6 Body Oils for Dry Skin, Plus Anti-Aging Boosters

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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Clean oils for clean skin

Dry skin is as much a facet of midwinter life as snow days and face-biting chills. There are many ways to address this: experimenting with moisturizers, opting for gentle, nondrying cleansers, even switching on a humidifier, which can aid skin by adding moisture to dry air. Or, trying single-blend body oils.

What makes single-blend oils a better choice than premade department store ones? The answer is simple: clean curation.

Branded lotions and creams often come with preservatives, dyes, and artificial fragrances — all of which may lead to heightened skin sensitivity. Armed with essential oils, you can tailor your body oils to target stretch marks, sun spots, wounds — changing up your routine daily, if desired.

You may be giving up pretty packaging, but with this DIY aesthetic you’ll gain greater control over ingredients and application.

As to how to use them? This part’s as easy as it gets. In most cases, you’ll want to smooth a thin layer over wet (not dry) skin. While you don’t want to leave too much excess on your skin, try to let the oil soak in for as long as possible — you’ll soon notice the difference.

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Gentle sweet almond oil is usually safe even for sensitive skin types (though you should always test before committing to a treatment). It has a lovely, soft smell, which means that this oil is particularly adept at doing double-duty as a subtly sweet fragrance. Once skin is no longer dry or irritated, consider mixing with some brown sugar to create a general, cleansing body scrub.

Boost your oil: Mix cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender oils for an anti-cramp blend. Lavender and rose oils are known to help alleviate pain.

Share on Pinterest

Another sweet, lightweight oil that can be used on the body — and hair! — apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamins like A, C, E, and K. To avoid clogged pores and acne, be sure to rinse it off your skin with warm water and gently dry with a clean towel. Apricot kernel also does wonderful double-duty for dry, damaged hair — add a few drops to a warmed-up carrier oil like almond oil, and then apply to damp hair, wrapping in a towel for at least 20 minutes. (Overnight is fine, too.)

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your apricot kernel oil for an anti-acne blend.

Share on Pinterest

Sunflower oil is hugely soothing, thanks to an array of monounsaturated fatty acids and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (In one 2008 study, sunflower oil even helped prevent sepsis and mortality in premature infants versus a petroleum-based moisturizer.) That means that it may help skin irritation — not just dry skin, but chronic acne and eczema as well.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of lavender to boost the healing properties and add a divine, relaxing fragrance. Lavender is known to help combat stress, which can be a trigger for skin irritation.

Share on Pinterest

This light, vitamin-rich oil is used in a myriad of skin products — even those meant to be used on the face, as its polyphenols may have some anti-aging properties. Unlike some heavier oils, grapeseed oil is even safe on skin prone to breakouts. It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a great wound-healing oil if you’re prone to knee scraps and cuts.

Boost your oil: A few drops of anti-aging sandalwood will help promote soft skin and ease the appearance of wrinkles.

Share on Pinterest

Maybe the most counterintuitive choice here, olive oil — that staple of every Mediterranean pantry — is also an ancient beauty tool (and probably available in your kitchen right now). It’s the ultimate in all-purpose skin salves: Use it to gently remove makeup, soothe cracked heels, deep-condition hair, or just to moisturize dry skin. Use a light touch and wipe off any excess to prevent irritation or clogging.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil for stronger hair. Clinical reviews show that rosemary may restore hair loss and support hair growth.

Share on Pinterest

Jojoba oil, another pantry staple, shares many of the same moisturizing and protective qualities as olive oil. Add a bit of sugar and lemon for a lip scrub, and apply it after sun damage as a balm. While its role in preventing hair loss is debated, research does suggest that treating the scalp with jojoba oil can prevent dandruff.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of pomegranate essential oil or green tea extract to help tackle further sun damage. Licorice extract may also help with lightening dark spots, or hyperpigmentation.

Just as you can tailor your body oils for you, there’s no one way to apply them either. The best way to avoid skin reactions is to follow a certain set of rules. Shop for single-blend essential oils just like you would any other organic good:

• Patch test by dabbing a drop on your inner wrist and waiting at least 24 hours to see if there’s a reaction.
• Buy local when possible, from trusted suppliers.
• Fewer ingredients and preservatives often mean a lower chance for developing irritation.
• Skip preservatives and chemicals, when possible.
• Avoid added fragrances, otherwise listed as parfum.
• Purchase extra amber (sun-proof) containers for your own blends to avoid exposing the oils to sun too much.

Remember, many of the most effective oils aren’t available at the mall, unless yours has a health food shop. They are, however, a checkout-cart click away, and available at a steep discount, relative to the $100 department store brands. So which hydrating oil is your skin thirsty for?

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with your doctor before you begin using essential oils and use caution when choosing a quality brand.

