The very first thing I do when I get out of the shower is slather on my best homemade body oil for soft, moisturized skin throughout the day. I stopped using over-the-counter lotions in 2012, but not before trying pretty much every type you could buy. Aside from wanting to switch to an organic routine, I was drawn to the fact that a body oil you can make from scratch is substantially cheaper than the natural lotions I used to buy at 20 dollars a pop. Plus, I found these pure oils were more effective for my skin, which was transformed into something so soft it could easily be compared to a baby's behind.
Dry skin is not just a winter problem; exposure to the sun and air conditioning can dry out skin too, making moisturizing properly a constant task. Fortunately natural oils make it pretty easy to stay properly hydrated all year round. Retaining water in our body is one of the main ways to keep skin looking young, supple, and of course, wrinkle-free. Natural oils are the most effective way to do so because they carry emollient properties to seal in moisture while our skin is damp, which keeps your water loss to a minimum. The best part is you can oil up right out of the shower and don't have to bring a tub of lotion that will inevitably explode in your bag.
So, why are we all suddenly ditching our lotion for oils that were previously more likely to be found in a cookbook? According to sources at Osmia Cosmetics, lotion is basically water and oil held together by an emulsifier which could be natural or synthetic depending on the brand. Using body oil is just a more pure way to get all of those moisturizing benefits, which means you need a lot less to get the same results.
Choosing which oils to use is entirely up to you; each oil carries unique characteristics to promote smooth, healthy skin. Take the time to research which oils are best for your skin type, and definitely be ready to experiment. Pay attention to each oil's benefits beyond moisturizing, too. I healed some pretty horrific scars on my legs that I thought were there for good by slathering on essential oils. To get you started, here are some DIY body oils that are easily absorbed through your skin, help regenerate skin cells, and will keep you moisturized all summer long.
1. Jojoba, Sunflower, Clary Sage, & Rose
Desert Essence Jojoba Oil, $9, AmazonPure Sunflower Seed Oil, $11, AmazonPure Therapeutic Clary Sage Oil, $10, AmazonNow Foods Rose Absolute Oil, $11, Amazon
Use three parts sunflower oil and one part jojoba oil in a tinted container. I like to use slightly more sunflower oil because it's less expensive than jojoba tends to be. Make sure you purchase pure, unrefined, organic oils to get the most nutrients. After you mix your oils, add 10 drops of rose essential oil and 12 drops of clary sage.
2. Coconut, Rosemary, & Sage
Trader Joes Organic Coconut Oil, $14, Amazon
This was the first body oil I fell in love with mainly because the thicker consistency of coconut oil made for a smooth transition from lotion. Coconut oil can be a little harder to absorb and those with oilier skin may need time to get used to it. My oily skin has never been mad at coconut oil because I always combine it with essential oils that are known for their astringent and healing properties, like rosemary and sage.
3. Macadamia Nut, Almond, Jasmine, & Lavender
Sweet Almond Oil, $11, AmazonCold Pressed Macadamia Oil, $9, AmazonNow Foods Jasmine Oil, $7, AmazonRadha Beauty Lavender Oil, $13, Amazon
This body oil is excellent for pigmentation issues and dry skin. Macadamia nut has potent healing properties that help heal and regenerate skin cells, while almond oil is high in antioxidants, emollient properties, and can help protect against UV rays. Use equal parts of almond and macadamia nut oil and then mix in your essential oils to calm your skin and mind for the day.
Image: daffodilred/Fotolia; Giphy; Kristin Collins Jackson
