy body oil with added shimmer. Many body oils with added shimmer will make you look more tanned - perfect for fooling people into thinking you have spent a week in the Caribbean.
Body oil price range
You can buy a decent body oil for as little as $10. Alternatively, you can find something more luxurious for as much as $200. You should always check the quantity and the ingredients. This will ensure you get the best value for your money.
FAQ
Q: What is the most popular body oil?
A: Bio-oil is the most popular body oil available on Amazon at the moment. Bio-oil is derived from lavender, calendula, chamomile, and rosemary.
Q: When should I apply body oil?
A: Body oil is best applied daily after a bath or shower whilst your skin is damp. To dry completely, either air dry or pat dry with a towel.