Types of oils
There are two types of oils that can be used for body care - vegetable and essential. Vegetable oils are obtained by cold pressing from nuts, seeds, grains and seeds of the plant. The composition of these oils is close to the composition of subcutaneous fat, so they are easily absorbed, digested and practically do not cause allergic reactions. The most popular body oils are almond, argan, shea butter, jojoba and macadamia.
Essential oils are obtained from parts of plants containing volatile odorous substances. For cosmetic purposes, essential oils are most often used not in their pure form, but as additives. The most versatile and popular oils are lavender, ylang-ylang and tea tree.
For the body, oils can be used during massage, after water treatments, and for wraps. Since all oils have different properties, they must be selected depending on their intended purpose.
Tips for storing oils
Cosmetic and essential oils should be stored in an airtight container in a dark place - sunlight and oxygen cause oxidation. The shelf life of opened pure oil is no more than a year.
If you purchase a ready-made mixture of oils, pay attention to its composition - the closer the ingredient is to the beginning of the list, the higher its content in the product.
Body oils after shower
Before applying the oil to damp skin after a shower, it must be warmed in your palms. Rub the oil in small portions using massage movements. Use a terry towel to wipe away excess oil. This way you will avoid the discomfort associated with the feeling of oil on the skin.
Olive oil is a universal home remedy that can be used to care not only for the body, but also for facial skin and hair. It contains a large amount of vitamins that have a rejuvenating and restorative effect on the skin and hair. Olive oil accelerates skin regeneration, increases its elasticity, and smoothes wrinkles.
You can make an excellent nourishing body mask by mixing olive oil and the pulp of berries, fruits or vegetables in equal proportions.
Castor oil is obtained from a poisonous plant – castor bean. It improves skin elasticity, eliminates dryness and flaking, and lightens freckles and age spots.
Sea buckthorn oil contains a record amount of vitamin A, which helps rejuvenate and increase skin elasticity. In addition, sea buckthorn oil helps treat some skin diseases, such as eczema, lichen squamosus, lupus, and dermatitis.
To rejuvenate aging body skin, try a mask of 2-3 egg yolks and 2-3 teaspoons of sea buckthorn oil.
Coconut oil has been known for its unique properties since the time of Cleopatra. It is especially valuable for its fatty acids, thanks to which this oil has good softening, nourishing, soothing and antimicrobial properties. After applying coconut oil, a thin film forms on the skin, protecting against moisture loss.
Peach oil is very light and nutritious. It helps smooth out wrinkles, eliminates flaking and tightens the skin. Peach oil is suitable for very thin and sensitive skin, it can even be used on the lips and eyelids.
Almond oil restores elasticity and firmness to the skin. It is often recommended to be used to eliminate skin irregularities and to prevent stretch marks.
All the oils described can be used both in pure form and in mixtures. To soften the skin, for example, you can prepare a product from 110 ml of jojoba oil and 10 ml of wheat germ oil. A mixture of 100 ml almond oil, 100 ml shea butter and 30 ml olive oil has strong nutritional properties. Oil mixtures are stored for no more than 3-5 months.
Oils for massage and wraps
For massages and wraps, it is best to use mixtures of cosmetic and essential oils. They have a pleasant aroma, soothe, relax and have additional properties beneficial for the skin. As a base oil, you can choose any cosmetic oil suitable for your skin. Select essential oil depending on the desired effect.
Essential oils from citrus fruits are strong antiseptics, effectively help lose weight and fight cellulite. Painful sensations in the muscles and a feeling of tension are relieved by ginger oil - it warms up the muscles well and eases spasms. Jasmine oil gives calmness and concentration.
For stretch marks and weak connective tissue, add 40 drops of lavender oil to any base oil.
A mixture of 35 drops of rosemary oil, 15 drops of peppermint and 25 drops of basil will help refresh the skin, improve blood circulation and give vigor.
A mixture of 20 drops of rosemary, 5 drops of peppermint and 15 drops of lavender will help tired feet.
The composition of 30 drops of lavender, 10 drops of neroli, 7 drops of incense and 7 drops of rose will give the skin firmness and elasticity.
There are several recipes for losing weight and fighting cellulite:
- 20 drops of juniper, 15 drops of cypress, 5 drops of rosemary;
— 200 ml jojoba or wheat germ oil (base), 30 drops fennel, 30 drops juniper, 30 drops cypress
- 200 ml jojoba or wheat germ oil (base), 30 drops orange, 30 drops cypress, 15 drops sage.
