Oil pulling is an old Ayurvedic technique that has become more famous recently because it might be good for your health and help your skin. Swish oil around in your mouth for this easy way to get rid of bacteria and improve your oral health. However, its benefits extend beyond oral health, with many people reporting improvements in their skin.
What is oil pulling for the skin?
Oil pulling for the skin involves using natural oils, such as coconut or sesame oil, to cleanse or moisturize the skin. While oil pulling is traditionally used for oral health, some people use a similar technique on their skin by applying oil and massaging it in. This method is thought to help eliminate dirt, makeup, and pollutants from the skin while also moisturizing and nourishing it.
What are the benefits of oil pulling for the skin?
Here are the surprising benefits of oil pulling for skin health:
- Clears Acne: Oil pulling can help clear up acne by removing toxins and bacteria from the skin. The oil’s antibacterial qualities can help reduce irritation and breakouts.
- Moisturizes the Skin: Certain oils used in oil pulling, such as coconut oil, make great natural moisturizers. They can moisturize the skin, making it soft and silky.
- Reduces Wrinkles: Regular oil pulling may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The oil moisturizes and strengthens the skin, making it appear younger.
- Detoxifies the Skin: Oil pulling is believed to detoxify the skin by pulling out impurities and toxins. This can help enhance your skin’s general health and appearance.
- Promotes Healing: Oil pulling helps speed up the healing of wounds, cuts, and other skin irritations. The oil’s antibacterial characteristics can help prevent infection and speed up healing.
- Improves Skin Tone: Regular oil pulling might enhance the skin’s overall tone and texture. It can help even out skin tone and eliminate blemishes.
- Fights Signs of Aging: Oil pulling can help fight the effects of aging by increasing skin suppleness and decreasing wrinkles and fine lines.
- Prevents Dryness: Oil pulling can prevent dry skin by nourishing and moisturizing it. This can help to alleviate irritation, flakiness, and other symptoms of dry skin.
- Reduces Inflammation: Oil pulling’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin inflammation and alleviate irritation and discoloration.
- Boosts Overall Skin Health: By promoting oral health, oil pulling can indirectly improve skin health. A healthy mouth is linked to a healthy body, including healthy skin.
How to do oil pulling for skin?
To do oil pulling for the skin, follow these steps:
- Choose an oil: Opt for a natural oil, sunflower, sesame, or coconut. Coconut oil is widely utilized due to its pleasant flavor and antibacterial properties.
- Measure the oil: Take roughly 1–2 teaspoons of oil. If the oil is solid (such as coconut oil), place the jar in warm water to melt it.
- Swish the oil: For 15 to 20 minutes, gently swish the oil around your mouth. The oil will contain poisons and bacteria from your mouth, so do not drink it.
- Spit out the oil: Spout the oil into a waste can following a swishing motion. If it spills into the wash basin, it can cause a clogged drain.
- Rinse: Following a rinse with warm water, proceed with your regular tooth-brushing routine.
- Repeat: For the best benefits, use oil pulls once a day, especially in the morning, before eating or drinking.
It’s important to note that while some people believe oil pulling can improve skin health, scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking.
Maximize the Benefits of Oil Pulling for Skin!
While oil pulling is primarily known for its benefits in oral health, some suggest it may have positive effects on skin health when used on the face. However, scientific proof for the specific use of oil pulling on the face is minimal. It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new practices like oil pulling for face into your skincare routine to ensure it aligns with your skin’s needs.