According to Ayurveda, your skin isn’t just the largest organ in your body — it’s a reflection of your current state of health.
A body in balance radiates a healthy, natural glow and beautiful skin. Out of balance, different factors like diet, lifestyle, allergies, and sun damage can all put a damper on your glow.
Ayurvedic Self Care: The Ancient Indian Skin Care Tradition of Face & Body Oiling
Over the past few years, mainstream Western skin care has introduced facial oils and oil-based products to consumers as a new way to turn back time, so to speak, and restore a youthful glow. But where did this trend come from? Is it really brand new skincare science, or something else?
Where Do Modern Face Oils Come From?
Modern face oils are replacing soap-based cleansers and many water-based products on shelves everywhere. This trend hasn’t come out of the blue, however. Western skin care has simply taken a page out of the Ayurvedic self-care handbook.
While the evolution of natural skin care and clean beauty continue to become more and more popular in the West, many oil-based face and body products are still laden with chemicals and toxic ingredients.
Ayurvedic self-care practices promote skin suppleness and vitality through simple, time-tested methods that help fortify and rebalance the skin naturally, without harmful additives.
Ancient Ayurvedic Roots of Face & Body Oil Massage
Skin care as a part of beauty routines is nothing new. Humans have sought radiance and a healthy, dewy glow for thousands of years. In India, Ayurvedic beauty practices stem from the idea that beauty comes from within.
Not only do Ayurvedic beauty routines help balance and revive the skin — they help rejuvenate the entire body and turn everyday self care practices into a precious ritual of self-love and celebration–essential for well-being!
This mindful approach to Ayurvedic self-care is what sets it apart from modern trends of simply adding oil to a beauty regimen.
There is no rush in Ayurvedic routines––just presence, patience, and peace. This is why Abhyanga, a full-body massage with warm oil, is a key self care ritual. It helps you slow down, inviting you into the present moment so you can be fully aware of your body and senses.
This is a reminder that self care practices like these aren’t just another thing to check off your to-do list, but a serene time to look forward to.
Therapeutic oil massage has been practiced since Ayurveda originated 5,000 years ago; and is also known as Snehana, or oleation therapy, often used as an Ayurvedic therapy as part of a specialized Panchakarma treatment. This procedure involves the application of medicated oils, ghee, and herbs to the body internally and externally for three to seven days.
The good news is you can bring the benefits of Ayurvedic skin care into your everyday beauty and wellness routines with minimal time and investment. It’s as simple as selecting high-quality oils and setting aside a few extra minutes for daily and weekly self care to nourish a healthy glow.
How Body Oiling Helps Rejuvenate Skin
You might think if your skin is oily that oil-based products might cause your skin to appear more oily or greasy, but this isn’t always the case! Oil-based products can actually benefit oily skin types as well as dry skin types as long as you’re aware of which oils work best for your dosha.
Vata types are known for having dry, rough skin and benefit from warming, lubricating oils. Pitta types typically have sensitive skin that is prone to irritations and soothed by cooling, calming oils. Kapha types have naturally oily skin and benefit from energizing, invigorating oils.
Why Choose Oil-Based Skin Products Over Soap-Based Products
Even if you have relatively dry skin, there is still some amount of oil, or sebum, produced by your sebaceous glands that protects and hydrates your skin.
This oil creates a barrier that prevents pollutants and other environmental substances from penetrating your pores and getting lodged in your skin. Without this oil, you would be susceptible to persistent irritation.
Soap-based cleansers and even water itself can break down or strip away the natural oils on your skin. These can cause dryness, a common sign of premature aging. To compensate, your skin produces even more oil, which sometimes leads to breakouts and clogged pores.
When you choose oil-based cleansers and Ayurvedic skin care products, you work with your skin's natural barrier, help lock in moisture, and nurture a radiant glow.
Benefits of Skin & Face Oiling
Ayurvedic face and body oils are considered a multi-purpose beauty staple that can take care of everything from removing your makeup to helping achieve velvet-smooth skin.
With so many uses, and so many benefits, you may find you won't need as many different toners, moisturizers, and cleansers to keep up with your skin––another great benefit of natural skincare!
You can cleanse, nourish, and moisturize. Facial oils are formulated to act like a magnet and remove dirt, makeup, dust, and other impurities from the skin. This can help unclog pores and keep your skin radiant and soft.
Dermatologists agree that ancient Ayurvedic practices got it right.
“[Oils] can be useful in some situations where they can act as an emulsifier and help lift oily residues from makeup or other products and pollutants from the skin. For patients with very dry or inflamed skin, this can be quite useful.”
- Dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD
“While [oils are] predominantly known for their hydrating properties, face oils can also aid your anti-aging routine and provide antibacterial and healing properties.”
Our Favorite Ayurvedic Self-Care Oil-Based Products
What is Kumkumadi Oil?
If you’re seeking a radiant, luminescent glow, Kumkumadi Oil is a fantastic choice for your Ayurvedic self-care routine.
In Ayurveda, Kumkumadi Oil is known as a true elixir, and is sometimes referred to as “the fountain of youth”. This oil has been used for centuries to help rejuvenate skin cells, brighten a dull complexion, and even skin tone for a radiant, more youthful appearance.
Kumkumadi Oil is truly one of Ayurveda’s best skin-perfecting serums. Particularly balancing for Vata and Pitta types, this nutrient-dense oil supports skin suppleness and soothes common skin aggravations. It also,
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The appearance of redness
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Aids the appearance of dark circles
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Support healthy aging
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It’s considered great for blemishes, pores, and hyperpigmentation
Saffron, sacred lotus flower, turmeric, and vetiver root are just a few of the botanicals in Kumkumadi Oil, one of Ayurveda’s best-kept beauty secrets.
What is a Swarnamukhi Face Pack?
While a Swarnamukhi Face Pack is fantastic for any dosha, if you’re a Kapha looking for a way to incorporate oil-based products into your skincare routine, this may be for you! Swarnamukhi Face Pack is a micro-exfoliating face mask that cleanses and soothes skin for a naturally radiant glow.
This nourishing “skin food” face mask is gentle enough for everyday use and luxurious enough for a mini at-home spa day.
Swarnamukhi Face Pack is formulated using powdered minerals and herbs, including Lotus Flower, exotic Beauty Berry, and Saffron. When mixed with water, they form a cooling paste that helps open pores and extract impurities, brightening skin to reveal your natural radiance.
Swarnamukhi Face Pack is a fantastic addition to your Ayurvedic self-care routine. The antioxidants in lotus flowers help protect skin from environmental stressors and damage caused by free radicals, supporting :
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Healthy aging
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Healthy circulation
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Hyperpigmentation
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dark spots and redness
Give the Gift of Ayurvedic Self-Care
Join us for our upcoming Ayurvedic Skin & Beauty workshop as the ultimate self-care gift— or treat your favorite mom to a seat in the workshop for Mother’s Day!
In this 2-day workshop, we’ll explore beauty through the lens of holistic science. You’ll learn traditional Ayurvedic lifestyle recommendations and therapeutic methods to address common skin imbalances.