In order to always look great, it is important to pay enough attention to your body, facial skin and hair. You should pay attention not only to the most expensive cosmetic products in the store, but also try to use natural products that nature gave us. Natural oils, which are available today in a wide range and at various prices, will perfectly help you care for even the driest and most dehydrated skin. Regular use of this product is great for getting rid of cracks and flaking. Even the most neglected heels or elbows will become softer and more hydrated after just a couple of procedures. The fact is that our skin needs moisture, and the older a person gets, the less moisture there is in his body, which is why wrinkles and rough areas of skin appear.
IN body skin care Various natural oils will help a lot. They must be used regularly and correctly. If you apply oil to your skin once a week, there will be practically no changes; it is worth approaching the issue more competently and comprehensively. The best effect as a result of working on yourself will be smooth, silky skin, but you need to work hard on this. Water treatments take different amounts of time for many: some want to relax and lie in a hot bath for more than an hour, while others quickly take an invigorating cool shower in 15 minutes. It all depends solely on your character and preferences. But if you apply natural oil to your body immediately after taking a bath or shower, you will notice visible results within a week. Our skin is prone to aging, and it is up to us how quickly these changes will be noticeable to others.
Which oils to choose for body skin care? In this matter, everything is individual, because different people like different aromas, textures and density of the product. But you must choose an oil for yourself from a list that is universal. It is these oils that are most often used by professional cosmetologists and are recommended to clients for home use.
— Grape seed oil. It perfectly helps the skin regenerate, nourishes it with fruit acids and gives a feeling of comfort.
— Almond oil. It can be applied to the entire body after showering. Perfectly retains moisture on the skin and rejuvenates. Great for dry and normal skin. Restores water balance and heals small cracks.
— Olive oil. Excellent for caring for the skin of the body, both for external use and for consumption. Perfectly nourishes all skin cells, helps get rid of the feeling of tightness and dryness, great for daily use. Olive oil is inexpensive, accessible to absolutely everyone, and its versatility will allow you to use this product not only in body care, but also for the skin around the eyes, lips and hair.
— Shea Butter. It has protective properties, so it perfectly helps the skin stay hydrated and soft. It contains a huge amount of fatty acids, which are so necessary for the freshness and youth of our skin. Perfectly fights scars, cracks, dryness and psoriasis. It is recommended by doctors even for various skin diseases.
— Coconut oil. Excellent for breast skin care. If you are working hard on the beauty and firmness of your breasts, then be sure to include this oil in your daily care.
— Cacao butter. It is a solid oil, but upon contact with the skin it immediately melts and saturates the skin with moisture. If you need to quickly revive dry, dehydrated body skin, this oil is just for you. Has a pleasant aroma.
— Avocado oil. Perfectly rejuvenates the skin, suitable for women over 40 to care for mature skin. Effectively saturates with vitamins A and makes wrinkles less noticeable.
— Jojoba oil. This oil has the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, so it perfectly retains moisture and allows you to get rid of dryness for a long time. Suitable for caring for all skin types, perfectly nourishes and saturates with beneficial microelements. It is actively used in cosmetology for massage and the prevention of stretch marks.
How to properly apply natural oils after a shower or bath? Choose from the list the oil that is perfect for your skin and will help solve the existing problem. Oils are best absorbed after you take a hot bath. This is due to the fact that high temperatures open the pores and it is easier for the oil to penetrate into the upper layer of the epidermis. Immediately after taking a bath or shower, lightly pat your skin dry with a towel. It does not bother to wipe dry, because oils work better on damp skin. These skin care products have the property of a protective film, so if your skin retains moisture, the oil will help retain it. This is why the skin will be elastic throughout the day, and you will feel incredible softness and comfort.
Also on damp skin The oil is easier to distribute, which will help you get the maximum benefit from the product for your body. It is a mistaken belief that the effect depends on the amount of oil. In fact, it is important to do such procedures regularly, and the oil must be applied in a thin layer, because the skin by its nature cannot absorb a lot of product.
How to enhance the effect when applying natural oils to the skin of the body? You can add a little water to the oil. Of course, these two ingredients will not mix perfectly, but try to get as homogeneous as possible. This way, the skin will absorb not only the oil, but also the water. Use only clean water to care for your body skin: spring water or mineral water without gas is best. You can also take not just plain water, but herbal decoctions - this will only enhance the positive effect of after-shower care procedures. You can simply rinse off in the shower, do not rub your skin dry, and apply the necessary oil to your body. The water will be absorbed perfectly, and the oil will hold it inside for several hours. Try to use several types of oils to provide skin with nutrition, hydration, restoration and prevention of dryness.
