When temperatures drop, it’s not just the air that becomes dry—your skin feels it too. Suddenly, dryness, tightness, and dullness can take over, making it tough to keep that summer glow alive. Winter’s cold air and indoor heating can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dehydrated and vulnerable. While lotions are convenient, body oils are emerging as the go-to solution for deeper, longer-lasting hydration that keeps your skin soft and glowing through winter’s toughest months.
Let’s look at how body oils stand apart and why they could be the ultimate winter rescue for your skin.
Body Oils vs. Body Lotions: Key Differences in Winter Skincare
Both body oils and body lotions are popular moisturizers, but they hydrate your skin in different ways.
Body Oils
Body oils, often plant-based, contain nutrient-rich ingredients like coconut, marula, and jojoba oils. Packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, these oils form a barrier on damp skin that locks in moisture, leaving it soft and resilient. Here’s a breakdown of some top choices:
- Coconut Oil: Rich in texture, ideal for very dry or flaky skin.
- Marula Oil: Lightweight and antioxidant-rich, offering moisture without heaviness.
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics natural sebum, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin.
Applying body oil right after a shower helps seal in moisture as your pores are open and ready to absorb the goodness.
Body Lotions
Lotions are water-based and blend oils, humectants, and emollients for quick, surface-level hydration. While they absorb fast, lotions may need reapplication to maintain moisture throughout the day. They’re perfect for those with oily skin or who prefer a non-greasy finish but may lack the deep nourishment body oils provide.
Choosing the Best Body Oil for Your Skin Type
Your ideal body oil depends on your skin type and specific needs:
- Dry skin: Opt for rich oils like coconut or almond.
- Combination skin: Balanced oils like marula or jojoba work best.
- Sensitive skin: Look for gentle options like squalane, which is non-irritating and fast-absorbing.
Applying body oil to damp skin right after a shower maximizes hydration and maintains a glow all day long. Let’s dive into five body oils that can elevate your winter skincare routine.
Top 5 Body Oils for Glowing Winter Skin
1. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Ideal For: All skin types, especially those looking to improve skin texture and tone.
Bio-Oil is a cult favorite for its versatility and effectiveness in treating scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. This unique oil blend includes plant extracts and vitamins in an oil base, which hydrates deeply and promotes an even skin texture. Bio-Oil is known for its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that leaves skin soft without greasiness.
- Benefits: Helps improve skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and provides lasting hydration. Bio-Oil is hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, making it a versatile choice.
- How to Use: Massage a few drops onto damp skin after showering, focusing on areas prone to dryness or stretch marks. Bio-Oil can also be used as a face moisturizer or mixed with lotion for an extra layer of hydration.
2. Nécessaire The Body Oil
Ideal For: Normal to dry skin and those preferring a fast-absorbing, lightweight option.
This minimalist body oil is cold-pressed with marula, baobab, and rosehip oils for intense hydration without a heavy feel. Marula oil’s fatty acids and antioxidants work with baobab oil’s moisturizing power, while rosehip oil helps even skin tone.
- Benefits: Absorbs quickly with a non-greasy finish, making it easy to layer with other products. Fragrance-free, perfect for sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities.
- How to Use: Massage a few drops onto damp skin or add to your body lotion for an extra hydration boost.
3. Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Body Oil
Ideal For: Dry skin, particularly for those who enjoy a hint of natural fragrance.
Herbivore’s Jasmine Body Oil combines camellia and jasmine sambac oils to nourish and leave a subtle floral scent. Camellia oil, a K-beauty favorite, hydrates without greasiness, while jasmine sambac provides skin-softening benefits.
- Benefits: Leaves skin soft, smooth, and lightly scented with jasmine, plus antioxidant protection for youthful resilience.
- How to Use: Apply to damp skin after a shower or bath. Can also be used as a hair treatment for extra shine.
4. OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
Ideal For: All skin types, particularly for those looking for firming and anti-aging benefits.
OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Oil is a luxurious, fast-absorbing oil known for its rich, botanical formula that combines undaria seaweed with acai, babassu, and passion fruit oils. This unique blend is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that deeply hydrate, firm, and nourish the skin. The undaria seaweed in this oil is soaked for six months to release its nutrients fully, making it incredibly effective in restoring skin’s natural glow and elasticity.
- Benefits: Deeply hydrates without a greasy feel, visibly improves skin tone and texture, and promotes firmness. It’s ideal for those wanting a lightweight but nutrient-dense oil that supports skin aging and elasticity.
- How to Use: Massage into damp skin after showering to lock in hydration. This oil also works well for dry elbows, knees, or areas that need extra nourishment.
5. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Ideal For: Sensitive or reactive skin types, and anyone seeking a multipurpose oil.
Although intended for the face, Drunk Elephant’s Marula Oil is versatile enough for body use. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and amino acids, it helps improve elasticity and reduce redness, all without clogging pores.
- Benefits: Provides intense hydration and anti-aging benefits, suitable for both face and body. It’s fragrance-free, ideal for those with sensitivities.
- How to Use: Apply a few drops to damp skin post-shower, or mix with lotion for added moisture. Consistent use leaves skin soft and supple.
Embrace Body Oils for Radiant Winter Skin
Body oils are more than just a seasonal skincare trend—they offer deep, lasting hydration that keeps your skin healthy and resilient during winter. Unlike lotions, oils lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, helping it withstand the drying effects of cold air and indoor heating.
You don’t have to ditch lotions entirely; many routines benefit from using both. Apply body oil on damp skin right after your shower to maximize hydration, then add lotion during the day as needed. This combination approach provides flexibility, allowing you to adjust based on your skin’s changing needs.
FAQs: Body Oils in Winter Skincare
How often should I apply body oil?
Once daily, ideally after a shower or bath when skin is damp, to lock in moisture for the day.
Can I layer body oil with lotion?
Yes! Layering both can maximize hydration—apply body oil first, then lotion for extra moisture and protection.
Will body oils feel greasy on my skin?
Not all body oils are greasy. Opt for lightweight, fast-absorbing options like marula or squalane if you prefer a dry finish.
Are body oils suitable for sensitive skin?
Many body oils, especially those without synthetic fragrances, are gentle for sensitive skin. Jojoba and squalane oils are particularly mild.
Can body oils reduce the appearance of stretch marks?
Yes, oils like rosehip and grapeseed can improve skin elasticity and may help minimize stretch marks with regular use.
