Why Use Oil On the Skin?

If you know me you’ve no doubt heard me talk about the importance of applying cold pressed oil to your skin. You’ve also probably heard me make playful fun of the “influencers” out there who put oil on their skin (sexy drips flowing down the cheeks like slow moving tears anyone?) and pat it into place or gingerly rub a little around on their forehead with their fingertips.

When I talk about applying oil to the skin - I’m actually talking about massaging oil into the skin. Firmly, intentionally and lovingly.

The benefits of cold pressed oils are only as effective as how they are applied to the skin. Facial massage is key to reaping the benefits of an oil (including it’s herbal compounds if it’s infused with whole plants).

For those who like quick “sciency” facts . . .

some of the benefits of self massage with oil:

Fluid movement (blood and lymph)

Re oxidation of tissues

Nervous system reset

Muscular tension reduction

Relaxation

Balancing skins microbiome/barrier

Softening the skin

Strengthening the skin

Locking in hydration

AND here’s a practical tidbit from the ancestors:

According to the wisdom of ancient beauty rituals one of the reasons oil is applied to the skin is because it requires massage. If oil is left on the surface of the skin it can easily be rubbed off, stain our clothes and linens etc. Massaging the oil into the skin minimizes messes.

And for those who appreciate poetry and long for deeper meaning . . .

In Sanskrit (the language of Ayurveda) oil translates to sneha and sneha means love or to love.

Thus applying oil to our bodies is an act of love. We are literally nourishing our tissues with love when we apply oil to our skin and massage it in with intention and care.

A little bit of science and poetry . . .

The cells respond to every thought we have. Our chemistry will change based on what we tell ourselves. So lets make it good; Be kind, be loving, tell yourself sweet things while you rub oil onto your face. You will not only see the difference you will feel it too.

xx

N

Aging is a gift. The alternative is a complete unknown.

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It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.