— Return to section table of contents "Dermatology"
Every woman dreams of having a beautiful face and body, and having smooth, elastic skin. To do this, you need to constantly take care of it, do various cosmetic procedures, nourish and moisturize it. The most effective and easy-to-use products are natural cosmetics and essential oils.
Which body oil is best?
It is impossible to name one oil that is ideal and suitable for every woman. Everyone has different skin and different concerns, and its effectiveness will depend on your overall health and age. You also need to take into account the time of year; in winter, the skin dries and flakes, and in summer it burns easily.
The face, body, hands, feet have skin of different structure and needs, so oils are selected in combination; you should not smear yourself with one product from head to toe.
Below we present seven of the best and most famous cosmetic oils for body care, revealing their beneficial properties and main methods of use.
Olive oil for moisturizing
It can be found in every housewife's kitchen; it is a valuable nutritious product. Olive oil has long been used as a cosmetic product. It is extracted exclusively from ripe and juicy olive fruits growing in southern latitudes.
Olive oil is rich in vitamins A and D, which are necessary for healthy skin, promote its restoration and accelerate the healing of small wounds. Also contains vitamin E (slows down aging), a complex of fatty acids and minerals that prevent moisture loss and keep the skin elastic
It has a pleasant sweet aroma, the care procedure turns into pleasure!
If you decide to take olive oil straight from the kitchen cupboard, read the label. It can be refined or unrefined. Unrefined oil contains more useful substances, since it is less subject to chemical processing.
Cosmetics for the face and body of many manufacturers are made on the basis of natural olive oil.
When choosing a ready-made product, study the composition indicated on the bottle so as not to buy a cheap fake. Typically, manufacturers enrich the base oil with other components (vitamins, essential oils) for greater effectiveness.
But there should be no artificial flavors and fragrances, as well as other chemical compounds! They are added to reduce the cost of the product, since natural high-quality ingredients are not cheap.
If you choose foreign-made oil, look for the special body* marking. High-quality oil contains the ingredients olive oil* and extract (…)*.
Ways to use olive oil:
Since it is able to moisturize and retain moisture well, it is recommended to use it for those areas that are prone to severe dryness and flaking. These are the feet, elbows, palms, and décolleté area. But it can be applied to the whole body. Do this after taking a shower, when the skin is still slightly damp, with light movements of the palm.
You can use it on the face, but then you need to take refined one, as the skin on the face is thinner and there is a risk of clogging the pores.
Make a bath for your hands and nails by simply dipping them in warm oil. Keep for at least half an hour. Nails stop flaking and crumbling, peeling and irritation on the skin disappear.
Perfect for massage. To do this, you should warm it up a little, and if you take food, then add a drop of essential oils to it:
Cinnamon – causes a rush of blood and warms.
tea tree – disinfects and heals.
Grapefruit oil – tones, relieves swelling and muscle tension.
Almond body oil
It is obtained from the seeds of almond nuts; it has a specific tart aroma. Almond oil contains special oleic acid, which helps the oil penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, vitamins A and F (its deficiency leads to many skin diseases, such as acne, eczema, etc.). Has a delicate scent.
Ways to use the oil:
This oil is included in many ready-made creams and mixtures for massage. You can use it at home, in pure or enriched form.
To moisturize very problem areas, it is better to use it in combination with ready-made cream or other oils.
For massage, like other oils, it is heated. Massage until absorbed. The skin softens, becomes smooth, and smells pleasant.
For the face, take only high-quality almond oil and apply it strictly along the massage lines. It is perfectly absorbed and does not leave a greasy film, the skin breathes. To enhance the effect, you can add drop by drop:
Lavender essential oil – relieves inflammation, treats acne.
Common juniper – reduces pores, smoothes skin
Mint – tones, gives a light blush.
Grape seed oil
It is obtained in two ways - cold pressing and hot extraction from grape seeds. What is obtained by the first method is much more useful, and therefore more expensive. You need more than half a ton of these berries to get just a liter of oil. But it's worth it!
It is unique in its composition, containing several times more vitamin E than olive oil, flavonoids, valuable fatty acids, a special complex of substances that protect cells from aging and destruction. As well as the substance resveratrol, which prevents the development of cancer.
This oil has a very beneficial effect on women's skin, as it contains phytoestrogens - substances similar in structure to female hormones.
