~Forget Lotion, Use Oil!~
By Janine Bibeau
In Ayurveda, oils are important. And when you have a dry and cold season like New England's Winter, oils are vital to maintaining balance in our skin, nasal passages, and mind.
I always thought that oily skin meant pimples. I would have never thought putting oil on my skin could be so beneficial.
Here is the deal!
By Janine Bibeau
In Ayurveda, oils are important. And when you have a dry and cold season like New England's Winter, oils are vital to maintaining balance in our skin, nasal passages, and mind.
I always thought that oily skin meant pimples. I would have never thought putting oil on my skin could be so beneficial.
Here is the deal!
What you put ON your body, gets absorbed INTO your body.
We all know the saying, "You are what you eat." Well, the same goes for what you rub on your skin. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and since it is porous, it absorbs whatever you put on it. If you wouldn't feel comfortable eating the ingredients in your lotions and face washes, then you should not feel comfortable putting them on your body.
Good quality oils are nourishing and balancing.
They feed the skin and lock in moisture, rather than strip it of natural lubricants which causes dryness.
When massaged into the skin, oil helps to remove toxins from the body, or ama in the ayurvedic world. Not only does it help to remove toxins from the layers of skin, over time, daily oil massage will begin to break down toxins that are stored in the layers of fat under the skin!
When you use oil on your skin, you know EXACTLY what you are putting into your body. Most lotions contain synthetic fragrance, alcohol, and preservatives and are not regulated by the FDA. These ingredients do nothing to help your skin and are actually counter productive by drying the skin and forcing your body to work overtime to process and get rid of their toxins. Oil takes toxins OUT rather than puts them in!
The act of massaging oil into your skin helps to move lymphatic fluid. The lymph fluid contains infection fighting white blood cells. Lymph fluid flows toward the neck, so massage and movements such as yogic inversions (ie. downward dog, dolphin, legs up the wall pose, etc.) Help to get it flowing. This means a stronger immune system!
What do I mean by balancing?
When the air is cold and dry, vata is very prominent. We can feel extra scattered, frazzled, disorganized, or anxious. Oil massage is grounding and can help bring us down from the clouds. It creates balance in the body, but in the mind too!
We all know the saying, "You are what you eat." Well, the same goes for what you rub on your skin. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and since it is porous, it absorbs whatever you put on it. If you wouldn't feel comfortable eating the ingredients in your lotions and face washes, then you should not feel comfortable putting them on your body.
Good quality oils are nourishing and balancing.
They feed the skin and lock in moisture, rather than strip it of natural lubricants which causes dryness.
When massaged into the skin, oil helps to remove toxins from the body, or ama in the ayurvedic world. Not only does it help to remove toxins from the layers of skin, over time, daily oil massage will begin to break down toxins that are stored in the layers of fat under the skin!
When you use oil on your skin, you know EXACTLY what you are putting into your body. Most lotions contain synthetic fragrance, alcohol, and preservatives and are not regulated by the FDA. These ingredients do nothing to help your skin and are actually counter productive by drying the skin and forcing your body to work overtime to process and get rid of their toxins. Oil takes toxins OUT rather than puts them in!
The act of massaging oil into your skin helps to move lymphatic fluid. The lymph fluid contains infection fighting white blood cells. Lymph fluid flows toward the neck, so massage and movements such as yogic inversions (ie. downward dog, dolphin, legs up the wall pose, etc.) Help to get it flowing. This means a stronger immune system!
What do I mean by balancing?
When the air is cold and dry, vata is very prominent. We can feel extra scattered, frazzled, disorganized, or anxious. Oil massage is grounding and can help bring us down from the clouds. It creates balance in the body, but in the mind too!
So how do you get started?
1. Determine which oil is best for you.
There are two ways to do this. The first way is by following a simple formula that if you have dry skin, you use a heavier oil like sesame. If you have oily skin, you use a lighter oil like coconut. Medium skin? Use almond or jojoba.
