No matter what season it is, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated, naturally. This winter, I turned to body oiling to supercharge my skin hydration routine and to add a new practice of self-care to my day: self-massage. Just like all of our products, our Bath, Body & Massage Oils have a super-clean ingredient label, so I feel good about soaking it all up. Another perk is that body oiling gives your skin an immediate, warm glow that brings your inner radiance to the surface all day long.
THE BENEFITS OF BODY OILING
SELF-MASSAGE
We all suffer from common aches and pains throughout our day. I love self-massage with body oil to target areas that are sore from a day sitting at a desk, an intense cross-training session, or a day out skiing. There’s no rules to follow here: just massage the areas of with discomfort—shoulders, knees, feet or anywhere else that could use some attention—in a concentrated way for up to 2-3 minutes.
Saje Tip: To loosen up your neck and shoulders, rub your skin using small circular motions, focusing on areas where you feel knots. If you want to soothe stomach pain, knead your abdomen in large, circular motions counterclockwise to support the digestive flow.
MOISTURIZING
Body oils provide an extra hit of moisture with rich, easy-to-absorb ingredients like apricot, grapeseed and Vitamin E oils, all of which leave skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated. We use these oils in our lineup of Bath, Body & Massage Oils including my go-to’s: Pain Release, Stress Release and Mother's Wellness.
R&R (RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION)
Using self-massage after a shower or bath adds an uplifting and relaxing twist to your routine that will help reduce aches and pains and decrease stress. Think of it like your regular moisturizing routine, just with even more benefits to your mind and body.
LAYERING NATURAL AROMAS
Choose a body oil with your favourite essential oil blend and remedial benefit to add a beautiful and lasting aroma to your skin that will stay with you throughout the day. Try a body oil with warming, stimulating rosemary, blend like in our Pain Release Topical Analgesic Massage Oil.
SOAKING IN THE BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS – FAST!
Practicing self-massage with a body oil that includes essential oils means your skin will be absorbing the power of plants. Due to their highly concentrated nature, most are 50-70 times more potent than the plants they are derived from. Applying essential oils blended with skin-friendly carrier oils will allow you to safely access the therapeutic benefits of your favourite essential oils.
As I get back into training, I have been body oiling with our Après Sport - with relieving roman chamomile, eucalyptus and cajeput as a natural way to calm down and soothe muscle aches after my workout. 
FIVE STEPS TO BODY OILING
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PREP YOUR OASIS - MORNING OR NIGHT
I like to set up my space before bathing or showering. When I have more time in the evening, my prep routine includes playing my go-to calming Spotify playlist, lighting a soy candle and choosing my favourite Saje body oil based on how my body is feeling in that moment. In the morning, I’ll choose a playlist with jams to get me going and ready to take on my day.
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START WITH A DRY BRUSH
Use this ancient practice to exfoliate and improve circulation, allowing for maximum absorption of your body oil. Try our In the Buff Natural Bristle Dry Brush as a way to energize smooth your skin before you lather up in the bath or shower.
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GET READY TO BATHE
Follow your normal bathing or showering routine. To keep your suds as natural as your body oil, check out our Body Washes and Soaps for some SLS-free and paraben-free choices.
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OIL UP AND MASSAGE IT IN
Apply your favourite body oil when your skin is slightly damp for the best hydrating results. Use 1-2 teaspoons for your whole body, and remember to take time to massage and take a few breaths. I have also been massaging oil into the soles of my feet to relieve stiffness and fatigue. (If you try this method, be careful to let the oil absorb before walking so you don’t slip!)
Saje Tip: I love running my body oil bottle under warm water for 1-2 minutes before self-massage for a warming, moisturizing experience. Just take the bottle in the shower or bath with you so it’s ready and warmed when you step out.
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PAUSE
To maximize the amount of moisture absorbed, wait at least three minutes before towel-drying or getting dressed. Use this time for another self-care ritual, like oil pulling or smoothing on an all-natural skin serum, blended for your skin type.
It may seem luxurious to indulge in body oiling and self-massage during your bathing routine, but your body and mind will thank you. When I take time to practice body oiling, I recover from training more quickly, my skin feels intensely moisturized, and I’m ready to take on the challenges of every day. Try it out, and enjoy your new self-care ritual!
