"Do I apply the face oil and leave out my moisturizer, or should I apply the oil, then the moisturizer or the other way round?"
"And why do the directions on the body oil say that I have to use it before taking a shower?"
"And let’s not even get started on using a hair oil because who knew oils for hair were even a thing! How am I supposed to use a hair oil? And wouldn’t that make my hair too greasy?"
If these were the thoughts that have run wild in your head after you decided to get one of iYURA’s amber bottles, then read along.
We collated some of the most commonly asked questions about our oils and our Ayurvedic experts have answered the most popular why’s, how’s and when’s of using Ayurvedic oils for your face, hair and body.
Ayurvedic face oils are one of the most versatile skincare products as they can be used in a multitude of ways for various benefits. Besides, oil is to your skin as rain is to parched earth, and it not only physically “feeds” your skin but taking that much needed ‘me time’ to massage it onto your skin equally nourishes your soul too!
BUT – you might be wondering how you should be using this oil...
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Use a natural face wash (like Ajara's Coconut Rose Softening Wash) to cleanse your face from dust, dirt, or accumulated sebum. Gently pat dry, and follow with a toner, if you use one. If you're doing a full 5-step routine, start with cleansing your face, then use a scrub, then use your mask. Follow with a toner, and move on to the next step.
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You won’t need an added moisturizer after this, but make sure you apply SPF before stepping outside. If you’re applying the oil at night, you can simply go to bed and repeat the same process in the morning!
Pro tip: Ayurveda recommends massaging your face with a special technique, focusing on Marma points or Ayurvedic energy points.
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One of the pillars of Ayurveda is “abhyanga” or self-massage. The reason Ayurveda pays such importance to abhyanga is because the act of self-massage not only moisturizes your skin through the oils, but it also strengthens the body, improves blood circulation, and improves stamina, better sleep, and overall health!
All these together cater to provide you with a better and more focused and balanced mind-body-spirit connection to always channel the best of your potential.
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For the perfect abhyanga body massage that gives you the best results and better absorption of the oil, warm the oil slightly just until it’s a little above room temperature. Use a double boiler method, where you take some oil in a bowl and place it in another bowl filled with hot water. Make sure that it’s just warm to touch and not boiling hot.
Warming the oil helps relax your muscles much better and is also believed to improve blood circulation that will facilitate proper working of all your internal systems, according to Ayurveda.
However, you don’t need to perform abhyanga every single time. Sometimes, you might be in a hurry or simply want to nourish some dry spots. In this case, you don’t need to warm the oil. Simply use the pump to spray it directly into your hands and apply it on the skin.
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As you start your abhyanga, rub the oil slowly between your palms and fingers to maintain the warmth. Start from the extremities and work your way inwards. Begin from your neck, shoulder, fingers, toes and ankles towards the center – stomach, chest and back.
If you’re not doing abhyanga, simply gently massage the oil into the skin until it has absorbed.
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The motion to be followed for abhyanga or self-massage is longer, gentle strokes for limbs and longer areas in a back-and-forth direction, and circular motion in a clockwise direction for joints such as on the knees and elbows. Take at least 2-3 minutes of continuous motion with each stroke/motion so that the oil has time to absorb into your skin and provide you with the best possible results.
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As you end your abhyanga session, remember to give extra care, time and attention to those areas that are prone to intense dryness and dehydration such as your elbows and knees and the soles of your feet. Since these areas have rougher skin usually and are farther away from the center of your body, adding an extra layer of moisture and intense hydration always helps it to stay smoother and healthy.
You can also massage the cuticles of your nails, both on your fingers and toes using an Ayurvedic body oil to enhance healthier nails that shine on their own.
Pro Tip: Just like with your face, Ayurveda recommends that you can carry out body massage following your marma points too.
Still have questions? Find the answers here:
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Hair and scalp oils have for so long dominated a crown position in Ayurveda not just because they are good for your hair but are also believed to ease stress, improve brain function and clarify your thinking.
Frequent hair oiling is the secret behind many Indian women's long, lush, thick, shiny, smooth hair!
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Just as with body oils, when hair oils are slightly above room temperature, it can be greatly beneficial for the hair and scalp. Use a similar double boiler method, where you take some oil in a bowl and place it in another bowl filled with hot water. Make sure that it’s just warm to touch and not boiling hot.
But, if you choose to, you can also skip this step by pumping the oil directly onto your scalp or in your hands first.
Also allow your hair to be lose. Brush it before you begin so it's knot-free.
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Using the tip of your fingers dipped in the oil, massage from the front of your scalp to the back in a gentle straight motion. Apply enough pressure for a gentle yet firm touch.
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After about a minute of straight motion, continue in the same way but using smaller circular motions. Keep it steady with the same amount of pressure. And keep dipping your fingers in the oil, as and when you need, to keep the movement smooth.
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Take at least 2-3 minutes with each step and then change direction, ie. go from back to front, before moving onto the sides of your head.
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After the scalp massage is over, use either the praying hands or stroking motion to oil your hair. Use more on the ends and any specific parts that may be drier than others. When you’re done, you can keep your hair tied up in a lose bun to keep it out of the way.
Let the oil sit for at least 20-30 minutes before washing it off using a mild herbal shampoo.
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Now you know how to use Ayurvedic face, hair and body oils! If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us at
care@theayurvedaexperience.com or
+1(678)-498-7248.
If you're wondering which oil would suit you best, get a FREE 15-minute product recommendation with one of in-house Ayurvedic Experts here:
https://theayurvedaexperience.com/pages/skincare-consultations