The skin on the body is the largest canvas we have, and it changes with the weather, with our stress levels, and with the seasons of life. Dryness, tension, dullness, stretch marks, loss of firmness — the body tells its story honestly. In aromatherapy, body oils have always been one of the most powerful ways to answer, because they combine two therapies in one: the plant oils nourish the skin, while the essential oils work on the mind and mood through their natural aroma.

The Victorian Garden makes three body massage oils, each blended with the same grade of pure essential oils and cold-pressed plant oils we use on the face. Here is what each one is for.

Lavender & Neroli Soothing Body Massage Oil — the evening exhale

This is the oil for everyone, and especially for anyone carrying stress in their skin. Silky on application, it absorbs beautifully and keeps the skin moisturised for hours. The blend brings together four of the most loved floral essential oils in aromatherapy — Damask rose, neroli, lavender and geranium — a combination famous for its ability to ease tension, lift a tired mind and settle the body toward rest.

Try this ritual: before an evening bath or shower, smooth the oil over your whole body, then let the warmth of the water help it absorb. Or massage it into your feet before a foot soak. Stress shows on the skin as dryness, sensitivity and flare-ups; this oil addresses the skin and the stress at the same time.

Tangerine & Rose Anti-Stretch Mark Body Massage Oil — for skin that is stretching, changing or marked

Suitable for all skin, this nourishing oil is made for the moments when skin needs protection and elasticity most: pregnancy, weight changes, or simply the wish to soften existing marks, scars and uneven tone. Rich plant oils help the skin hold its moisture and elasticity and support the renewal of the connective tissue that keeps skin smooth and even.

It is safe to use before, during and after pregnancy, and its gentle citrus-rose aroma is a kindness in itself — tangerine's sweet, fruity scent is traditionally used to ease tension and support restful sleep. Applied nightly to the belly, hips, thighs and breasts through pregnancy, it helps the skin stretch with grace and recover afterwards.

Fennel & Rosemary Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil — the firming ritual

For everyone except mums-to-be, this is the oil for firming and refining — thighs, hips, knees and arms, and anywhere skin has slackened during weight loss. Fennel is one of aromatherapy's great purifying oils, traditionally used to reduce puffiness and tighten the skin, while rosemary tones, firms and encourages healthy circulation, helping the body clear excess fluid from congested areas.

Use it after a bath or shower while the body is still warm, massaging firmly in upward, circular movements. Like all firming treatments, it gives its best results alongside movement, water and a balanced way of eating — the oil is the ally, not the whole army.

Why a Body Oil and Not Just a Lotion?

A body oil made only from essential oils and plant oils delivers concentrated nourishment with nothing diluting it. Applied to warm, damp skin, it penetrates readily and keeps working long after application. But the deeper reason is this: massaging an aromatic oil into your own skin is one of the simplest acts of self-care there is. You slow down. You breathe in. And for those few minutes, caring for your skin and caring for yourself become the same thing.