Applying oil to the skin is a common practice in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine from India. Your skin reflects the health of your inner organs, so diet and lifestyle are very important; but what you feed your skin is just as important, according to Ayurveda.
The Doshas are at the foundation of Ayurveda. Each dosha expresses a blend of physical, mental and emotional characteristics. There are three doshas derived from the five elements of nature: Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Skin types can be classified as Vata, Pitta or Kapha; look at the descriptions below to determine your skin type. It’s possible to have a combination; for example, my skin tends to be dry, and I have hyper-pigmentation from sun exposure. I am therefore a combination of Vatta and Pitta.
Vata Skin is dry, thin, delicate, and ages faster. With imbalanced Vatta, the skin can be dry, rough and flaky.
Pitta Skin, when imbalanced, is prone to discoloration, freckles, moles and pimples. Pitta skin type is sensitive to the sun and is prone to rashes, eruptions or hyper-pigmentation from prolonged sun exposure.
Kapha Skin ages slower but is prone to a dull complexion.
Choose one or more oils listed below based on your skin type(s):
Vatta Skin – sesame oil or olive oil
Pitta Skin – coconut oil or neem oil
Kapha Skin – sesame oil, jojoba oil, or neem oil
Be sure to purchase only pure oils, also called, cold-pressed oils. If using coconut oil, try fractionated coconut oil because it's a liquid and will blend with the other oils. You may want to pour the oil into a small, dark bottle and keep it in your vanity for easy use. Bottles with a pump or dropper work well. When you’re ready to use your oil, follow these directions.
Directions
Clean your face and neck as usual with a natural facial cleanser or cleansing oil; but don’t dry your face.
Pour a little oil into your hands and rub them to warm up the oil.
Massage the oil into the face and neck using upward and outward sweeping strokes.
Let your face dry naturally to absorb the oil. (I finish getting washed up and dressed while letting my skin absorb the oil.) If there’s still a little too much oil on your skin, pat the excess off. You’ll learn how much to use the more you do this.
Apply a natural skin cream, if you need it.
I do this technique every night, and my skin is very soft and much less dry.
Resources:
https://chopra.com/articles/what-is-ayurveda
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/ayurveda-skin-care-routines
https://www.theayurvedaexperience.com/blog/ayurvedic-facial-oil/
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/an-ayurvedic-beauty-guide-to-face-and-body-oils
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