Autumn is a season of nourishment and transformation. It is a time of transition–a liminal space that gently guides us from the vibrant energy of summer into the quiet introspection of winter. In this season, the earth gathers its nutrients, storing up for the cold months ahead. Likewise, our skin and bodies crave a similar gathering—a nourishment that supports us through the changing times.
As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, we enter what Ayurveda describes as the Vata season (representing air and ether), characterized by dryness, sensitivity, and an increased susceptibility to imbalances. Our skin, often left vulnerable by the lingering effects of summer sun and inflammation, can become reactive, longing for comfort and care.
The key to thriving during this season lies in simplicity—focusing on a core group of allies that provide deep, restorative nourishment. At the heart of our autumn skincare practice is oil, a foundational element that holds the power to transform our skin and deeply ground us.
The power of oil
In autumn, a season dominated by the elements of air and space, oil becomes our most trusted companion.
Oil means love—a gentle, intentional way to saturate ourselves with the care we need. Whether through oil cleansing, applying extra oil serums, or practicing abhyanga, incorporating oils into our daily routine is a sacred act of self-love.
Body oiling, in particular, is transformative during this airy time of year. As we massage these precious oils into our skin, we do more than just moisturize. We protect and nurture our skin’s lipid barrier, the crucial outer layer that shields us from the world while allowing us to absorb the right elements and release what no longer serves us. Body oiling can help move lymph, which helps to strengthen the lymphatic system.
The benefits extend beyond the physical, reaching deep into our emotional and energetic well-being. Oiling grounds and centers the nervous system, offering a sense of stability and peace in a season of change. It becomes a barrier not just for the skin, but for our whole being—helping us create a boundary between ourselves and the outside world, ensuring that we take in only what nourishes and release what is unnecessary.
As autumn unfolds, embrace the simplicity and depth of oiling. Allow the oils to saturate your skin, providing the nourishment you need to move through this season with grace and ease. In doing so, you honor the wisdom of nature, aligning with the rhythms of the earth and the cycles of your own being.