Applying An Oil In The Shower Will Make Your Skin Extra Soft & Firm

Having a robust, all-encompassing shower experience is certainly having a moment. Folks have deemed it the "everything shower," and it's quite the sensorial endeavor. Involving eucalyptus plants, body treatments, hair masks, fragrance (ahem, everything), it's the epitome of accessible indulgence.

Showering is something we have to do daily—so why not make a few of those showers something special? Given I'm personally a fan of long, steamy showers—plus, it just takes a while to shampoo and condition my long, tangly hair—you'll hear no complaints from me about this trend. 

But please be cautioned that spending a considerable amount of time under the hot spray of water isn't necessarily the best for skin. Hot water breaks down lipids and can dry out the skin, leaving you drier than before. 

Applying an oil in the shower—yes, in, not just post—is one surefire way to reap its benefits. 

The skin naturally produces lipids (like squalane and ceramides), which help make up your skin barrier. These lipids are the reason your skin is able to hold on to moisture and stay hydrated. However, external elements can damage these lipids, which will compromise the skin barrier. 

Applying topical oils can provide a thin, comforting layer of protection between your skin and the hot water. Oils have a larger molecular weight, and they sit on the skin rather than being absorbed. This is a good thing, as their purpose is to act as that buffer. 

As celebrity esthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar told us: "This oil barrier prevents excessive water loss and helps with any irritation," she notes. 

Personally, I love mindbodygreen's body oil because it has the perfect light texture. It's a dry oil, which simply means it has a light, not greasy texture. While some people prefer a rich or thick oil, I want something that doesn't feel too goopy pre- or post-shower. 

It's made with enriching botanical oils, like safflower seed oil, squalane, and vitamin E, so it's ideal for keeping skin soft and firm.