Diana Keeler has written for outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Outside, Marie Claire, NYLON, and other magazines. She’s based in Brooklyn. You can follow her adventures on Twitter.

6 Body Oils for Dry Skin, Plus Anti-Aging Boosters

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Clean oils for clean skin

Dry skin is as much a facet of midwinter life as snow days and face-biting chills. There are many ways to address this: experimenting with moisturizers, opting for gentle, nondrying cleansers, even switching on a humidifier, which can aid skin by adding moisture to dry air. Or, trying single-blend body oils.

What makes single-blend oils a better choice than premade department store ones? The answer is simple: clean curation.

Branded lotions and creams often come with preservatives, dyes, and artificial fragrances — all of which may lead to heightened skin sensitivity. Armed with essential oils, you can tailor your body oils to target stretch marks, sun spots, wounds — changing up your routine daily, if desired.

You may be giving up pretty packaging, but with this DIY aesthetic you’ll gain greater control over ingredients and application.

As to how to use them? This part’s as easy as it gets. In most cases, you’ll want to smooth a thin layer over wet (not dry) skin. While you don’t want to leave too much excess on your skin, try to let the oil soak in for as long as possible — you’ll soon notice the difference.

Share on Pinterest

Gentle sweet almond oil is usually safe even for sensitive skin types (though you should always test before committing to a treatment). It has a lovely, soft smell, which means that this oil is particularly adept at doing double-duty as a subtly sweet fragrance. Once skin is no longer dry or irritated, consider mixing with some brown sugar to create a general, cleansing body scrub.

Boost your oil: Mix cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender oils for an anti-cramp blend. Lavender and rose oils are known to help alleviate pain.

Share on Pinterest

Another sweet, lightweight oil that can be used on the body — and hair! — apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamins like A, C, E, and K. To avoid clogged pores and acne, be sure to rinse it off your skin with warm water and gently dry with a clean towel. Apricot kernel also does wonderful double-duty for dry, damaged hair — add a few drops to a warmed-up carrier oil like almond oil, and then apply to damp hair, wrapping in a towel for at least 20 minutes. (Overnight is fine, too.)

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your apricot kernel oil for an anti-acne blend.

Share on Pinterest

Sunflower oil is hugely soothing, thanks to an array of monounsaturated fatty acids and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (In one 2008 study, sunflower oil even helped prevent sepsis and mortality in premature infants versus a petroleum-based moisturizer.) That means that it may help skin irritation — not just dry skin, but chronic acne and eczema as well.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of lavender to boost the healing properties and add a divine, relaxing fragrance. Lavender is known to help combat stress, which can be a trigger for skin irritation.

Share on Pinterest

This light, vitamin-rich oil is used in a myriad of skin products — even those meant to be used on the face, as its polyphenols may have some anti-aging properties. Unlike some heavier oils, grapeseed oil is even safe on skin prone to breakouts. It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a great wound-healing oil if you’re prone to knee scraps and cuts.

Boost your oil: A few drops of anti-aging sandalwood will help promote soft skin and ease the appearance of wrinkles.

Share on Pinterest

Maybe the most counterintuitive choice here, olive oil — that staple of every Mediterranean pantry — is also an ancient beauty tool (and probably available in your kitchen right now). It’s the ultimate in all-purpose skin salves: Use it to gently remove makeup, soothe cracked heels, deep-condition hair, or just to moisturize dry skin. Use a light touch and wipe off any excess to prevent irritation or clogging.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil for stronger hair. Clinical reviews show that rosemary may restore hair loss and support hair growth.

Share on Pinterest

Jojoba oil, another pantry staple, shares many of the same moisturizing and protective qualities as olive oil. Add a bit of sugar and lemon for a lip scrub, and apply it after sun damage as a balm. While its role in preventing hair loss is debated, research does suggest that treating the scalp with jojoba oil can prevent dandruff.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of pomegranate essential oil or green tea extract to help tackle further sun damage. Licorice extract may also help with lightening dark spots, or hyperpigmentation.

Just as you can tailor your body oils for you, there’s no one way to apply them either. The best way to avoid skin reactions is to follow a certain set of rules. Shop for single-blend essential oils just like you would any other organic good:

• Patch test by dabbing a drop on your inner wrist and waiting at least 24 hours to see if there’s a reaction.
• Buy local when possible, from trusted suppliers.
• Fewer ingredients and preservatives often mean a lower chance for developing irritation.
• Skip preservatives and chemicals, when possible.
• Avoid added fragrances, otherwise listed as parfum.
• Purchase extra amber (sun-proof) containers for your own blends to avoid exposing the oils to sun too much.

