Dry, Aging, Sagging Skin? 5 Minutes to Love Yourself

The start of a new year is a natural time for reflection and renewal. While setting goals and aspirations often take center stage, have you considered beginning the year with a self-care routine that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit? A routine that addresses dry, aging, sagging skin? This year, let’s focus on showing our skin and ourselves some extra love with an age-old practice: Abhyanga.

What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic self-massage using warm oil. A practice I have been indulging in for years. It’s more than just a skincare routine — it’s a way to connect with your body, improve your circulation, and promote a radiant, youthful glow. Abhyanga translates to “massage” in Sanskrit and has been cherished for centuries as a vital part of self-care.

How Abhyanga Supports Dry, Aging, and Sagging Skin

Dryness and sagging skin are part of the natural aging process, especially during colder months when our skin craves moisture. Abhyanga works by:

• Deeply Hydrating: Warm oil penetrates the skin’s layers, locking in moisture and preventing dryness.
• Improving Elasticity: The gentle, rhythmic movements help stimulate collagen and improve skin tone.
• Reducing Stress: Massaging the skin has calming effects on the nervous system, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), which can accelerate aging.
• Enhancing Circulation: The technique boosts blood flow, delivering nutrients and oxygen to skin cells for a natural glow.

Five-Minute Abhyanga Routine to Start Loving Yourself

You don’t need hours to reap the benefits of Abhyanga. Just five minutes each morning can set a positive tone for your day:

1. Choose Your Oil: Select a high-quality oil based on your skin type. For dry skin, castor (although thick) sesame or almond oil works beautifully. Coconut oil is ideal for cooling and soothing sensitive skin, while jojoba and almond oils mimics the skin’s natural sebum, I like to add rosemary oil to mine.
2. Warm It Up: Heat a small amount of oil by placing it in a warm water bath or gently warming it in your hands directly out of the shower.
3. Apply with Intention: Massaging in circular motions. Gradually work your way down your neck, arms, torso, and legs. Use long strokes on your limbs and circular movements on your joints.
4. Let It Absorb: After massaging, let the oil sit on your skin for 5-10 minutes to allow deep absorption. I use this time for mindful breathing, meditating, and writing my intentions and affirmations for the day.
5. Day Or Night: Let the residual oil continue to moisturize your skin throughout the day or night. This is a great night-time routine to include with your night-time face regiment.

Why Self-Care Matters

Taking the time for rituals like Abhyanga isn’t just about physical care; it’s a way to honor and love yourself. When you dedicate even a few minutes to nurturing your well-being, you show up more fully for yourself and others. The glow on your skin becomes a reflection of the care you’ve given to your entire being.

Embrace the Glow, Embrace Yourself

This year, ditch the “new year, new me” mantra. Instead, embrace who you already are by treating your dry aging sagging skin and your spirit with kindness. With Abhyanga, self-care doesn’t just become a resolution — it becomes a ritual.