Shahnaz Husain
Face Oil is a buzzword today. Oil, by itself, does not moisturise the skin, but it helps the skin to hold moisture better. Face oils help people with persistently dry, dehydrated skin, by softening it and preventing loss of moisture. The skin feels and looks soft and smooth after application of oil. Oils have been used since the ancient times for beauty care. They are very much a part of Ayurveda, also because they have been combined with various herbs and carrier oils. That is why they also have many healing properties. Apart from pressed oils, like coconut oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, sesame seed oil and so one, there are also several essential oils used in Ayurvedic prescriptions for the face.
Kumkumadi Tailam or Oil
Among the Ayurvedic Face Oils is the well known Kumkumadi Tailam or Oil for the skin that contains about 24 herbal extracts. Among the ingredients of the Oil are precious extracts like Saffron, Sandalwood, Himalayan Cherry, Vetiver or Khus, Indian barberry, leaves of the Banyan tree and many more. Sesame seed oil (or til oil) is the base oil.
One of the main benefits of this miraculous oil is that it can be used for all skin types, including oily skin. It is said to regulate the oil secretion function in oily skin. It is known as a miraculous treatment for the skin and can be combined with other oils to treat skin problems. It is said to have healing and soothing benefits, since it has antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been combined with various oils and extracts to make different face oils and body massage oils. For instance, the oil can be mixed with Tea Tree Oil and used for skin conditions like, acne, pimples, rash, itching and burning in the skin. In fact, the oil is said to cleanse the pores of facial skin and remove hardened oil and other impurities. However, for oily, acne prone skin, it is best to use only two drops on the skin at night, spreading it all over the face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with plenty of plain water. People with dry skin may use about 4 to 5 drops of the oil.
Since it contains saffron, it is also said to remove tan and lighten skin colour. Therefore, it can be used to reduce blemishes on the face. It is important to remember that Kumkumadi Oil should be used at night. This is because some of the ingredients may cause a reaction on the skin on sun-exposure, due to so many ingredients in this Ayurvedic oil. For sensitive skin, a patch test may be done, before use.
Manjisthadi Oil
This Ayurvedic face oil is used to reduce dark spots, including those left by acne, as well as dark patches, caused by sun exposure or hormonal imbalances. It also clears clogged pores and congested skin. Manjishtha helps to balance Kapha and Pitta imbalances and therefore, suits oily and sensitive skin. Scientific research has shown that Manjishtha is a very beneficial herb for the skin. The oil is used in the formulation of modern skin creams, packs, serums and facial oils.
Kanaka Oil
Kanaka oil contains the herb Nagkesar, which is said to have several benefits for the facial skin. It helps to add a glow to the skin and also tones and nourishes it. The oil also contains Manjishtha (Indian madder), mentioned above. The oil helps to produce an even colour tone. It also helps both normal to dry and normal to oily skin types.
Sweet Basil Essential Oil
Sweet Basil Oil can also be used for oily skin. It helps to build immunity too and also fights acne. It can also be used for normal and dry skin to rejuvenate the skin and brighten it.
When buying face oil, check the base oil or base ingredient. Check if there is any mention of skin type suitability. Jojoba oil and Tea Tree oil, for instance, suit acne-prone skin. Check the method of use too. If there are essential oils, the directions for usage should be followed. The right face oil is the route to a healthy, radiant skin.
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