How to Use Body Oil After the Shower: A Simple Ritual
A body oil is one of the simplest rituals there is, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Too much, on dry skin, and it sits on the surface. A few drops, on damp skin, and it spreads thinly and evenly, leaving skin soft and supple. This guide explains the method and how to choose an oil.
Why damp skin matters
Water on the skin helps oil spread further, so a small amount covers more of the body. Apply your oil within a minute or two of stepping out of the shower, after patting, not rubbing, yourself dry.
The ritual, step by step
- Pat: pat skin lightly with a towel, leaving it slightly damp.
- Warm: place a few drops in your palms and rub them together.
- Massage: work the oil in with slow, upward strokes, one area at a time.
- Focus: give a little extra to drier areas such as elbows, knees and heels.
- Settle: wait a few minutes before dressing.
How much to use
Start with a few drops for each arm or leg. You can always add more. If skin feels greasy after five minutes, use less next time.
Choosing a body oil
| Oil | Feel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Akpi Seed | Light | A West African seed oil for an even, healthy-looking sheen |
| Wheat Germ | Rich, cushioning | Best on drier areas, or blended; contains wheat |
| Date Seed | Fine | Moves between hair and body |
| Jojoba | Very light | Quick to absorb, non-greasy |
Read more about each: What Is Akpi Oil? · Wheat Germ Oil for Skin · Date Seed Oil for Hair and Skin · Argan Oil vs. Jojoba Oil
Making your own blend
Single oils combine easily. Three simple ideas:
- Richer: 1 part wheat germ oil to 3 parts date seed oil.
- Scented: 1 drop of Dill Seed Essential Oil in a teaspoon (5 mL) of jojoba or date seed oil. Essential oils must always be diluted; read Essential Oils and Carrier Oils first.
- Warm and resinous: 2 to 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil in a tablespoon (15 mL) of carrier oil. See How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil.
Choose by feel
Every body oil leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and supple; the difference is in the texture and the scent. Choose the one you most enjoy using, or keep two: a light oil for every day, a richer one for drier areas.
Hands and nails
The same drops-not-spoonfuls approach suits the hands. For a small evening ritual, read How to Use Oil on Nails and Cuticles.
A few things to keep in mind
- Test any new oil on a small area of skin first.
- Do not apply to broken or irritated skin.
- If you are allergic to wheat or gluten, do not use wheat germ oil.
- Oils can make the floor of a shower or bath slippery: take care.
After hair removal
For the skin after waxing, sugaring or shaving, Saad Oil brings the warm, woody root of saad (Cyperus rotundus) into the same simple ritual: wait until the skin has settled, then massage a few drops into clean, dry skin. Never apply it to broken or irritated skin.
Browse every oil for the body in the Body collection.