Remember, many of the most effective oils aren’t available at the mall, unless yours has a health food shop. They are, however, a checkout-cart click away, and available at a steep discount, relative to the $100 department store brands. So which hydrating oil is your skin thirsty for?

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with your doctor before you begin using essential oils and use caution when choosing a quality brand.

Diana Keeler has written for outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Outside, Marie Claire, NYLON, and other magazines. She’s based in Brooklyn. You can follow her adventures on Twitter.

Oils for dry skin: which ones are right, how to use them

Contents

• Why facial oils are needed
• Which oil is suitable for dry skin
• Coconut
• Apricot kernels
• Almond
• Shea Butter
• Grape
• Cocoa butter

Dry skin requires special care. In addition to using the standard set of skin care cosmetics for this type of skin ( lotions, hyaluronic acid serums and creams ), various nourishing and moisturizing oils are very popular. Let’s figure out which products are most suitable for dry skin.

Why oils are needed for facial skin

Vegetable oils are able to stimulate metabolic processes in skin cells, for example, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. This creates the necessary conditions for the restoration of the epidermis and improve the color and condition of the skin.

The added benefit of using oils is aromatherapy

The right choice of essential oils will help you achieve the following results :

• moisturizing;
• improvement of microcirculation;
• activation of the sebaceous glands;
• skin renewal at the cellular level;
• regeneration.

useful combinations can be made from suitable oils . Coconut, olive, almond, jojoba and other products are suitable for dry skin. It is not recommended to use oils that have astringent, disinfectant and pore-constricting action. Grapefruit, basil, cypress, laurel, lemon and bergamot are banned.

Which oil is best for dry skin

Let’s talk more about the oils that are best for dry or overdried skin. These include coconut, apricot, almond, shea, grape seed and cocoa.

Coconut

This product is ideal for use in the care of sensitive skin type . It promotes effective hydration, nutrition and elimination of peeling.

Coconut oil

In addition, coconut oil has a healing and soothing effect. It is recommended to use it after depilation with wax or tweezers, as well as for the purpose of healing micro-wounds and burns.

Of the minuses, can be noted the comedogenicity of . It clogs pores, so frequent use is not desirable.

The easiest way to use pure coconut oil. It has a low melting point, so it melts on contact with the human body. The consumption of the product is very economical.

Coconut oil applied to wet skin . It is absorbed within half an hour, the remnants must be blotted with a napkin.

Apricot Kernel

Apricot Kernel Oil helps to soften and nourish the skin, which is required for excessive dryness . The product effectively moisturizes, eliminates irritation and redness.

Apricot Kernel Oil

In addition, it has protective properties. It is recommended to use apricot kernel product to keep skin healthy during the cold season .

The product also shows high efficiency in anti-aging care. It evens out the contour of the face, eliminates mimic wrinkles and increases the elasticity of the dermis.

Apricot oil is quickly absorbed and does not leave marks on clothes

After using the product, the face does not leave a greasy shine. It doesn’t clog pores. Can be used as a base.

Almond

One of the best products for nourishing and moisturizing the skin. It is a powerful antioxidant.

Almond oil

Almond oil is an excellent remedy for the prevention of dryness, flaking and irritation. Its use is especially relevant in winter, when the epidermis needs special protection and support.

It can be used as a stand-alone treatment . A small amount is applied to damaged areas. Product does not need to be rinsed off – the product is perfectly absorbed.

Shea Butter

Known for its regenerative properties, making it indispensable for anti-aging care.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter promotes healing of lesions. If you use it regularly, the skin condition noticeably improves – it becomes smooth and elastic .

Recommended for use as an overnight mask. No need to rinse.

Grape

The product is obtained from grape seeds. This tool is considered one of the most expensive , as it is quite difficult to get it.

Grape seed oil

Grape seed oil prevents early skin aging. It is a natural antioxidant. It protects the epidermis from wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation. Eliminates dryness immediately.

Has a powerful anti-aging effect, therefore it is not recommended for use until the age of 35

Apply in a thin layer of . It has a light texture and does not clog pores.

Cocoa Butter

No herbal product can soften the skin like cocoa butter . Solid in consistency, it has a low melting point and melts when touched on the human body.

Cocoa Butter

The product tones, moisturizes and nourishes the epidermis. Has a pleasant aroma of that uplifts your mood. As a result, the skin becomes elastic, tender, and the complexion noticeably improves.

Before using any cosmetic product, it is recommended to consult a specialist to ensure that there is no allergic reaction.

Which oil is right for your skin

How to start choosing a base oil? Of course, with determining the type of your skin. There are four main skin types: normal, dry, oily and mixed (combination). Each type has its own characteristics and requires special care.

