Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story At 46, I have a lot to remember when it comes to skincare, and very little space in my bathroom cabinets. Naturally, anything face-firming gets a prized spot in my stash. But if I haven’t always made it a priority to keep the best firming body oils in rotation. Consider me a convert!
It all clicked in a recent chat with Karina Freedman, master esthetician and founder of skincare spa and retailer KarinaNYC . “Why body care is still treated like an afterthought in the U.S. is something I’ll never understand,” Freedman admitted. “We invest so much in our faces, yet the skin on our body deserves just as much attention—especially now, with so many people using GLP-1 medications and noticing changes in skin firmness and elasticity.” The solution? “One of the best things you can do for your body is use a high-quality body oil.”
Freedman explained that a good formula can replenish the skin with essential lipids and antioxidants, keeping it soft, resilient, and supple. “My favorite trick is to apply the oil right after your shower while your skin is still damp,” Freedman said. “Massage the oil over the water droplets, and it absorbs beautifully, leaving your skin silky instead of greasy.” While that all sounds great for silky, dewy skin, where does the actual firming come in?
Part of it comes down to the massage itself. Divya Shokeen, MD , a board-certified dermatologist based in California, suggests rubbing the oil into the skin using an upward, circular motion toward the heart. “This isn’t mystical,” she notes. “It’s simply using mechanical pressure to temporarily boost local circulation, which is part of why skin looks tighter right after application.”
And here’s another secret: While certain ingredients, such as caffeine, may temporarily firm up the skin, ingredients that simply support the skin barrier can also support a tighter skin look. “If you want firmer-looking skin, I would invest in a body oil that provides excellent hydration and barrier support,” says Shannon Humphrey , MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Vancouver. “Well-hydrated skin naturally appears smoother, plumper, and healthier.” Compelled to firm up your own post-shower routine? Ahead, find the body oils Vogue editors and skin-care experts personally shop.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Costa Brazil
Key Ingredients: Kaya oil, cacay oil, breu branco, Brazil nut oil, murumuru butter, tucuma seed oil, buriti oil, cupuau, paqui seed oil Finish: Silky with a subtle glow Size: 3.4 fl oz Best for Crepey Skin: Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Osea
Key Ingredients: Undaria seaweed, white lupin, passion fruit oil, acai oil, babassu oil, rice bran oil Finish: Silky, radiant Size: 5 fl oz Best Mousse-to-Oil: Maёlys Get-Taut Body Firming and Hydrating Mousse to Oil Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Maëlys
Key Ingredients: Sacha inchi peptide, glaucine Finish: Dewy Size: 6.7 oz Best Dry Oil: Nécessaire The Body Oil Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Nécessaire
Key Ingredients: 2% capsaicin, pure grapefruit oil, marula oil, cacay oil, rosehip oil, castor oil, sunflower oil Finish: Dry Size: 5.1 fl oz Best for Puffiness: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sol de Janeiro
Key Ingredients: Guaraná caffeine and complex, Brazilian olive oil, microalgae extract Finish: Radiant Size: 3.4 fl oz Everything You Need to Know Do firming body oils really work?
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