From soothing body aches to pregnancy skin: All the benefits of adding body oils to your skincare routine

For a lot of Indians, using a body oil isn’t out of the ordinary. Tradition and Ayurveda have always been in favour of the practice, and now that the Western market has caught up, the choices could be daunting. But why use a body oil at all? Especially when there are emollient creams and lotions that might be easier to use when you’re in a rush, and that won’t make you slick as a seal sliding off leather sofas?

When you find the right oil for your skin type, and learn to apply it correctly, your skin does glow. This isn’t a ‘glass skin for your body’ tutorial. “Due to body oils' structural similarity, they mimic the natural lipids found in our skin, helping skin strengthen its barrier as well as moisture retention capacity,” explains Dr Harshna Bijlani, medical head of The Ageless Clinic and celebrity skin expert. Simply put, it amps up the natural oils in your skin. That’s what leads to the ‘glow’—a sign of good skin health and not just skilfully applied highlighter.

Oil vs lotion

“Lotions, or creams, could be good for delivering moisture within the skin, especially if they’re partly water based due to their humectant properties,” says Dr Bijlani. Oils are occlusive in nature—they lock in moisture. Which is why it’s preferable to apply them immediately after a shower, on damp skin—especially those with dry skin—to seal in those water droplets. If you’re running short on time, Dr Bijlani suggests splashing water on your skin, patting dry, and then using your oils. Body oils can also be used after you use your favourite lotion to seal in its moisture.

The Ayurvedic take

Application of oils infused with herbs are suggested as a part of mukhprasadhan or facial care in Ayurveda, the first part of shringar. And of course it goes beyond just pure decorative indulgence. “Body oils, or tailums, offer a natural response to an unbalanced state of skin and doshas, and help to combat all types of skin concerns including dehydration, inflammation, dull and tired skin,” says Dr Taruna Yadav, senior Ayurveda doctor at Forest Essentials. “Good body oils help release the accumulated stress and toxins from the body, leaving you feeling energised and rejuvenated. Oil application is also a way to keep yourself in optimal health and balance, via the skin, which Ayurveda recognises as a primary organ and vehicle to reach our internal organs.”

The application process

Why yes, there is one. Post shower on damp skin to lock in the moisture from your shower. But Ayurveda also proposes oil application 30 minutes pre-shower on dry skin. “One of the principal uses of body oils is to pacify vata dosha, and body oils have this heavy, grounding and nourishing quality that is very comforting, especially to pacify vata imbalances which are very prevalent in a stressful, active world. An oil massage is just like oiling the engine of your body. The more often you do it, the better your body functions,” adds Dr Yadav. 

Body oils and yoga

Did you know that an oil massage before yoga is actually beneficial? A massage anyway relaxes the body, stretching it out, readying it for the asanas that will follow. A massage also relaxes your mind, enabling better focus. “It will increase blood flow to your muscles, lengthening the outer layer of muscles and connective tissue, and allowing you to stretch more deeply into your asanas,” says Dr Yadav.

An oil massage can ease your body—it’s a no-brainer. “Body oils have been an essential part of aromatherapy and massage therapy for centuries. Peppermint oil, cypress oil and sandalwood oil contain antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties and are widely known as great muscle relaxants. Oils like lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary are also great for relaxation and anti-inflammation,” says Dr Bijlani. “All these oils are quite potent within themselves and need to be used with carrier oils like coconut, grapeseed, rose hip or jojoba oil.” As far as Ayurveda is concerned, a warm oil massage balances the cold, dry, light, mobile properties of vata dosha, typically responsible for muscle constriction and any kind of stress in the body.

Body oils and pregnancy

A bottle of body oil seems to be a staple for most pregnant women. “Stretch marks occur when the skin’s lower layers of connective tissue (the dermis) are stretched beyond capacity, causing tears to form,” explains Dr Yadav. Because dry skin is less elastic, it’s likely to tear more. Body oil in this case helps to keep skin moisturised, supple and hydrated.

“People are often advised to use oils instead of creams as they tend to be more natural and the chances of them having unwanted ingredients is less than in the case of creams. Having said that, please make sure you’re using pure oils, ideally cold pressed, to make sure they have active ingredients that can actually help, with no chemicals,” advises Dr Bijlani. “Oils rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E like olive oil, coconut oil, and almond oil, help to increase blood circulation and can eventually make the lines fade,” adds Dr Yadav.

“Some oils can help reduce or prevent stretch marks like patchouli oil, lavender, argan, rosehip and bitter almond oil,” says Dr Bijlani. “Start using them during your pregnancy to avoid stretch marks from getting stubborn. Once you have deep-set stretch marks then the oils help reduce them but cannot remove them completely.”

Sensitive skin, no problem

While most sensitive skin gets triggered with anything overly aromatic, there are many oils that have the opposite effect and soothe instead of inflame. Western medical science will tell you to steer clear of anything heavily fragranced. Ayurveda looks at it as a matter of balancing your doshas—sensitive skin usually means unbalanced pitta dosha, requiring cooling, healing and calming oils, recommending essential oils like rose, sandalwood, vetiver, and cardamom and carrier oils like virgin coconut, sunflower, apricot kernel. Either way, you must do a patch test (on the inside of your elbow) to see how you would react to any oil you’re using for the first time.

If you want to add a body oil to your routine, here's what you can try now. 

Also read:

How to make your skin glow even when you’re stuck indoors

8 body massage oils that are perfect for your next self-care Sunday

This body care routine will take your entire morning, but it’s worth the glow