Shower oils are a moisturising product used to retain moisture during showers. Often, showers can strip natural oils from the skin's surface, leaving it clean but less hydrated. For those with skin conditions, showers (particularly long or hot showers) breach the skin's protective barriers, introducing irritation and providing an entry point for harmful bacteria (which can then produce spots or other infections).
For those looking for plump and hydrated skin, it's time to ditch the body wash and try the more naturally nourishing alternative. Traditional shower products are typically soap-based, which contain surfactants that strip the body's natural oils. In contrast, body oil helps retain and support these oils - visibly, helping the skin glow, but also feel less stretched and dry.
However, not all shower oils are of the same quality. Lower-quality shower oils will not harmonise with your body's natural oils and may exacerbate existing skin issues. The landscape of shower oils is constantly changing, and, in this blog post, we'll explore what constitutes a top shower oil for nourishing the skin.
The Best Shower Oil for Moisturising Dry Skin
When it comes to assessing the quality of shower oils, it can be helpful to be detail-oriented. A shower oil might boast an appealing, seemingly naturally derived scent. All the same, if you check the ingredients, you might find they contain high amounts of unnatural chemicals.
When it comes to skin, it's safe to assume that the more natural, the better. Natural ingredients (such as plant extracts and botanicals) are often less processed and contain fewer synthetic chemicals, which can significantly reduce the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Biocompatibility is also a key reason: natural ingredients 'play nicely' with the skin's natural chemistry, meaning they are better absorbed. Some natural ingredients, like antioxidants and vitamins (in particular, vitamin E, may offer additional benefits beyond basic hydration and cleansing).
What natural ingredients should you be keeping a lookout for? Here are a few natural ingredients with proven positive effects for dry skin.
- Avocado oil. Avocados are powerhouses of essential fatty oils, alongside antioxidants and vitamins. This translates into their oils, which can be very helpful for soothing inflamed skin. Regular application of products containing avocado oil can support skin elasticity.
- Almond oil. A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil, Sweet Almond Oil is strengthens the skin's protective barrier, soothes irritation, and deeply hydrates, thanks to its high content of fatty acids and vitamins E, A, and D - making it a staple of a number of high-quality skincare products.
- Grapeseed oil. Though arguably not as well-known as its avocado and almond oil counterparts, grapeseed oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic. It's packed with antioxidants, vitamins E and C (all skin heroes). Its antimicrobial properties help protect against bacteria, while its thin texture allows for deep penetration into the skin, making it more easily absorbed than heavier, fattier oils like coconut oil. Ultimately, regularly using grapeseed oil products can help to even skin tone, reduce the signs of premature ageing, and promote a youthful, glowing complexion.
Don't be afraid to research ingredients and read reviews when shopping for nourishing shower oils - your skin will thank you for it.
How to use Scented Shower Oils for a Spa-Like Experience
Firstly, set the mood. Every spa should offer a relaxing ambience, which you can easily replicate in the comfort of your own home. Firstly, light a candle; place in a safe space. Next, select music that you personally find relaxing. Then, it's time to apply the shower oil.
If opting for a bathroom soak, add a few drops to your bath. If you choose to shower, apply to dry, sensitive skin parts (e.g., your elbow, knees and back). Then, wash gently with a loofah or cloth. Dry the skin in a gentle patting motion, and immediately apply body oil to lock in the shower oil's nourishment to your skin's protective barrier.
The best way to enjoy shower oil is to be mindful of its scent and feel. Many shower oils host a range of botanic scents, which together form a nuanced and olfactorily satisfying aroma. Examples of these scents include:
- Lavender and other floral scents, e.g. rose.
- Herbal extracts, e.g. clary or sage.
- Plus, slightly rogue scents - how about oakmoss or cassis?
Ideally, the scent should coordinate with the ambience you're fostering. Spas typically use citrus scents for invigoration, lavender for serenity, jasmine for luxury, eucalyptus for a refreshing feel, and so on. If aiming for complete perfection, you could coordinate the shower oil and the body oil scents for a harmonious blend.
