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Brilliant Body Oils

by Celia Shatzman

There’s something about applying a body oil that makes it about so much more than taking care of your skin. In this era when a little “me time” is needed more than ever, body oils are the perfect escape. “I like to apply it at night and I make a full ritual of it,” says Ildi Pekar, esthetician, entrepreneur and CEO of Ildi Pekar Skin Care. “First I use a body brush to get rid of dead skin cells and boost circulation, take a warm shower, and when I’m done, I warm up the oil in my palms and apply it on damp skin.”

The mental health perks of taking care of yourself are only part of the equation when it comes to the benefits of body oils. “They provide intense nourishment, hydration and rejuvenation by soaking into the upper layers of the skin,” Pekar explains.

Often overlooked in lieu of body lotions, oils can pack a moisturizing punch too. Plus, the gorgeous glow they leave behind is something lotions can’t mimic. To make the most of the hydrating powers of body oils, apply them right after the shower while skin is still damp. Don’t worry about leaving skin feeling greasy—today’s modern formulas sink right in and absorb quickly.

When shopping for a body oil there are few things to keep in mind. “My main two criteria are ingredients and scent,” Pekar says. “I generally like to use clean products on my face and body as well, and the scent is a main key because it has a positive effect on our emotional health and mood. I personally love using CBD oils as they are full of antioxidants, and they repair, rejuvenate and nourish the skin.”

These are a few body oils that you’ll want to try for yourself.

Bathing Culture Outer Being Face & Body Oil

Originally designed for the face, you can slather this all over your body too, proving it’s great for sensitive skin. Ideal for treating inflammation and acne-prone complexions, the soothing formula is chock-full of antioxidants, vitamins C and E, essential fatty acids and amino acids to repair skin from head to toe.

Alo Head-To-Toe Glow Oil

The amla superberry has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine for its antioxidant and vitamin C powers. That potent ingredient is rounded out with turmeric to calm, marula oil and aloe to soothe, and avocado oil for a glow. The oil can also be applied to the face and hair.

Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Body Serum

A whopping 28 omega-rich botanicals and exfoliating fruit acids make up this delicious body serum that can be worn solo or layered with lotion for even more hydration. To take bath time up a notch, you can add a few drops to the tub, since it doubles as a bath oil.

Soma Ayurvedic Jasmine Body Oil

The scent of jasmine will stimulate your senses as soon as you open the bottle. Exclusively using jasmine flowers from the town of Madurai, aka India’s Jasmine City, it’s the purest jasmine oil available. The blend of oils and adaptogens has plenty of perks, from tightening skin to deep moisturization, brightening, firming, toning and boosting elasticity.

Kerstin Florian Bergamot Body Oil

Blending body care with aromatherapy, the bergamot scent is delightfully uplifting. The blend of certified organic oils is chockfull of nutrients, courtesy of coconut, jojoba, meadowfoam and sunflower oils.

Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil

Consisting of totally pure, high-grade argan oil, this multitasker can be used on skin, hair and nails to boost hydration and overall health. The argan oil is packed with fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, and is ethically sourced from UNESCO-protected argan nuts that are hand-cracked at co-ops led by women in Morocco and then cold-pressed to preserve nutrients.

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