Big weddings, barbecues, and music festivals might still be on hold, but that doesn’t mean summer itself is canceled. As we continue to adjust to working from home, sheltering in place, and social distancing, beaches, backyards, and parks are open—and that fresh air feels especially necessary now.

After one of those days outside, nothing feels better than washing away sand, sweat, and sunscreen. That sticky feeling when you apply lotion or moisturizer all over afterwards, though? There’s a way to make it go away—and it’s what you do before your shower, not after. 

One way to keep your skin hydrated and happy is to apply the oil of your choice before you shower. Just as oil cleansing helps to maintain, not strip, your face’s natural, protective oils, oil application before showering uses the occlusive, or moisture-locking, qualities of an oil, ensuring hydrated skin. 

Want to try this pre-shower trick? Start with one of our moisturizing artisan oils:

• Quick to absorb but deliciously rich, Valentia Rosehip Oil has a silky texture and a woodsy, herbaceous scent. It’s also packed with antioxidants that help nourish and restore skin.
• Valentia Jojoba Oil mimics the skin’s natural oils and never feels greasy. Its lightweight texture also feels great after a day in the sun.
• Deeply hydrating and calming, Valentia Chia Seed Oil boasts a unique combination of antioxidants, nutrients, and fatty acids. It’s soothing, but doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. 
• Valentia Cleansing Oil removes grime and makeup with ease, but there’s no reason its moisturizing benefits won’t extend to your body.

Next, gently massage your oil all over your body before running the water, then shower as usual. When you step out and towel off, the result will be soft and nourished skin—just what you want during this season of endless blue sky and sundresses.

When you’re shopping for artisan oils, look for single ingredient, small batch products. At Valentia, ours are sustainably sourced, organic, cruelty-free, and without any added coloring, preservatives, parabens, sulfates, or synthetic additives—making them worthy additions to your pre- or post-shower routine.