Ayurveda has always preferred oils to lotions and other modern, commercial skincare potions. That’s because natural, unadulterated oils are critical to vibrant, holistic skincare. Oil is deeply nourishing! It brings balance as it rejuvenates our skin, enlivens our senses, and calms our emotions. Oils contain highly prized essential fatty acids, vitamins, and potent antioxidants, as well as unique energetic properties that offer both internal and external support.
According to Ayurveda, the health of our our skin reflects our internal balance. Oils work to nourish and lubricate which provides support to our body’s vital energy, or essence, known as “ojas. This helps keep our skin soft, supple, and resilient, and is especially important for those with a Vata constitution or imbalance! Characteristics of Vata include dryness and roughness, so Vata types need plenty of oil (and ghee) to soothe and balance dry, scaly, and coarse skin which are all classic signs of aggravation. Great oils for grounding, moisturizing and warming Vata include sesame and almond, which pacify Vata.
Pitta dosha, which is hot, easily irritated, and inflamed, greatly benefits from cooling oils such as coconut and sandalwood which help to calm inflammation and redness. Lavender, rose, peppermint, and chamomile essential oils would help cool pitta when added to these oils.
Kapha types may already have smooth and/or oily skin, however, light and stimulating oils can invigorate the sluggishness that is common to kapha dosha imbalances. Mustard seed and sunflower oil massages are invigorating! They reduce stagnation while providing warmth (this is especially true of mustard seed oil), and adding warming, astringent and drying essential oils such as cinnamon, ginger, rosemary, eucalyptus, and lemon, work beautifully to bring Kapha back into balance.
Regardless of one’s constitutional type, oils are a better choice for natural skincare. Warm oil massages, known in Ayurveda as Abhyanga, are great for everyone, particularly during the harsh, dry fall and winter seasons. They assist in circulation and detoxification by improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage which, in turn, helps remove ama (toxins) and waste.
Oils are great for anti-aging! They lock in moisture and protect against environmental stress due to wind, sun, and pollution. Often, Ayurvedic oils are infused with various herbs, rich in antioxidants, which help to slow the signs of aging.
Finally: Oil (like ghee), nourishes a calm mind and nervous system. We would all do well to remember that oil massages are not only for our skin, but also for our mental well-being.
Unprocessed, cold-pressed, organic oils are the cornerstone of Ayurvedic skincare! Oiling our skin helps to soothe our senses, improve our sleep, and reduce our stress – all of which contribute to healthy, glowing skin.
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