Did you know that using the right natural oils on your skin can deeply nourish, hydrate & even heal your amazing skin? Yes, indeed, it does!
Using various oils on the body has an extremely rich history that spans across time and many different cultures, from the Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans, oils, particularly olive oil, was part of their daily hygiene and body care routines. In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, it was also believed that various oils also helped balance the body’s energies as well.
Well, now that you know some brief history about the use of oils on the skin, and how using them can deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, let’s look at some of the various ways to incorporate oils into your body care routine
Using oils when getting a massage done either by yourself or another is not only soothing to your soul, but it can also hydrate and soothe your skin. After warming a small amount (a little can go a long way!) between the palms of your hands, apply to your skin and use firm circular motions to massage the oil into your skin, relieving muscle tension and also improving circulation in your skin.
If you apply oil to your skin right after a shower, while your skin is still damp, your skin will feel soft and hydrated, as the oil helps locks the moisture in. I find when I actually make a habit out of doing this, my skin really does look and feel like, at least 5 years younger! Don’t forget to focus on those dry areas, such as your elbows, knees and heels.
Adding oil to bath water is another awesome way to experience silky smooth skin. Simply add a few tablespoons of your favorite oil to a warm bath and swirl the water before getting in. Adding in a few drops of a relaxing essential oil such as lavender (my favorite!) or sandalwood, can also deeply enhance your experience by helping you relax.
Don’t forget about those cuticles! Massaging a drop of oil to each cuticle can soften and nourish that dry skin around your nailbed, preventing hangnails(ouch!). Also, rubbing a small amount over the nails can do wonders for them, adding some shine, and preventing dry, brittle nail problems like peeling and splitting. Or you could just get a little crazy and massage several drops of oil into your whole hands, nails, cuticles and all.
One of my favorite things to do with various oils like coconut oil, or jojoba oil, is to make a body/ hand scrub. Make a thick paste by mixing the oil with sugar or salt, ( some essential oils too!) and in the shower or sink apply the scrub in circular motions. When you rinse it off, it will remove all the rough, dry, dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and baby skin soft. There are so many DIY recipes on the internet, Pinterest, and You-tube have lots! I posted one at the end of this post that works pretty darn well.
Adding a few drops of oil into your daily lotion is another way to a oils to your skin. In the palm of your hand or in a small bowl, mix a few drops in the lotion, mixing well. apply the boosted nourishing product, your skin will thank you!
Did you know that regular application of oils can also help improve your skin elasticity? Some oils such as castor oil are known to help prevent or heal stretch marks, wrinkles drooping skin. I’m definitely using this oil daily!
If you are ever in the need of sunburn relief, try gently applying coconut or aloe infused oils to soothe and hydrate. This should help reduce any inflammation and peeling, reapply as needed.
There really are so many other wonderful ways to use oils, and each type has a unique combination of fatty acids and essential nutrients that strengthen and repair the outermost layer of the skin that I could just go on and on and on. I do have another post on various ways to use oils on the face, and more posts to come soon! As always, let me know if you have any questions!