A question we're frequently asked is, “Are body oils better than lotions”? In short, both can do the work of moisturizing skin, but body oils go the extra mile. If you've been considering a clean swap, opting for a body oil over a lotion is one of the most important shifts you can make.
Oils sit on top of the skin, rather being absorbed into it, Siso adds. Layering these two products are going to deliver the best results. Siso suggests moisturizing first and adding oil right after to ensure your skin is getting the hydration it needs while locking it in.
Lotions moisturize dry skin: Nazarian opines that lotion has the edge over oil if we're talking about moisturizing abilities. "Lotions are a mix of oil and water and typically work better for dry skin," she says.
Main Takeaways: Generally speaking, moisturizers hydrate the skin while face oils lock the moisture in. Face oils feel slick while moisturizers are generally creamy. Good to Know: There's no reason you can't use both a face oil and a moisturizer to help restore and lock moisture into the skin.
You cannot moisturize your skin with an oil.
The most popular and effective humectants are glycerin and hyaluronic acid. On the other hand, emollient ingredients soften skin.
You cannot use oil in place of moisturizer because oils are too heavy for the skin. They will make your face oily and greasy, which is something you definitely want to avoid as it will make your skin look worse than ever.
"Heavy oils can congest the skin and cause breakouts, which will definitely inflame and irritate existing acne conditions. "Oils such as coconut, olive and wheatgerm should be avoided, as they may block pores and cause increased blemishes."
Comedones can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or skin-tone colored bumps, and are caused when the pores of your skin become clogged with oil, debris, or dirt. Comedogenic oils and products made with them may clog your pores, causing the eruption of comedones. Noncomedogenic oils don't have this effect.
Some benefits of body oiling include: improved musculoskeletal and nervous system health. softer, stronger, and healthier skin. relaxed muscles and pain relief.
"A body oil will provide a protective barrier to the dry skin and keep your skin texture smooth, while lotion tends to evaporate and not give the same tactile textural improvement you'd get from an oil." Dr. Loretta suggests layering your body oil on top of your lotion, effectively sandwiching it with your skin.
THE BENEFITS OF BODY OIL:
Hydrate and moisturise dry and dehydrated skin. Wind down after a stressful day at work. Improve the texture of the skin. Help the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Normal to dry skin types can layer both lotion and oil as long as they are not acne prone in the areas where they're layering products, Siso adds. You must check that an oil is non-comedogenic. This is essential to avoid clogged pores and future breakouts, Siso says.
The physical action of massaging oil into your skin and joints helps to relieve stiffness and improves circulation, giving your whole body a nice glow and boosting energy and overall health. Since there is so little circulation in the joints, they can really benefit from the extra attention.
Reportedly, applying body oil before your shower leads to multiple health benefits. The skin is the largest organ of the body and according to Ayurveda, it is recommended to perform Abhyangam or oil application daily.
To reveal your smooth, beautifully glowing skin, use body oil daily. Smooth a small amount on damp skin after showering or bathing to seal in moisture. Let body air dry or pat gently with a towel.
But the truth is, the right face oil can actually help to treat blemishes, soothe irritated skin, and brighten up acne scars. Face oils can even act as a nourishing moisturizer and help to balance your skin's oil production.
Natural oils, such as coconut oil, shea butter oil, and olive oil, have been used for skin care and hair care for centuries. Generation after generation have touted them for various moisturizing, protective, and antibacterial qualities.
Good and bad oils for your face
Fragrant oils are often referred to as essential oils. While they can be beneficial for your skin but at the same time, they contain some potent compounds that can cause irritation and sensitization in your skin, especially when the skin comes in contact with the air.
"The skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance, otherwise, it gets too dry which can cause breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles. Using a facial oil helps keep moisture in the skin while protecting it from the environmental damage," she explains.
“Instead of being hydrating, oils can have the opposite effect and dry out your skin,” says celebrity aesthetician Dr Barbara Sturm whose clients include Hailey Bieber. It all comes down to the size of the fatty acid molecules that make up the oil.
So while oils can condition the skin, they only retain water content not add it, which means they are moisturizing but not hydrating.
According to skin experts, facial oil can be applied after a water-based moisturiser. You can also use as your night cream and replace it with facial oil. If you have a dry skin and prefer heavy moisturisers, then apply oil and follow up with your moisturiser. This way you will optimise the facial oil's benefits.