How to Use Body Oil After a Shower (Without Feeling Greasy)

If you've ever stepped out of the shower, rubbed oil into dry skin and felt slippery for an hour, you're not alone. Body oil isn't hard to use, but the technique makes all the difference between 'greasy' and 'beautifully soft'.

The secret: damp skin

Apply oil while your skin is still damp, within a minute or two of your shower. The water helps the oil spread in a thin, even layer, and the oil helps hold that water in your skin. The result is soft skin that doesn't feel greasy, using far less product.

Step by step

1. Shower in warm, not hot, water. Hot water strips the skin's natural oils.
2. Turn off the water and lightly pat (don't rub) your skin with a towel.
3. Pour a few drops of oil into your palm, about a 10-rupee coin's worth for each limb.
4. Rub your palms together to warm it.
5. Press and smooth onto arms, legs and torso with long strokes.
6. Give it a minute or two before dressing.

Oil in the shower

Another option: at the very end of your shower, turn off the water, smooth oil over wet skin, then pat dry gently. The towel removes any excess, leaving a very light layer. This is a good trick for humid summer days.

Which body oil to choose

• [Almond](/products/almond-oil): the everyday choice. Light, silky and suits most skin.
• [Apricot](/products/apricot-oil): lightest and quickest to absorb. Ideal for summer.
• [Walnut](/products/walnut-oil): richest. Best for very dry skin and winter.

You can also blend them by season. See DIY oil blends.

How much oil do you need?

Less than you'd expect. For the whole body, about a teaspoon is plenty on damp skin. Start with less and add more to dry areas like shins, elbows and knees. If you feel slippery after five minutes, use fewer drops next time.

Body oil vs body lotion

Lotions contain water and oil; body oils are pure oil. Oils are great at sealing in moisture and tend to go further. You can use both: lotion first, then a few drops of oil on dry spots, or simply mix a drop of oil into your lotion.

Don't forget these areas

• Elbows and knees: add an extra drop.
• Feet and heels: see how to soften cracked heels.
• Hands and cuticles: rub the last of the oil into your hands. See cuticle oil.
• Neck and chest: often forgotten, and often dry.

Protect your clothes

Give oil a few minutes to settle before getting dressed, especially in silk or dark fabrics. If you're in a hurry, apply oil at night instead of in the morning.

For deeper relaxation, try our almond oil body massage guide. New to almond oil? Start with sweet almond oil for skin.