Creams created on the basis of grape seed oil have a pronounced rejuvenating effect. Even fairly deep wrinkles are smoothed out, the skin is filled with radiance and becomes elastic.
Ways to use the oil:
It is most often used for facial care, but it is also included in massage oils and nail strengthening products. You can add it to any of your usual creams, it will make it more effective, or apply it in its pure form. This should be done before bed, on thoroughly cleansed skin.
Avocado oil for body
It is squeezed from the pulp of avocado fruits. It is a very good natural moisturizer, perfect for mature skin. Rich in vitamins A, D and E, proteins, lecithin.
- With regular use, it will help get rid of age spots and cope with sunburn.
- Regenerates and rejuvenates skin even with pronounced age-related changes, eliminates itching.
It is recommended to be used even for such serious diseases as eczema and psoriasis.
Directions for use:
Apply to the entire body or just the face. You can take a ready-made cream, or you can make it yourself, it will be no less effective.
It is also used quite often in its pure form; it does not require additional enrichment and does not clog pores.
Perfect for massage, especially useful for problematic and flaky skin.
Shea butter (karite) for the body
It is extracted from the seeds of the fruit of the shea tree (karite), which grows in Africa. There it is called the “tree of life.” It reaches an age of 300 years, and begins to bear fruit only at 20–25 years. Therefore, this oil is quite expensive, and its production is a complex process.
In appearance, it is more of a solid fat; it begins to melt on the surface of the skin and penetrate into its inner layers. Rich in a large amount of fatty acids of various compositions (stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic), triglycerides and carbohydrates.
The main effects it has on the skin are softening and protection from adverse external factors. In addition, this oil promotes collagen synthesis*, regenerates and rejuvenates.
Directions for use:
A huge range of cosmetics are prepared on its basis - creams, soaps, shampoos, lip balms, moisturizing lotions and emulsions. It can also be applied in its pure form after a shower, to the entire body or individual problem areas. Prevents moisture loss, peeling, protects from irritation and wind in winter, and from the sun in summer.
Treats many skin diseases, allergies, eczema, psoriasis. Helps with inflammation after insect bites.
Helps smooth out scars and stretch marks.
It is applied both to the whole body and to problem areas, depending on what problem needs to be solved or simply to moisturize the skin.
Sesame oil
It is obtained from sesame seeds and has been used in Asia to care for the beauty of the skin for many centuries. Now this wonderful oil is also known among us. It does not cause allergies and can even be used to treat and moisturize children's skin. Contains vitamins B, E, magnesium, lecithin, protein, fatty acids.
Ways to use sesame oil:
It is so light and absorbs so well that it can even be applied to the skin around the eyes. It perfectly smooths out wrinkles, saturates and tightens. It is better to use daily as a cleanser, nourisher and moisturizer. You can add it to your usual cream.
Suitable for massage, the skin becomes elastic. In addition, it tones, burns excess fat and gets rid of cellulite. Its use is the main secret of the slimness of Eastern women. Slows down the growth of unwanted hair.
Jojoba oil for moisturizing
In our country they learned about it not so long ago. This exotic oil has been extracted for more than two thousand years from a bush that grows mainly in South America. It contains proteins, vitamins (especially a lot of vitamin E), and unsaturated fatty acids.
Its structure is wax. It has a very long shelf life, which also applies to products made on its basis.
Protects from negative environmental influences. Heals wounds, improves health, helps fight acne. Does not add oily shine to the skin, suitable for all types.
Ways to use jojoba oil:
For massage, it is recommended to mix it with essential oil of any citrus; this mixture will get rid of cellulite and restore tone and elasticity.
Ideal for aging and sagging facial skin, can be applied instead of night cream or applied as a mask (keep for 15-20 minutes)
To eliminate oily shine on the skin, it is recommended to add drops to the oil:
Eucalyptus essential oil – heals, relieves acne.
Geranium, lavender, lemon, sage, lemon balm - will give the skin matte and velvety, normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands.
This oil is also ideal for massage; it has a dense texture that melts only on the skin, but does not spread. It will put even tired and irritated skin in order, you will look younger in a few sessions!
It helps very well with chapped lip skin, softens it and heals it.
All these wonderful natural remedies will definitely help you keep your face and body in perfect condition, you just need to choose your own. You can buy ready-made products or prepare homemade creams and masks. The main thing is to find a high-quality natural remedy, and also not to forget that only its regular use will bring good results!
Perhaps you already have experience in home cosmetology, or are you ready to recommend a good series of finished products? Share your reviews, tips, and signature skin care recipes in the comments!