Oil has been my body balm since I was born.
Following the advice of my Lola Soledad, my mom would rub Johnson's Baby Oil (the one with pink cap) all over my back, arms, and legs.
According to her, it is effective as "pang-tanggal ng lamig sa likod."
I don't know if that really guarded me against pneumonia, but one thing I have been very sure of: My back has always been smooth because of body oil.
And so, upon giving birth in 2014, I started applying baby oil on my baby girl.
But instead of the pink one, I used the "lite" variant, which is less greasy.
Johnson's baby Oil Lite, 50 ml, is vailable of Lazada for PHP50.
BODY OIL, NOT BABY OIL
Over time, I tried other brands on my body.
In 2004, I switched to Neutrogena Body Oil because it feels lighter.
Each time my skin would feel dry, I would apply it.
A dermatologist told me it is better than moisturizer if I'm after skin hydration.
On S&R's Lazmall under Lazada, it is available for PHP1,243 for a 473-ml bottle.
KRIS AQUINO'S SKIN-CARE TIP
It was Kris Aquino who told me in 2009 that body oil should be applied on damp skin.
She said then, "Girl, wrong ka. Right after taking a bath, apply it all over your body while your skin is a bit wet. Then use a moisturizing body lotion."
Oil, she said, will help the skin absorb and lock the moisturizer.
Since then, I changed the way I used it.
And I have been using three kinds.
For my face, I swear by the midnight recovery oil of Kiehl's.
Even if I'm puyat, my skin does not look dull or tired.
On Lazada, the 15 ml of this face oil, which is a midnight recovery serum, costs PHP2,300.
For my body, I have been using Nuxe Multi-purpose Dry Oil.
It's a spray type, so it's so easy to apply all over my body after bath.
It makes my skin smooth and supple. And it smells so feminine.
On Rustan's, the 50 ml costs PHP2,150.
For my tummy, since I gave birth, I have been using Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil.
Believe me, save for my keloid scar, my tummy is really smooth even if, for a time, I had stretch marks.
On Rustan's Beauty Source, the PHP150-ml costs PHP1,075.00.
PEP TRIES: Pure Culture True Radiance Wild Citrus All-Over Matte Oil
Late last year, I started using just one product, the Pure Culture True Radiance Wild Citrus All-Over Matte Oil.
The funny thing is I discovered only three weeks ago that it's for the "sensitive and sun-damaged skin."
But the good thing for me, it did the job.
Even without a moisturizing lotion, my skin felt soft.
Even when I went to a cold country, I didn't get skin cracks.
Another good thing: I did not need to use a lot.
Some hiccups for me: Maybe, I'm just used to a spray, but the pump type tends to slip from my hand since I use it right after taking a bath.
The dalandan smell may be a bit off in the beginning, but it will be less overbearing after a two-week usage.
The best thing about it: It does not feel like oil at all.
And it only costs PHP825 for 115 ml, which is definitely much cheaper than other brands.
A friend, who is a fan of the product, told me about its other benefits:
"It's the best for back acne and blemishes. You can see the results in less than a month. It's the body oil we need this summer."
The brand's website also claimed it can whiten "dark skin on elbows, knees, and ankles."
Best of all, it contains "100% natural origin ingredients," and is formulated "without silicones."
Check out the brand's website for more useful into.