How To Use a Natural Bath & Body Oil
A simple natural body oil may not seem as “sexy” as some newer products on the market, but we believe that water-free moisturizers are more effective at caring for your skin, a better value for the money, free from unnecessary filler ingredients that provide no benefit to your skin, and a more environmentally friendly choice.
Whether you massage it directly on your skin, add it to a warm bath or use it in your shower, a natural body oil is one the most versatile products you can include in your skin care arsenal.
There is no one right way to use an oil for your body, but we would like to share some of the many ways to enjoy the benefits of a natural plant-based bath, body and massage oil.
As a Bath Oil
For a skin-softening fragrant bathing experience you can make any bath time feel like a day at the spa by adding a bath oil to your warm bath.
A warm water bath helps skin better absorb moisture, helps relax your body and mind, ease stress, calm the soul, balance emotions, arouse your senses, relieve fatigue and soothe sore muscles.
Bathtub sizes vary, but we usually recommend adding 1 to 2 tablespoon of oil to warm bath water. Then slide into the tub, relax and allow the oils work their magic. Be careful because the oils can make the bath slippery.
Some suggestions from our bath-loving customers and family:
- Add the oils while water is still running in order to distribute the product more evenly.
- Run the bath first and add the oil to the still water, creating a little puddle of aromatic oil to slide into. You can then rub some bath oil into your skin.
- Rather than placing the oil in the tub, pour a bit into your hands and massage it gently onto the skin before getting into the tub. Focus on areas that may need extra care, such as dry elbows and knees.
- If using an aromatherapy bath oil be sure to take some deep breaths in order to reap the benefits from the essential oils.
- After a bath remember to pat (not rub) the skin dry.
A bath before bed is one of most effective ways to slow down your mind and unwind. Soaking in warm scented water helps muscles release tension. When you step out of your oil-infused bath, you will notice a difference in your skin, your body and your mind. If your skin is very dry or irritated, pat your skin dry a bit and follow up your bath with a light massage of oil on damp skin.
Herbal bath oils are perfect all on their own but anytime you prepare a bath you can combine bath oils with other great skincare products like our Simply Salt Bath Salt or Bathing Herbs.
For The Shower
No time to bathe or don't have a bath tub? No worries! A body oil can be used before your shower, in your shower, or after your shower. Always be cautious of slippery shower tubs!
Before the Shower: If you suffer from very dry or irritated skin, pour a bit of oil into your hands and massage it gently into the skin. Allow it to sink in a minute or two before stepping into the shower. Focus on areas that may need extra care, such as dry elbows and knees. Cleanse your body as normal.
The oil creates a barrier between your skin, the water, and the soap to help mitigate some of the moisture loss. If using an aromatherapy oil, cup your hands, bring them close to your face and take a deep breath in and out before stepping into the shower. If desired you can follow up with a bit of oil after your shower.
In the Shower: Apply the body oil right in the shower as the last step in your routine. For ease of use, I suggest placing some bath oil into a spray or squirt bottle. After cleansing your skin, squirt a bit of oil into your hands or spray it directly on your body. Massage it gently into the skin. Allow the oil to sink in a minute or two. You can then give your body a quick rinse or just step out of the shower. Pat skin dry.
After the Shower: One of the most common and highly recommended ways to use a body oil (or any moisturizer) is to apply it immediately after a shower or bath. Since our skin absorbs some water during a shower, it is important to take advantage of the small window of opportunity after cleansing, about 15 minutes, to seal that moisture into the skin.
Simply put a few drops in the palm of your hand (a little goes a long way), rub your hands together to warm the oil, and massage it into your warm, damp skin. Allow a minute for the oils to penetrate. Gently pat skin dry so as not to rub off the moisturizing oils.
As a Body Oil
Technically all of the methods discussed in this blog are ways to use a natural oil on your body. While typically the best time to apply body oil is when the skin is warm and slightly damp, you can apply body oil at any time of the day to add a targeted boost of hydration to the skin whenever needed.
Give those extra dry places, like dry elbow, heels, and knees a bit of extra TLC by massaging in a few drops of body oil on dried skin. A body oil is much more concentrated than a lotion and a little goes a long way!
When applying body oil to dried skin, some people like to mist skin with a bit of warm water and then apply the oil. You can also moisten your hands.
As a Massage Oil
I cannot say enough about the benefits of massage. Massage can boost circulation, ease away tension, and works wonders on sore or tired muscles. If using an aromatherapy body oil you will experience the benefits of both topical and inhalation aromatherapy.
Whether you are massaging yourself or someone else, pour a small amount of oil into clean hands and allow it to warm up between your palms. You can also place the bottle in some warm water before dispensing.
Massage into skin using long, slow, gentle movements in circular pattern. Take a few deep breaths as you apply the oils and feel the tension slip away.
A warm massage oil feels amazing.
- a warm massage oil containing essential oils will have an increased rate of penetration of those oils most likely due to the increased blood flow caused by an increase in temperature
- massaging the area where the oil is to be applied can boost circulation and increase absorption
Even More Ways To Use a Bath & Body Oil
- Apply body oil before you shave anywhere. It protects the skin against razor burn and allows for a closer, smoother shave.
- Use a moisturizer after you shave.
- Soothe and soften feet by adding about a teaspoon of bath oil to a small basin with enough warm water to cover your feet. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes and pat dry. For additional moisturizing, massage a few drops of oil into your warm, moist feet.
- If using body oils scented with pure essential oils, take advantage of their aromatherapeutic healing powers. Special blends can ease stress, relieve headache, help with mind and body fatigue and much more. Rub a drop of aromatherapeutic oil on your temples, neck or other pulse points. Place some on your wrist to use as a "sniffing" spot.
- Use a few drops to revive and smooth dry or frizzy hair.
Conclusion
Many of the components that make up plant-based oils mimic the natural structure of our skin are particularly effective at locking in moisture. They absorb quickly and penetrate deep beneath the surface, the answer to long-lasting hydration.
When it comes to keeping the skin on your body moisturized and healthy, a plant-based body oil is one of the best things you can do to support a healthy skin barrier. They can be incorporated into your routine in a variety of ways to provide amazing benefits and a beautiful, radiant glow all year long.
Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or suffering from a medical condition, seek advice before use. Oils can make your bath or shower slippery surface. Be sure to clean the tubs after use.
If you have very sensitive skin or are simply trying a new product for the first time, we always recommend doing a patch test.
For external use only. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Best if used within 6 months of opening.
