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These so-cold-your-face-is-numb temps aren’t too kind to your skin. But considering winter isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, your dry-skin checklist is still very much a necessity. Because truckloads of moisturizer alone isn’t going to cut it, there’s one more thing you should be doing to make a flaky, itchy complexion baby-soft once again: grab a shower oil.
Everyone knows what body washes are. Shower oils aren’t as well-known, but they certainly should be on your radar. Experts say they’re a much better option than typical cream-style body washes when it comes to fighting off dryness. According to dermatologist Lily Talakoub, MD, of McLean Dermatology and Skincare, that’s because oils more effectively moisturize your skin when you’re in the shower due to their chemical makeup. “Anything that’s lipophilic is going to penetrate the skin better, so in general, the penetration of products that works best is an oil,” she says.
For your silkiest skin yet, try one of these shower oils. In the season of flakiness, you’ll be feeling smooth as ever.
The 7 best shower oils for your dry skin
Bioderma Atoderm Moisturizing and Cleansing Oil — $20.00
This shower oil—which contains vegetal biolipids and niacinamide to protect your skin barrier—is Dr. Talakoub’s favorite. “It’s the best moisturizing body wash I’ve ever used in my life,” she says. “I give it to every single patient. It’s so inexpensive, and I use it to wash my body as well as to shave my legs.”
Glossier Body Hero Daily Oil Wash — $18.00
The seven-oil blend in this option is great at frothing up and ridding your skin of grime and sweat. Afterward, you’re left with clean, moisturized skin that smells amazing.
L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil — $25.00
Right after applying this shower oil, you’re left with a feel-good milky lotion that coats your skin with nourishing almond oil.
Kopari Sudsy Shower Oil — $28.00
This shower oil foams up, allowing you to cleanse your skin without stripping away moisture. It also makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island, thanks to the sweet coconut milk scent.
Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Shower Oil — $10.00
Once applying it to your wet skin, this cherry blossom and organic rice milk-based shower oil turns into a silky-soft foam that hydrates your skin.
Nivea Natural Caring Shower Oil — $14.00
Immensely popular in its native Germany, this shower oil was developed for very dry skin. It creates light foam when exposed to water, so it cleanses while it conditions. Das ist gut!
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Oil-To-Foam Body Cleanser — $30.00
Do you like the scent of vanilla and almonds? Do you dream of having your skin be conditioned with grapeseed and castor oils? Do you wish for your skin to be so soft that somewhere, a baby’s bottom is infinitely jealous? If the answer is yes, yes, and yes, meet your new favorite shower companion.
These are a derm’s best tips for dry skin:
Derms say these super-common shower mistakes are the reason your skin gets so dry. Then find out the absolute best ingredient to hydrate dry skin.
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