Throughout human history, there are two questions that we continue to ask, generation after generation. The first, of course, pertains to the meaning of life.

The second question is decidedly more physical:

“Is there really a ‘Fountain of Youth’?”

Whether you believe the idea of youth-giving waters to be a myth or fable, the search for this magical spring has persisted, appearing in many ancient cultures. Dating back to the 5th Century BC, the Greek historian Herodotus refers to a type of water enjoyed by the Macrobians, a people known for their beauty and impressive lifespans of up to 120 years. It’s described as a floral-scented oil-like substance upon which nothing could float. When rubbed into the skin, their complexions became soft, radiant, and instantly more youthful.

Subsequent legends feature Alexander the Great, Al-Khidr, a sage according to the Islamic faith, and a mention in The Travels of Sir John Mandeville, a 14th-century book that points to a fountain of youth in India near a mountain located in modern-day Kollam.

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to remember that the key word here is search. This culture-spanning quest has persisted, but no proof has ever surfaced. You can bet that if anyone ever did find it, it would surely be no more than a mudpuddle by now. Without a physical location to point our compasses towards, we’re left to consider the underlying message of such a narrative.

The Hidden Message in Our Search for The Fountain of Youth

A popular Japanese fable tells the story of an old couple who live in the woods. The man, a woodcutter, goes out one day to search for fallen trees. He encounters a spring and bends down toward the water to take a sip. Catching a glimpse of his reflection in the still pool, he gasps at his sudden youthful appearance. With vigor and excitement, he rushes home to tell his wife about the magic spring. The next day, she goes out to find it for herself. When she doesn’t come home, the man goes out to look for her. Next to the spring, he finds a baby too young to crawl. Realizing she drank too much, he woefully picks up the infant and carries her home.

There are some important lessons to be extracted from this fairytale. It’s a reminder to take things slowly, not submit to greed, and tread carefully if something seems too good to be true. It’s also a warning to be careful what you wish for. And perhaps most importantly, considering the times we live in, it’s a story about the unforeseen consequences of the quick-fix promises we encounter, particularly when it comes to the visible signs of aging.

Along with fables like this one, the human experience constantly demonstrates the law of equilibrium: for great reward, one must sacrifice another thing equal to it. In scientific terms, we can look to Newton’s Third Law: For every action in nature, there will be an equal and opposite reaction. The climate crisis is a poignant example of this law in action. On an individual level, the choices you make about your health and well-being affect the functionality of your body and how it reacts to the surrounding environment.

Ayurveda focuses on two principles when it comes to health and well-being:

Urjaskara

The Promotive + Preventative Approach: This centers on determining and abiding by your body constitution (prakturi). By following specific daily practices, you can keep your body in a state of balance and harmony.

Vyadhihara

The Curative Approach: This addresses the treatment of illness through various methods including detoxification practices, the use of oils, herbs, spiritual therapy, and surgical intervention as needed.

Keeping both approaches in mind is the key to our physical and emotional well-being. That’s because our bodies represent a cumulative response to everything we’re exposed to during our lifetime, the good and the bad. The preventative approach is about daily choices. The message behind the curative approach is that if we’re feeling pain or discomfort, it’s important to take action. It’s the body’s way of signaling that something is out of balance.

When it comes to the signs of aging, the marks of time aren’t completely avoidable- at least not until we finally locate that elusive fountain. But Herodotus does leave us one very interesting clue worth noting. When he's describing the magical “waters” in which the Macrobians bathe, he says that in these pools, nothing floats. So, if we’re open to blurring the line between myth and fable for a moment, then it’s likely that the substance he refers to (if there’s any truth to it at all) would most likely be oil-based since oil creates less buoyancy than water.

Modern science would have to agree with this possibility. Certain oils have demonstrated the capacity to effectively and deeply nourish skin without clogging pores, resulting in a more youthful complexion. When it comes to fighting the side effects of aging, some oils are more powerful allies than others.

The Best Facial Oils for Mature Skin

The Best Facial Oils for Mature Skin Mature skin has specific needs due to the changes that take place as a result of aging. Skin becomes thinner, holds less moisture, and the loss of fat means the demise of that coveted youthful plumpness. Giving aging skin new life calls for the most powerful oils in nature’s arsenal.

Black Gram Oil:

Extracted from the Black Gram lentil, this is one of Ayurveda’s most ancient skincare secrets. Thanks to high levels of phosphorus, vitamin B, potassium, calcium, iron, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and phenols, the skin benefits are unmatched. It’s a true multitasker that firms, tones, and deeply moisturizes thirsty skin.

Sesame Seed Oil:

Rich in vitamins A and E, Sesame Seed Oil is a skin-quenching ingredient, especially beneficial for mature skin. It contains a powerful antioxidant called sesamol, which has been shown in studies to reverse UV-induced oxidative stress.

Rice Bran Oil:

For glowing, bouncy, supple skin, Rice Bran oil is the go-to ingredient for those in the know. Studies demonstrate its antioxidant properties and moisturizing efficacy thanks to high levels of vitamins B and E. Additionally, it contains squalene, a naturally occurring plant derivative that mimics sebum, helping skin stay moist and hydrated.

These potent anti-aging oils can be found working together in Yauvari Amplified Youth Spring, a serum gaining in popularity that’s specifically formulated to combat the effects of aging skin. The high concentration of these beneficial oils means better moisture retention, visible hydration, and a more plump dermal surface that minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains skin-brightening Ayurvedic herbs like Krishna Sariva, Nut Grass, Jamun, and Wood Apple. The inclusion of essential oils like Frankincense, Neroli, and Lime provides a soothing natural scent as you apply it to your skin.

Aging Gracefully

The same concept of prevention (Urjaskara) holds true when it comes to aging. While we’d all love to believe that somewhere in the world, a “cure” for aging exists, for now, we have to work within the confines of reality. And that comes down to how we live our lives every day.

The Ayurvedic principles for aging gracefully

• Eat consciously
• Get good quality rest
• Establish regular routines that keep you grounded
• Detox regularly (Panchakarma)
• Perform regular oil massage (Abhyanga)
• Do daily mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, and pranayama
• Uphold your personal code of ethics (Sadvritta)

It’s only normal that we all want to look our best, regardless of our accumulating years. As of yet, we haven’t found any mythological waters that will instantly transform us back into our 20-something selves. But what we have discovered are effective anti-aging serums containing powerful oils that can benefit mature skin in big ways.

Wrinkles and the natural effects of aging, however much we want to deny it, will catch up with us all eventually. No matter which chapter you’re at in the book of life, the important thing is to make sure you’re living in balance and doing the best you can for your body. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”