Why I Choose a Different Oil for Each Person (and for Each Season)
A few years ago, I was convinced that a good oil was one that was “natural, organic, and cold-pressed.” Period. I applied it to my skin with complete confidence, without giving it a second thought.
And then Ayurveda taught me to see things differently. An oil isn’t just a natural product—it’s a form of energy. It has its own qualities (warm or cool, light or heavy, stimulating or soothing), and these qualities interact with those of your body. Sometimes they complement each other well. Sometimes they clash.
"Like attracts like"
This is one of the basic principles of Ayurveda. If you’re already warm, lively, or prone to irritation or redness (a constitution that tends to be Pitta contitution) and you massage yourself with very hot oil, you’re adding heat to heat. On the other hand, if you tend to feel cold, have dry skin, or are a bit restless (Vata), a light, refreshing oil won't provide the softness and grounding your body needs.
And if you tend to feel sluggish, retain fluids, or experience a slowdown (Kapha), a thick, rich oil used without restraint can intensify this sensation.
Three oils, three distinct characteristics
- Sesame is warm, nourishing, and soothing. This oil soothes dry skin and warms up those who feel the cold easily, making it very popular in the fall and winter.
- coconut is cool and mild. It is well suited to the Pitta contitution and in the summer, when the sun's warmth adds to our own.
- Mustard is warm, pungent, and stimulating. Effective during cold, damp weather, but irritating: it requires caution, a skin test, and often needs to be blended with another oil. It is also not at all suitable for sensitive skin.
So what about the season?
We aren’t the same in July as we are in January. My body craves coolness when it’s hot and warmth when the cold sets in. An oil that feels good to me at one time may no longer be suitable a few months later. That’s why, in my practice, I never recommend the same oil “forever.”
My advice
Before choosing an oil, ask yourself three questions:
- How is my skin looking right now? (dry, sensitive, oily, irritated…)
- What is my body like? (sensitive to cold, warm, heavy, restless…)
- What time of year is it?
There’s no such thing as a “miracle” oil—only the right oil, at the right time, for the right person. And if you’re unsure, come talk to me about it: that’s exactly what a consultation is for.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always perform a skin test before using a new oil.