The second way to figure out which oil is best for you is to take a dosha quiz to determine your ayurvedic dosha. Vata types need a heavier, more grounding oil like sesame. Pitta's benefit from a cooling light oil like coconut. Kapha folks do well will sesame or jojoba oils.
Living in New England, I find that in the summer months I use fractionated coconut oil and in the winter I use sweet almond oil. Fractionated means that the coconut oil won't become a solid. It is much easier to put on!
Take your dosha quiz here!
2. Buy a good quality oil.
Any health food store can point you in the right direction. You do not want roasted oils used for cooking, so start by looking in the skincare section verses the baking section. Here are some great options below.
1. Determine which oil is best for you.
There are two ways to do this. The first way is by following a simple formula that if you have dry skin, you use a heavier oil like sesame. If you have oily skin, you use a lighter oil like coconut. Medium skin? Use almond or jojoba.
The second way to figure out which oil is best for you is to take a dosha quiz to determine your ayurvedic dosha. Vata types need a heavier, more grounding oil like sesame. Pitta's benefit from a cooling light oil like coconut. Kapha folks do well will sesame or jojoba oils.
Living in New England, I find that in the summer months I use fractionated coconut oil and in the winter I use sweet almond oil. Fractionated means that the coconut oil won't become a solid. It is much easier to put on!
Take your dosha quiz here!
2. Buy a good quality oil.
Any health food store can point you in the right direction. You do not want roasted oils used for cooking, so start by looking in the skincare section verses the baking section. Here are some great options below.
3. Oil your nostrils!
Especially in the colder months, when the air is dry, lubricate and balance the nasal passages by putting a few drops of oil onto your finger. Then gently apply to the inside of your nose. Doing this each day will help to prevent cracking and ward off colds!
4. Massage your body with oil daily!
Some people prefer to do this in the shower and others after a shower. I personally find that it gets a little slippery in the shower and prefer to use oil afterward. Oil massage after a shower helps to lock in moisture. But time in right! Planning to practice yoga right after a shower and massage can lead to a slippery situation. Play it safe as oily hands can be a hazard to your practice. Also, note that using oil in the shower may interfere with older plumbing.
After your massage, wait a few minutes and then blot your skin with a designated towel to remove any excess oil before dressing. Try applying oil and then putting on a towel or robe while you go about your other routines, such as brushing your teeth. Do use some caution when doing laundry. Towels that are used for blotting can have oil build up and become dangerous in the drier. One solution is to have a few towels designated for oil massage and hang them dry after a wash.
Want more info?
Cate Stillman, one of my teachers, has a great step by step guide to oil massage. You can find it here!
Especially in the colder months, when the air is dry, lubricate and balance the nasal passages by putting a few drops of oil onto your finger. Then gently apply to the inside of your nose. Doing this each day will help to prevent cracking and ward off colds!
4. Massage your body with oil daily!
Some people prefer to do this in the shower and others after a shower. I personally find that it gets a little slippery in the shower and prefer to use oil afterward. Oil massage after a shower helps to lock in moisture. But time in right! Planning to practice yoga right after a shower and massage can lead to a slippery situation. Play it safe as oily hands can be a hazard to your practice. Also, note that using oil in the shower may interfere with older plumbing.
After your massage, wait a few minutes and then blot your skin with a designated towel to remove any excess oil before dressing. Try applying oil and then putting on a towel or robe while you go about your other routines, such as brushing your teeth. Do use some caution when doing laundry. Towels that are used for blotting can have oil build up and become dangerous in the drier. One solution is to have a few towels designated for oil massage and hang them dry after a wash.
Want more info?
Cate Stillman, one of my teachers, has a great step by step guide to oil massage. You can find it here!
References
American Journal of Public Health, Ayurvedic Beauty Care, by Melanie Sachs, The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies, by Vasant Lad, The Textbook of Ayurveda Fundamental Principals, by Vasant Lad
American Journal of Public Health, Ayurvedic Beauty Care, by Melanie Sachs, The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies, by Vasant Lad, The Textbook of Ayurveda Fundamental Principals, by Vasant Lad
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