Natural Body Oil vs Moisturizer: Which Is Better for Dry Skin?

Having smooth, soft skin is always ideal. When it comes to managing dry skin, both body oils and moisturizers have their benefits. Body oil is a great option because it helps seal in moisture after a shower or bath, with Simply Body Oil offering a lightweight, natural way to moisturize and nourish the skin. 

Let’s compare body oil and moisturizer to see which is better for dry skin.

Who Are Body Oils and Moisturizers Best For?

When choosing a body oil vs moisturizer for dry skin, you should consider the following:

• Body oils work well for people with very dry skin, as they are designed to seal in moisture.
• Moisturizers offer more general hydration and are usually suitable for all skin types.
• Using body oil for sensitive skin is a sustainable option for people who react to synthetics, parabens, and fragrances that many moisturizers often contain. 

How Do Natural Body Oils vs Moisturizers Work on Dry Skin?

Although body oils and moisturizers have the same goal, how they work can differ slightly.

Body oils

• Help soften and deeply hydrate skin
• Creates a natural barrier to lock in moisture
• Take longer to absorb into the skin, but longer-lasting

Moisturizers

• Mainly water-based for quick hydration
• Quicker to absorb for easy application
• Often requires more frequent application to maintain hydration 

Benefits of Natural Body Oil for Dry Skin

Body oils offer so much more than skin hydration. Using body oil almost feels like it's part of a ritual. Besides deeply nourishing your skin, body oils can also contribute to a glowy or dewy appearance.

Natural body oils contain plant-based ingredients instead of synthetic additives. Our Simply Body Oil  contains ingredients like sesame, jojoba, and pomegranate seed oil, which are rich in fatty acids and vitamins.

Natural body oil benefits:

• Skin that feels rejuvenated 
• A natural glow
• Locked-in hydration

 

Benefits of Lotions, Creams, and Ointments for Dry Skin

You would think that creams and lotions are the same thing but there are some key differences that you might not know about. 

Lotions have more water than oil and are thinner in comparison to creams and ointments, making them easy to spread on the skin. They work well with normal and oily skin.

Creams contain a more balanced mix of water and oil. They are slightly thicker than lotions and are a good option for daily use. They work well for skin that is very dry or feels uncomfortable.

Ointments contain more oil, are very occlusive, and (because of how thick they are) sit on the surface of the skin instead of being quickly absorbed. These are normally used when dealing with extremely dry skin and certain medical skin conditions. 

Body Oil vs Moisturizer: Side-by-Side Comparison

Deciding whether to use a natural body oil or lotion can depend on a few things, like how dry your skin is, the time of year, and how the product feels on your skin.

Body oil

• Generally suitable for dry skin
• Offers deeper nourishment
• Creates a skin barrier to lock in moisture

Moisturizer

• Generally suitable for all skin types
• Offers immediate hydration

How to Use Body Oil and Moisturizer Together

Knowing when and how to use body oil and moisturizer together can make all the difference for your skincare routine. Here’s a breakdown of how you can use either just Simply Body Oil or combine it with your favorite moisturizer:

If you’re only using Simply Body Oil:

• Have a shower or bath
• Pat yourself dry, ensuring your skin is still damp for maximum absorption
• Massage the oil into your body, focusing on drier areas

For a combination routine:

• Have a shower or bath
• Pat yourself dry
• Apply a thin layer of the moisturizer of your choice and let it absorb
• Apply Simply Body Oil to seal in all the moisture

When Not to Self-Treat Dry Skin and When to See a Doctor

Having dry skin is a normal part of life, but not all dry skin is the same. That’s why it’s important to know when to see a dermatologist for dry skin. If your skin is starting to bother you more than usual or is getting in the way of you doing basic things, it’s recommended that you consult a professional.

Consider seeing a doctor or dermatologist if your dry skin:

• Causes severe itchiness or pain
• Remains very dry despite using moisturizer and/or body oil
• Is getting in the way of your daily routines

If your skin is showing any possible signs of eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, it is recommended that you have it diagnosed by a medical professional.

How Simply Body Oil Fits Into a Dry Skin Routine

Simply Body Oil is a lightweight product filled with carefully added ingredients like sweet almond, pomegranate and jojoba seed oil to absorb into and condition the skin. Known for its antioxidant properties, pomegranate also contains vitamins A, K, and D.

Unlike other oils, Simply Body Oil is lightweight and gives your skin that smooth and silky finish without leaving it feeling sticky. It’s also gentle, natural and plant-based, making it a great option for anyone wanting to avoid products that contain fragrances or synthetic additives.

This minimalist product will fit seamlessly into your skincare routine.  

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Skin

At the end of the day, our skin feels best when it feels nourished. Choosing natural ingredients that work with our skin, nourishing it with fatty acids and vitamins, will contribute to lasting hydration.

Including Simply Body Oil into your routine all year round supports that replenished feeling. When it comes to the winter months, and your skin feels drier, using Simply Body Oil alongside a moisturizer can give your skin that extra soft feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is body oil better than lotion for everyday use?

It depends on the exact body oil or lotion. Our Simply Body Oil is great for everyday use because it is a naturally lightweight option that offers deep hydration.

Can I use body oil instead of moisturizer every day?

Yes. In fact, our Simply Body Oil is intended for everyday use.

Should I put body oil on wet or dry skin?

Neither. You should put body oil on damp skin.

Can I use body oil on my face?

While our Simply Body Oil may be used on your face, we would recommend our Simply Face Oil for a more targeted application.

Will body oil clog my pores or cause body acne?

Lightweight body oils, especially those containing jojoba seed oil, are less likely to cause acne. However, this depends on your skin type and how prone you are to acne.

Is Simply Body Oil safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, but always do a patch test before using any product for the first time.

Sources

1. UT Medical. The Importance of Moisturizing
2. Healthline. What’s the Best Way to Use an Emollient?
3. Healthline. The Difference Between Body Oil and Body Lotion, Explained
4. Mayo Clinic. Dry Skin

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Skin showing any signs of irritation, pain, burning, redness, inflammation, scales, thickening, or causing distraction or difficulty sleeping should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.