Health Myths And Facts: How Often Should Body Oil Be Changed And How Frequently Can You Use Oil On Hair? See What Experts Say

ABP Live sought the opinion of experts who explained how often we require to change the type of oil we are using. Additionally, they also spoke about the frequency of using hair oil.

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New Delhi: The wide range of body oils, creams, and lotions available can make it challenging to introduce a new product into your skincare regimen. However, if you seek powerful hydration for dry or cracked skin, incorporating body oil is one of the best solutions. Body oil serves as an excellent method to seal in moisture, resulting in luxuriously smooth and supple skin.

But, what kind of body oil to use and forhow long? Also, can you apply oil on your body more than once a day? What is the rule for applying oil on hair? Yes, these are the questions that you frequently come across. To answer all these, ABP Live sought the opinion of experts who explained that it is fine to use the body oil until it starts smelling bad. They also told that our skin might get sensitive to certain ingredients present in oil, for which we might require to change the type of oil we are using. Additionally, they also spoke about the frequency of using hair oil.

How Long Can The Same Body-Oil Be Used?

The length of time that a body oil brand can be used can vary depending on various factors including the specific brand, the expiration date indicated on the product, and how it is stored.

According to Dr. Anirban Bhattacharya, Golf View healthcare & research institute, "Generally, most body oils have a shelf life of about 1-3 years if stored properly in a cool, dry place and if the packaging remains sealed. However, it is always recommended to check the product label or packaging for specific instructions and expiration dates provided by the manufacturer. If the body oil starts to smell rancid or changes in colour or texture, it is best to discard it and purchase a new one."

Additionally, body oil is a moisturizer that has no water, told Dr. Saurav Bhattacharya, from Golf View healthcare & research institute. 

"Natural skincare tends to have a shorter shelf life in general compared to conventional skincare. Also, light can break down some oils, so, generally speaking, the body oil will last longer if you keep them away from light."

How Often Do We Need To Change The Type Of Body Oil That We Are Using?

Changing the type or ingredient of body oil is not a mandatory requirement but can be advantageous for several reasons. There are several factors listed down by Dr. Ajay Rana, an internationally renowned Dermatologist, Surgeon, Aesthetic Physician and the Founder & Director of ILAMED & Dermalyn , determining how often to change the type of body oil you use.

• Firstly, your skin's needs may change over time due to factors like age, hormonal fluctuations, seasonal changes, or environmental conditions. For instance, during winter, you may require a heavier, more moisturizing oil to combat dryness, while in summer, a lighter, non-greasy oil might be preferable. It's important to assess your skin's condition and adjust the body oil accordingly.
• Personal preferences also play a significant role in deciding how frequently you change your body oil. Some individuals enjoy experimenting with different oils to discover their preferred scents, textures, or specific benefits. If you appreciate variety and wish to explore different options, changing your body oil periodically can be an enjoyable experience.
• Different oils offer distinct benefits for the skin. For example, coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties, while argan oil is rich in antioxidants. If you have specific goals such as anti-aging, soothing sensitive skin, or reducing inflammation, you may choose to switch oils to effectively target those concerns.
• Allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients can develop over time. If you experience any adverse reactions such as redness, irritation, or itching after using a particular body oil, it would be wise to switch to an alternative oil with different ingredients that are better tolerated by your skin.

Can Oil Be Applied On Body More Than Once A Day?

The use of Topical Oils for skin health is very common worldwide. You can apply oil on your body more than once a day, depending on the type of oil, and your skin needs. In addition, it is also important to consider the specific oil you are using and for which purpose and your skin's reaction to it.

If we discuss the benefits of oil application on skin, here are some benefits listed by Dr Shareef Chause, Dermatologist, Apollo Spectra Mumbai:

1. Moisturization - They are like a natural moisturizer that helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, like coconut and olive oil, they can be used in eczema and psoriasis patients and can be applied twice or thrice a day.

2. Anti Aging - Some oil lime rosehip and argan oil are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids which helps to reduce the sign of aging.

3. Soothing Properties - Oils like chamomile or lavender have soothing properties that help to reduce redness and irritation of the skin and can be used in conditions like eczema and rosacea.

4. Antimicrobial Properties - Tea tree oil and jojoba oil have antimicrobial properties that help in the reduction of acne.

Everyone's skin is unique, so it is very important to find out the right oil for your skin type and do a patch test before applying them over large areas of the body.

Does Exposure To Direct Sunlight Immediately After Applying Oil, Make Skin Dark?

While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that applying oil to the body and then spending time in the sun causes skin darkening, it is important to understand how the sun interacts with the skin.

"Sun exposure, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is a known factor in skin darkening. When our skin is exposed to UV radiation, it triggers the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin color. This process is called tanning. However, the effects of UV radiation on skin darkening are not affected by the presence of oil on the body. The darkness or tan that develops on the skin is primarily the result of the skin's response to UV radiation, as well as the individual's skin type and melanin production," said Dr Gitika Biyani - Dermatology, Cosmetology & Tricology Specialist, Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai.

"It is important to note that while some natural oils may have minimal sun-protective properties due to their antioxidant content, they should not be relied upon as a sole means of sun protection. For effective sun protection, it is recommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive sun exposure, such as sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential for maintaining its health and appearance.", she further went on to add.

How Often Should Oil Be Applied On Hair?

There have been lots of myths and facts about oiling the scalp. In this regard, we have spoken to Dr. Ranjan Upadhaya, Senior Consultant - Dermatology, Laser and Hair Transplantation, Dermatology, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, who carified some of them.

"Applying oil is good for people who have got very dry hair. But it is also important to understand dry hair sometimes is also confused with dandruff. So if the patient has dandruff then oiling might not be a very good idea," said Dr. Ranjan Upadhaya.

"However, if the patient has dry scalp, it would be good idea to oil, but may be just one or two hours before you shampoo," he further added. 

So applying oil depends on the type of your scalp skin. It is okay to apply oil, if your scalp is dry. But if you think the scalp is quite oily, then applying oil might not be a good idea.

"This will add to more oil on the scalp that might feed the fungus more and lead to more dandruff and severe dermatitis issues and eventually more itching, scaling and further complications which might even lead to hair loss.", Dr. Ranjan further said. 

To sum up everything, applying oil is a good idea for people who have dry hair.

"You can oil once or twice or maybe thrice in a week, but only one or two hours before you shampoo and after that you make sure you shampoo it off nicely. So the idea of this would be to moisturize the scalp as well as the hair follicles and to give them a natural conditioning effect. Also, a short contact time of 1 to 2 hours is always better if you do it for longer period of time, which might in turn lead to more dandruff issues.", Dr. Ranjan Upadhaya explained.

He also gave insights into what type of oil should be used saying that generally during the summer season cold pressed coconut oil is a very good idea for the scalp while during winters extra virgin olive oil is a good idea. There are a lot of other herbal ingredient based oil lotions also available which can also good for applying.