Looking to nourish your skin and hair naturally? Turn to sesame oil now!

Winter is here and that means dry skin and excessive hair fall is rather common! Of course, we end up heading to the salon, but how about going au naturel? Yes, a chemical-free solution like sesame oil can really help you!

Made using raw, pressed sesame seeds, sesame oil is well-known for its culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. But most importantly, it has always been considered a ‘wonder oil’ for skin and hair concerns. So, let’s find out all about how we can use it!

But before that, let’s understand a little more about sesame seeds.

How are sesame seeds beneficial?

Dr Ajay Rana, renowned dermatologist and aesthetic physician tells Health Shots,”Sesame oil is extracted from white and black sesame seeds. It is known to have organic compounds, minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins like E, B complex D. It is also packed with healing components, zinc and protein, which helps to promote the health of hair and skin”.

Dr Rana explains the uses of sesame seeds:

You can use sesame oil for healthy hair in the following ways:

1. Massage your scalp and hair:

Use sesame oil to massage your scalp, since it will nourish your hair in the best possible way.

2. Use sesame oil with almond oil:

Almond oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which helps in conditioning your hair. It is also helpful in reducing the oxidative stress in the scalp, which in turn, enhances hair growth.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Take a dish and put 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of almond oil.
  Apply this mixture on the scalp and hair. Leave it on for some time, and massage it well.
• Next, use a hot towel to cover your head, and leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
  Wash your hair by using a mild shampoo.

3. Use it as a hair mask:

Add sesame oil to any hair mask, before using it. Massage it well on your scalp and tresses to see great results.

4. A hair pack made with sesame oil and aloe vera:

Aloe Vera has the same properties as sesame, and they both work well to provide protection from the sun. So, mix these ingredients well and apply it on your scalp, in order to enjoy the effect of a protective shield against sun damage.

Here’s how you can make this hair pack:

• Take 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel and sesame oil.
• Heat the mixture for a few minutes and leave it aside to cool.
• Apply it on your scalp and hair, and wash it after 30-45 minutes with a mild shampoo.

Sesame oil can work wonders for your skin too. Here’s how:

1. Use it as a homemade moisturizer:

Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry. Apply a few drops of sesame oil on your face and massage it gently, so that it gets absorbed completely into the skin. Follow this as part of your night skincare regime for healthy skin.

2. Replace night creams with sesame oil:

Instead of using night creams for anti-aging purposes, it’s better to go natural with sesame oil. Using fewer chemicals on your skin will give you a natural glow.

Here’s how you can use it:

• Use this oil mixed with a drop of lavender essential oil.
• Massage this thoroughly on the skin in a circular motion, so that there is increased blood circulation.

3. Use it as a cleanser:

For people with oily skin, use sesame oil as a cleanser to get rid of every bit of dirt and excess oil from the skin.

Method:

Rub it onto the face for 10 minutes and wash off with a mild cleanser.

4. You can use it as a sun protector –

Girls, to avoid the use of chemical-laden sunscreens, you can use sesame oil for your beach vacation and hill stations.

Method:

Apply a thin film of sesame oil on the skin before going into harsh sunlight. Mix sesame oil with a few drops of carrot seed essential oil as it has the highest SPF. Just apply it to the skin after cleansing it thoroughly.
Go natural with sesame oil!