Dry skin has a matte dull tone, constricted pores; the skin is very thin and delicate. The owner of such skin in her youth did not suffer from acne, but unfortunately this type of skin is prone to rapid fading, peeling, and allergies. After washing, there is a feeling of strong tightness. This type is one of the most problematic and needs especially careful care.

Oily skin . This type of skin is very easy to identify by oily sheen on almost the entire surface of the face and noticeably enlarged pores, this is due to increased secretion of the sebaceous glands. This skin is quickly contaminated, prone to various rashes and acne, which requires special delicate care. But, oily skin also has its advantages, since with age it becomes normal – the secretion of the sebaceous glands returns to normal. Owners of oily skin get acquainted with the first wrinkles much later.

Normal skin is smooth and elastic, with an even color, no enlarged pores, blackheads, allergies, various acne. Such skin is characteristic of healthy people, which is a rarity in our time. Normal skin easily tolerates both heat and cold. Any external factors are not terrible for its owner.

Mixed (combined) is the most common skin type. It is characterized by a greasy sheen on the forehead, nose and chin, and, at the same time, dry thin skin around the eyes, cheeks and temples. Such skin requires separate care for oily and dry areas of the skin on the face.

In addition to the four main skin types, there are aging (fading) and sensitive skin types.

So, we have decided on the type of skin. It’s time to determine which base oils are right for you. But first, let’s clarify what a base oil is.

Carrier oils (carrier oils, carrier oils, base oils, transport oils, carrier oils) are vegetable oils used in aromatherapy to dissolve essential oils, as well as for use in cosmetics, soap making, and so on.

Base oils are valued for their composition – the most valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides, waxes, phosphatides, lipochromes, tocopherols and the entire spectrum of vitamins “from A to U”. Thanks to such components, these oils strengthen skin cell membranes, stimulate metabolism and regeneration, and have an antioxidant effect. Vegetable oils increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Paradoxically, but base oils dissolve the deposited secrets of the sweat glands, remove dirt, dust, and cosmetics from the skin surface.

So which oil is right for your skin.

For dry skin suitable oils: avocado, shea (macadamia), wheat germ, coconut, sesame, sea buckthorn, almond, peach, evening primrose, jojoba, cocoa, rosehip, raspberry, cranberry, watermelon, walnut, Hypericum.

For oily skin suitable: grape seed oil, apricot, almond, jojoba, peach, evening primrose, poppy seed oil. In addition, one of the most suitable for the care of oily skin prone to acne is hazelnut oil.

For skin care of the mixed (combined) type , suitable: apricot, sesame, almond, watermelon, jojoba, hazelnut, macadamia (shea), green coffee oil, grape seed, evening primrose, St. John’s wort.

For normal skin , the following oils can be used: apricot, coconut, jojoba, cranberry, poppy seed, watermelon, shea, wheat germ, evening primrose, hazelnut, sesame, almond, peach.

So, you have already decided on the types of skin and the base oils suitable for them. It remains to understand how to apply this knowledge in practice.

Although the oil itself has a therapeutic effect, this is not enough, and it would be nice to enhance this effect with active ingredients, which include, for example, essential oils.

For dry skin you can use essential oils of chamomile, jasmine, geranium, ylang-ylang, rosewood, orange stains and sunburn).

For oily skin essential oils of chamomile, lavender, ylang-ylang, mint, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit (phototoxic oils, like all citrus essential oils), rosemary, lemon balm, rosewood, neroli, geranium are suitable.

For normal skin – essential oils of lavender, rose, neroli, geranium, jasmine, chamomile, mint, ylang-ylang, frankincense.

For mixed (combination) skin – oils of rosewood, lavender, lemon, bergamot (citrus essential oils should be used with caution in the open sun), neroli, tea tree, ylang-ylang, mint, rosemary.

By combining base and essential oils, you can make an oil mixture that will have a healing effect. Below are examples of oil blend recipes for different skin types.

Oil blend for oily skin.
For 20 ml mixture:

• 10 ml grape seed oil
• 5 ml evening primrose oil
• 5 ml St. John’s wort oil
• 1 drop lemon essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops of geranium essential oil

Oil blend for normal skin.
For 20 ml mixture:

• 10 ml wheat germ oil
• 5 ml almond oil
• 5 ml peach oil
• 3 drops of geranium essential oil
• 3 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil

Oil blend for combination skin types.
For 20 ml mixture:

• 10 ml grape seed
• 5 ml jojoba oil
• 5 ml St. John’s wort oil
• 3 drops neroli essential oil
• 3 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil

Oil blend for dry skin.
For 20 ml mixture:

• 10 ml avocado oil
• 5 ml sea buckthorn oil
• 5 ml poppy seed oil
• 2 drops of vetiver essential oil
• 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
• 2 drops of geranium essential oil

Oil blend for aging skin.