Oiling skin

Massaging oils into damp skin after a bath or shower gives the body extra opportunities to absorb vitamin- and mineral-rich antioxidant fruit and vegetable oils. In Ayurveda it is believed to draw toxins to the surface of the skin and to amplify peace of mind, contributing to longevity.

Aromatherapy oils

Essential oils have the ability to act on specific body systems as well as on the emotions and mind. But they are too concentrated to be used directly on the skin. Dilute a few drops in a larger amount of a carrier oil.

Blending rules

Choose a carrier oil according to your skin type:

• Dry skin: sesame seed, avocado, sweet almond oil

• Delicate skin: apricot kernel, sunflower seed oil

• Irritated skin: jojoba, hemp, and extra-virgin olive oils

• Inflamed skin: jojoba and extravirgin olive oils

• Sun-damaged skin: grapeseed, olive, wheatgerm, and rosehip oils Use only the oils specified, being careful to heed the cautions applying to each recipe.

Go organic

Look for organic cold-pressed oils (nutrients can be lost in heat treatment) sold in dark glass bottles. Ethically sourced oils from small projects that protect environment and workers are best. Supermarkets and whole food stores are as good a source as beauty emporia.

Calming body oil

Blend 3 drops each essential oils of lavender, geranium, and camomile into 4 tbsp sweet almond oil to create this soothing body oil.

Invigorating body oil

Blend 4 drops essential oil of grapefruit, 3 drops essential oil of geranium, and 2 drops essential oil of juniper into 4 tbsp sweet almond oil. (Omit juniper oil if you have kidney problems; grapefruit oil if exposing skin to sun.

Moroccan secrets

Look out for argan oil extracted from the seeds of a Moroccan tree. Highly prized for its antiwrinkle and skin-softening benefits, it helps counter the ravages of sun and wind. This oil is rich in antioxidants—it contains double the amount of tocophenols and almost twice as much sun-saving vitamin E as olive oil. Massage into dry and scarred skin or dab onto pimples and acne.

Elasticity balm

To soften scars and promote elasticity, mix 4 drops each essential oils of jasmine and lavender plus 2 drops essential oil of mandarin into 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive or argan oil. (Omit mandarin oil if exposing skin to the sun.