Shweta Pandey is a Senior Content Writer at Hindustan Times, with over 12 years of experience in beauty and wellness journalism, specialising in makeup, skincare, and hair care.

Last weekend, while cleaning my home for Diwali, I came across a few body oils PR executives had sent me that I had secretly kept behind my dresser, thinking they were too oily for the humid weather. Out of curiosity, I applied one of them to my skin and felt so wholesome that, finally, now, they are kept on the front row of my shelf. Since the weather has changed and we are bracing for the dry weather ahead, it’s time to finally start applying body oils. Winter has always been a little challenging for my skin. No matter how generously I apply body lotion, my skin tends to feel dry, stretchy and rough, especially after a shower. So, I finally thought of applying body oils. I tried five body oils to see whether they could actually make a difference to my winter skincare routine. And honestly, and to my surprise, they did outperform for me compared to my regular body lotions. Bio-Oil Original Skincare Oil is a product I would reach for when I want to give my skin some extra attention beyond regular moisturising. What makes it stand out is its multi-purpose positioning, as it is formulated for concerns such as the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and ageing signs. I can incorporate it into my body-care routine, especially when certain areas of my skin look dry or uneven. Its oil-based consistency makes it suitable for a gentle massage, allowing me to spread the product evenly across the skin. The formulation features PurCellin Oil, along with a combination of vitamins and botanical oils. Some of its key ingredients include vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate), calendula oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, chamomile oil and sunflower seed oil. These ingredients are included to condition the skin, provide antioxidant support and improve its overall appearance. The oil also helps maintain skin moisture, making it a useful addition to a routine focused on softer, smoother-looking skin. I like how Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is positioned as a multi-purpose skincare product that can be used on both the face and body. It is particularly useful when I want to address dryness while also paying attention to concerns such as uneven skin tone, scars and stretch marks. Its lightweight oil-based formula is designed to spread easily and leave the skin feeling soft and smooth without an excessively greasy finish. I can see myself incorporating it into my post-shower routine, especially when my skin needs some extra conditioning. Forest Essentials After Bath Oil is the kind of product that makes my post-shower skincare routine feel a little more luxurious. Unlike conventional body oils that I generally apply to dry skin, this one is specifically designed to be used on wet skin immediately after a shower. It is also a lovely option when I want to avoid layering multiple moisturising products after bathing.
Because applying an oil while my skin is still damp helps seal in moisture and leaves it feeling soft and conditioned, i find this approach particularly interesting.
I enjoy using body-care products that offer more than just moisturisation, and THE LOVE CO. Body Oil is an interesting pick for someone who likes combining skincare with fragrance. I can incorporate it into my post-shower routine by applying a few drops to damp skin and massaging it gently over my arms, legs and other dry areas. Its lightweight formulation is designed to absorb quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft and conditioned without a heavy, greasy residue. I also like the idea of using it before applying a matching body lotion or mist to build a longer-lasting fragrance experience.

