This oil completely changed my skin this summer

For all the sweating and swimming I do in the summer, it seems illogical for my skin to be as parched as ever. But your forties don’t really seem to follow any rule book, so here we are.

A couple of months ago, I was on the lookout for a moisturizer that would not only keep my legs from looking like an ashy mess, but also truly nourish and benefit my skin. I’ve developed a deep interest in skin care for my face over the past few years and decided it’s high time to extend that degree of consideration to the rest of my body. (After all, there’s more of it, right?)

Enter: Esker Firming Body Oil.

It’s not that I’m overly concerned with aging, but let’s be real. If there’s something that can be done to slow the Wrinkle Express, I’m going to give it a go. I also wanted to find something natural that wouldn’t turn into a goopy mess the second I started sweating.

Esker Body Oils are made from an intoxicating blend of five organic essential oils, all of which are clearly laid out on their gorgeous color-coded packaging. (Each color is inspired by the actual color of the plant in nature and coordinates with the active ingredients and their strength within the bottle). This particular formula is packed with juniper, rose geranium and grapefruit to help reduce water retention and boost the skin’s collagen while relaxing notes of lavender and palmarosa calm and soothe damaged and dry skin.

Related: 13 clean beauty products that are safe for every day—even during pregnancy

At first, it was simply the smell that hooked me. It’s bright and citrusy, but totally subtle. I’ve been using both morning and night and find it’s somehow both energizing and calming. (My 8-year-old snuggled into my bed recently and said, “Ooh! Your sheets smell like you!”) But after a couple of months of use, it’s the overall appearance of my skin that keeps me coming back.

I notice my legs seem smoother, and maybe it’s coincidental, but I don’t see as many ingrown hairs either. The moisturized feeling has stayed constant, and honestly, it just feels good to put several moments aside at the beginning and end of each day to give my body a little extra love and attention. That seems more important than ever these days.

I find it absorbs most thoroughly when I apply it after using my favorite exfoliating mitt or dry brushing and post-shower when my skin is still moist. (Unfamiliar with dry brushing? I’ll explain below!) I’ve used it on dry skin as well; it just takes longer to sink in. (In which case, you might want to wait a few minutes before getting dressed). It doesn’t leave me feeling greasy at all, which is surprising for body oil.

Esker

Firming Oil

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$40

Besides everything there is to love about what’s in the bottle, I also love that it comes in recyclable glass along with a small envelope of wildflower seeds.

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Esker

Dry Brush

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$18

While there are people who suggest dry brushing to stimulate the lymphatic system, I’m all about it simply for the exfoliation benefits. Pre-shower, I use the natural, soft bristled brush in gentle, long upward motions toward my heart, starting at my feet. At my belly, I go in clockwise circles. Then repeat. Follow up after your shower with oil and voila! Exfoliated and moisturized.

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Pregnant and postpartum mamas! Esker’s soothing belly oil is equally magic!

Esker

Soothing Belly Oil

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$40

Considering Esker was founded by a then-pregnant mama and born at the same time as her little one, it’s no surprise their belly oils are pre and postnatal perfection. According to one Motherly editor, “I started using this oil 4 weeks after giving birth to my twins. I was desperately looking for something to keep my skin nourished, soft and help it regain some elasticity. This oil was all of that and more! I love the smell of it and my skin is so soft and honestly beautiful since I started using it.”

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A version of this story was published June 14, 2021. It has been updated.

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