Body Oils: The Most Underrated Self-Care Tool (And Why Your Skin Loves Them)
Somehow, body oils got labeled as extra. Too greasy. Too much work. Too “spa day” for real life.
But here’s the truth: body oils are one of the most functional, intelligent forms of skincare we have — when you use the right ones with the right carrier oils.
They don’t just sit on the skin looking shiny. They communicate with your body. They support your skin barrier, your nervous system, and in some cases, even your hormone health.
Let’s talk about why body oils work — and how to make them work for you, inside and out.
Why Oils Make Sense (Biology, Not Hype)
Your skin already produces oil. It’s called sebum, and it’s there to protect you. When we strip it away constantly with harsh soaps and synthetic fragrances, the skin panics and overcompensates — dryness, breakouts, irritation, inflammation.
Plant oils closely mimic our natural lipids. That means:
They absorb more easily
They help repair the skin barrier
They reduce water loss (translation: actually hydrate, not just moisturize)
Healthy skin barrier = calmer skin, better texture, slower visible aging, and less reactivity. You will find yourself buying less and less products and feeling better about your skin.
Body Oil Isn’t Just About Skin — It’s About the Nervous System
This part doesn’t get talked about enough.
Applying oil is slow by nature. You can’t rush it the way you do lotion. That matters. I have been using my own blends for 2 years and am just now seeing the full effect of what swapping to my own products did for me. There are instant effects but there’s so much more to creating your own products or buying small.
Gentle pressure + warmth + scent sends signals to your nervous system that say: we are safe.
When your nervous system calms, your body heals more effectively — including your skin. I blend different oils and extracts into my lotion, so instead of taking a pill to relax I rub the lotion over my body and give myself about twenty minutes to regroup; that became my new regulation ritual, and now I don’t find myself needing those sessions as often or barely ever.FINALLY!
That’s why oils feel grounding. It’s not imaginary. It’s regulation. Our body’s love the nourishment.
The Best Carrier Oils (Your Base Matters)
Think of carrier oils as the foundation. These do the heavy lifting:
Jojoba Oil
Almost identical to human sebum. Great for all skin types, even acne-prone.
Sweet Almond Oil
Light, nourishing, rich in vitamin E. Perfect for daily use.
Grapeseed Oil
Fast-absorbing and lightweight. Ideal if you hate feeling oily.
Olive Oil (Infused, Not Straight From the Kitchen)
Deeply nourishing and anti-inflammatory. Best for very dry or mature skin.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Non-greasy, stable, great for blending essential oils.
Adding Herbs: Where Body Oil Gets Powerful
Infused oils take body care from “nice” to functional.
You can infuse dried herbs into oils slowly over time or use pre-infused versions.
Calendula – soothing, healing, amazing for sensitive or irritated skin
Lavender – calming, anti-inflammatory, supports sleep and stress relief
Chamomile – gentle, calming, perfect for reactive skin
Rose – hydrating, emotionally grounding, supports skin elasticity
Comfrey – restorative, great for tired joints and muscles (external use only)
These herbs don’t just affect the skin — they influence how the body feels.
Essential Oils: Small Amounts, Big Impact
This is where less is more.
A few drops per ounce is enough. Essential oils are concentrated signals.
Some functional favorites:
Frankincense – skin regeneration, grounding
Geranium – hormone-supportive, balances oil production
Lavender – nervous system support, sleep, inflammation
Sweet Orange – uplifting, circulation-supporting
Clary Sage – deeply calming, especially for tension and stress
Always dilute properly. Oils should support the body, not overwhelm it.
How Body Oils Support the Body From the Outside In
Your skin is an absorption organ. What you put on it matters.
Well-formulated oils can:
Reduce inflammation
Support lymphatic flow when massaged
Improve circulation
Calm stress responses
Improve sleep when used at night
This is why evening oil rituals are so powerful — they tell your body it’s time to slow down.
How to Use Body Oil So It Actually Works
The secret: apply to damp skin.
Right after a shower, while your skin is still warm and slightly wet, apply oil. This locks in moisture and helps the oil penetrate instead of sitting on top.
You can also:
Use oil for dry brushing follow-up
Massage into feet before bed
Apply to pulse points for emotional regulation
Use during lymphatic self-massage
Body Oil as Daily Medicine (Without the Drama)
This isn’t about perfection or luxury aesthetics.
It’s about choosing ingredients that work with your body instead of against it.
When you simplify and nourish consistently, your skin responds.
When your nervous system feels safe, your body functions better.
And sometimes, healing really does look like slowing down and rubbing oil into your arms before bed.
Not flashy. Just effective.
Every influencer seems focused on making quick $$$ by pushing low-quality products; I want to change that narrative and ensure people are getting genuinely clean, effective options because it truly makes a difference over time.
Find easy DIY recipes on my blog, or hop over to my shop to browse the products I offer and create your own custom blend.
🌸 PCOS Support Body Oil (Hormone-Soothing + Inflammation Calming)
Purpose:
Supports hormone balance, reduces inflammation, and encourages gentle circulation — especially helpful around the abdomen, lower back, and thighs.
Base (2 oz bottle):
1 oz jojoba oil
1 oz sweet almond oil
Optional Herbal Infusion (choose 1–2):
Calendula (anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing)
Red clover (traditionally hormone-supportive, external use)
Essential Oils:
8 drops geranium
6 drops clary sage
4 drops lavender
How to Use:
Massage onto lower abdomen and lower back daily or during hormone shifts. Best used after a warm shower.
🌙 Period Cramp Relief Oil (Muscle Relaxation + Comfort)
Purpose:
Eases tension, supports circulation, and brings warmth to cramping muscles.
Base (2 oz bottle):
1.5 oz olive oil (infused with chamomile if possible)
0.5 oz castor oil
Essential Oils:
6 drops lavender
6 drops clary sage
4 drops ginger
2 drops marjoram
How to Use:
Warm oil slightly between hands. Massage clockwise over the abdomen or apply as a warm compress.
😴 Sleep Support Body Oil (Nervous System + Deep Rest)
Purpose:
Signals the body to slow down, supporting deeper sleep and nighttime relaxation.
Base (2 oz bottle):
1 oz fractionated coconut oil
1 oz jojoba oil
Optional Herbal Infusion:
Lavender
Lemon balm
Essential Oils:
10 drops lavender
5 drops cedarwood
3 drops frankincense
How to Use:
Apply to feet, shoulders, neck, or chest before bed. Breathe deeply while massaging.
💧 Lymphatic Support Body Oil (Detox + Circulation)
Purpose:
Supports lymph movement, reduces puffiness, and promotes gentle detox pathways.
Base (2 oz bottle):
1 oz grapeseed oil
1 oz sweet almond oil
Optional Herbal Infusion:
Cleavers (traditional lymph support)
Calendula
Essential Oils:
6 drops grapefruit
6 drops juniper berry
4 drops rosemary
How to Use:
Apply after dry brushing or shower. Massage toward lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin). Best used in the morning.
⚠️ Safety Notes (Keep It Real)
Always patch test before full use
Avoid essential oils during pregnancy unless approved
Use external application only
Less is more — essential oils are potent
