Cold winter weather means limbs are often hidden under lots of layers but they’ll appreciate some TLC with these super-nourishing oils.
Providing an instant, effective way to hydrate and nurture thirsty skin, body oils have become a beauty must-have, especially over the colder months. Often considered an upgrade from body lotion in terms of moisture retention, oils have massively advanced in terms of their formulas, no longer being greasy or pore clogging. The newer, natural formulas are often packed with ingredients that help form a protective barrier against environmental toxins, while still allowing your skin to breathe.
Oils that mimic your skin’s natural sebum are most likely to sink in and not be greasy. ‘Jojoba oil is well known for this because it tricks your skin into not overproducing sebum. It balances and helps skin retain moisture,’ says skincare expert Su-Man (su-man.com).
And when it comes to application, a little goes a long way. ‘People think of oils as being thick and greasy and worry they will make skin shiny but this isn’t the case if you don’t apply too much,’ says aromatherapist Annee De Mamiel (demamiel.com) ‘Oils vary in viscosity, fattiness and absorption time. Dryer oils, which generally are richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) and gamma linoleic acid or GLA (omega-6) such as rosehip, take less time to absorb than a heavier, fattier one such as macadamia, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Absorption time will also depend on the condition of your skin and the other characteristics of the oil.’
Cold-pressed oils, such as avocado, are also great, as the production process involves no heat, as is the case for lots of oil extraction methods. Instead, it’s extracted through friction and pressure. Although it yields less oil, fewer nutrients are lost so the quality tends to be better.
And just as you’d eat lots of different foods for optimum wellbeing, Annee suggests using a variety of oils to ensure a range of nutrients are absorbed. ‘Your skin has a varied needs and no one oil will cover everything.’
Here are our pick of the best cold-weather comforters – read more in the December issue of Top Santè!
L’Occitane Shea Fabulous Oil (£26, uk.loccitane.com) is reported to soften and moisturise skin in 100 per cent of people who tested it after just four weeks. Containing replenishing shea oil, this non-greasy and delicately-scented formula works to protect and nourish parched skin.
The antioxidant-rich blend of argan, olive and avocado oils within Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil (£36, harveynichols.com) allows the product to soften rough patches, soothe chapped skin and improve texture. The light, weightless consistency sinks in quickly too, making it ideal for a post-shower treat.
Liz Earle Superskin Treatment Oil (£35, uk.lizearle.com) contains borage oil, one of the richest sources of fatty acid GLA, which helps the skin to keep hydrated. Add a few drops to the palm of your hands and massage into the skin from your feet upwards for firmer limbs.
Add a winter glow to your body with No7. Beautiful Skin Shimmer Body Oil (£12, boots.com) Formulated with almond and grapeseed oils to nourish the skin, this is perfect for giving dull skin a radiance boost.
Beatitude Peace Body Oil (£34, beatitudeproduct.co.uk), made with 100 per cent natural plant oils of oat, camellia, peach kernel and daikon radish seed. Calming ylang ylang, lavender, cedarwood and petitgrain essential oils will also help add a dash of serenity to your day.
Votary Body Treatment Oil (£55, votary.co.uk) is on the way to being a cult classic thanks to its unique blend of macadamia oil and two per cent salicylic acid, making it an excellent choice for dehydrated, dull or discoloured patches on knees, elbows and ankles.