Small touches go a long way. Choose your softest towel; your ideal water temperature - and let the feelings of well-being rush in like waves.
Traditional Body Wash and Shower Oil
Tired of slathering on drugstore body wash? Shower oil might introduce a viable solution to moisture-stripping, cheaply scented body wash - let's dive into how.
Shower oil is comprised of compounds that mimic natural human skin oils, meaning it doesn't strip the top layer of your skin's essential oils. It's not as widely available as body wash - one of skincare's best-kept secrets.
Shower Oil vs Body Wash: Which is Better for Your Skin?
When you apply a traditional body wash, it will act like soap, creating a lather that removes dirt, sweat, and bacteria from the skin's surface. The problem with traditional body washes is that they have a high pH. A traditional body wash can disrupt the skin's natural acidic pH, which can weaken the skin barrier and make it more susceptible to harmful bacteria and microbes that can cause infections.
You'll notice immediately when you use a body wash that is too harsh on the skin's natural oils as it will feel dry and tightly stretched (visibly, you might observe flaking or redness). Your skin may become irritated or sensitive.
In contrast, when you apply shower oil, it creates an emulsion that cleanses while keeping the skin's protective barrier intact. These surfactants (surfactants being the chemicals that interact with the skin's surface) are extra-mild. For those suffering from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or extra sensitive skin, using a shower oil will have a more emollient effect that can prevent flare-ups while contributing towards healthier skin.
Shower oil is applied identically to body wash: simply apply to wet skin and massage in, before rinsing off. One of the key advantages of shower oil is that a little goes a long way. Sparing use can have huge impacts. In contrast, traditional shower gel's more watery texture means more is required for that 'clean' feeling. Though shower oil may seem more expensive, a high-quality bottle of shower oil will last much longer than its body wash counterpart.
Another plus for shower oil is that they often contain natural fragrances and chemicals. The synthetic chemicals that shower oils contain are necessary for the preservation and stability of the oil. Moreover, traditional body washes often contain more synthetics and parabens, which can lend an unwanted smell.
Consequently, the feel of shower oil is often distinct. Body washes feel thin, but when massaged, can form a lather, like soap suds. Shower oil has a more luxurious, silky feel. You can use shower apparatus - such as loofahs, flannels, shower gloves and brushes - with both products.
The only advantage body wash might have over shower oil is the potential for a deeper initial cleanse, which could be beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. If deliberately seeking to strip unwanted oils from the skin, a high-quality body wash might be helpful, although you can substitute with repeated washes with shower oil, if desired.
Harnessing Shower Oil for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin
If you're experiencing sensitive or eczema-prone skin, shower oil is one important step towards supporting the integrity of the skin barrier, removing harmful bacteria while maintaining a healthy layer of microflora on the skin. However, using shower oil is only the first step - consider using a hair oil, as using a harsh shampoo can jeopardise the skin's surface. We also recommend using a highly nourishing body oil within three minutes of drying your skin (this is known as the 'three minutes' rule of dermatology). Start with the driest areas and work around the body.
Not all shower oil is built equal, however. Much like its traditional body wash counterpart, various shower oil qualities are available. We suggest seeking shower oils with a high concentration of plant oils, botanic extracts and vitamins. Check how reviewers experienced the shower oil - did they consider the oil to be of good value for money? Which plant extracts might most appeal to your skin? Is it recommended for dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin?
In summary, shower oil can be an important step in investing in better skin. Everyone's skin is different, but everyone's skin deserves better. Shower oil, when used correctly and in tandem with good skin practices, can have a deeply beneficial effect on the looks and appearance of many skin types.
If you're looking to leverage the sensory, deeply nourishing skin experience of shower oil, try IKKARI's shower oil, available in three seductive scents. Our products are designed to last, as you need to only add a few drops to your bath. We're proud to take a conscious approach: being transparent about our ingredients so you can take advantage of the best natural properties the planet has to offer.
(Any questions? Get in touch with our friendly team)