Oil pulling is an age-old remedy that is gaining popularity in the Western world for its purported health benefits, including improved oral health and skin. Oil pulling removes toxins that have built up the night before, and prevents them from entering your bloodstream and causing skin issues. Oil pulling benefits for skin include reducing acne breakouts, evening out skin tone, brightening skin, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.1
This ancient ayurvedic practice is typically used for oral health. Usually performed on an empty stomach with sesame oil, the process of oil pulling benefits the entire body. The health benefits of oil pulling can help with:2
- oral hygiene
- tooth decay
- bad breath
- heart disease
- gum disease
- immune system
- digestive system
Oil pulling also helps to improve other issues from energy levels to an oral cavity. While whiter teeth and good health are one thing, having a natural way to improve your skin is another great benefit of oil pulling.3
Related: 21 Reasons Facial Oils Are The Key To Glowing Skin
The positive effects of oil pulling benefits for skin work by removing harmful bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms from the mouth. These toxins can lead to a variety of health problems if they enter the body. Oil pulling also helps to reduce inflammation, which can help to improve overall health.4
Ayurvedic practitioners believe that oil pulling can also help with skin problems. They believe that the practice can help to remove toxins from the body, the same toxins that can cause skin issues. These additional benefits of oil pulling also help to ensure that the body is better able to absorb nutrients. The fatty acids in the oil help to moisturize the skin, while vitamin E helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.5
11 Glowing Oil Pulling Benefits For Skin
1. Clears Skin
Toxins in the body can lead to a variety of skin problems, including acne. The practice of oil pulling can help to remove these toxins from the body, resulting in clear skin. Removing this bad bacteria can also help to prevent future breakouts.
2. Evens Out Skin Tone
The practice of oil pulling can also help to even out skin tone. This is due to the fact that it removes toxins from the body that can cause pigmentation issues. Oil pulling benefits for skin help to improve overall skin health, resulting in a more even complexion.
Oil pulling with sunflower oil is great if you suffer from uneven skin tone as the vitamin E content in the oil can help to brighten the skin.
3. Reduces Wrinkles
The antioxidants present in the oil can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin E is especially beneficial for the skin, as it helps to protect against free radical damage. In ayurvedic medicine, wrinkles are often a sign of toxins in the body. By removing these toxins, oil pulling can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Oil pulling with olive oil is great if you suffer from crepey skin or a loss of collagen.
4. Brightens Skin
Removing harmful toxins and improved circulation can also help to brighten the skin. Oil pulling can help to improve blood flow to the skin, resulting in a brighter complexion. The cleansing action of oil pulling can also help to brighten the skin by removing dirt and bacteria that can cause dullness.
Coconut oil pulling is great if you suffer from dull skin as the lauric acid in the oil can help to brighten and exfoliate the skin.
Related: Oil Pulling: How To Do The Detoxing Mouth Rinse
5. Reduces Skin Irritation
The antimicrobial properties of oil pulling benefits for skin can help to reduce skin irritation. This is due to the fact that it helps to remove bacteria that can cause inflammation. While the anti-inflammatory properties of certain oils can help to reduce skin irritation, it is important to note that some oils can also cause irritation.
If you suffer from sensitive skin, it is best to avoid using oils that are known to be irritating.
6. Moisturizes Skin
Dry skin can lead to a variety of problems, including itchiness, redness, and flakiness. The fatty acids present in the oil can help to moisturize the skin, resulting in softer, smoother skin. Moisture is especially important in the winter months when the skin is more likely to suffer from dryness.
Coconut oil is great for moisturizing the skin as it is full of fatty acids that help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
7. Reduces Under Eye Circles
The practice of oil pulling can also help to reduce under-eye circles. This is due to the fact that it helps to improve circulation and remove toxins from the body. The improved circulation can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles, while the removal of toxins can help to brighten the skin.
8. Fights Against Aging
Oil pulling benefits for skin can help to fight against aging by removing toxins from the body and improving circulation. The antioxidants present in the oil can also help to protect against free radical damage.
9. Heals Sun Damaged Skin
The practice of oil pulling can also help to heal sun-damaged skin. This is due to the fact that it helps to remove toxins from the body and improve circulation. The improved circulation can help to reduce the appearance of sun damage, while the removal of toxins can help to brighten the skin.
10. Reduces Inflammation
Oil pulling benefits for skin can also help to reduce inflammation. This is due to the fact that it helps to remove toxins from the body and improve circulation. The improved circulation can help to reduce inflammation, while the removal of toxins can help to brighten the skin. This natural alternative to inflammatory drugs can be especially beneficial for those with chronic inflammation.
Related: 9 Benefits Of Drinking Olive Oil In The Morning
11. Prevents Skin Infections
The antimicrobial properties of the oil can also help to prevent skin infections. This is due to the fact that it helps to remove bacteria that can cause infection. The coconut oil mouthwash method is especially effective in preventing skin infections. The tongue coating method is also effective in preventing skin infections.
How To Perform Oil Pulling For Better Skin
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for several minutes. This simple process can offer a host of benefits, including improved oral health and skin.
When it comes to skin, oil pulling can help to detoxify and cleanse the complexion, while also reducing inflammation. If you’re dealing with acne, oil pulling can help to clear up your skin by drawing out impurities and bacteria.
To oil pull for skin, start by putting 1-2 tablespoons of oil in your mouth. The most popular oils for this purpose are coconut oil and sesame oil, but you can also use olive oil or sunflower oil. Swish the oil around your mouth for 20 minutes, making sure to move it all over your teeth and gums.
Spit the oil into a waste bin once the time is up and rinse your mouth with warm water. You can then proceed with your regular skincare routine. Oil pulling should be done once daily for best results.
For best results, oil pulling should be performed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This allows the body to detoxify overnight and gives the oil time to work its way through the system. It is important to use a high-quality oil, such as organic cold-pressed coconut oil.
Different Types Of Oils
When oil pulling it’s important to use edible oil and there are many types of oils that can be used. The most popular and effective oils are coconut oil, sesame oil, and olive oil.
- Coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s also high in lauric acid, which has been shown to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Sesame oil is also rich in lauric acid and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s also effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
- Olive oil is a good choice for oil pulling because it’s rich in antioxidants and can help improve gum health. It’s also known to be gentle on the digestive system.
- Avocado oil is a good choice for those with sensitive skin as it’s very hydrating. It’s also rich in vitamins A, D and E, which are all beneficial for the skin.
- Hemp oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the skin. It’s also rich in gamma-linoleic acid, which has been shown to help reduce inflammation.
- Jojoba oil is a good choice for oil pulling because it closely resembles the sebum that’s produced by the skin. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.
How To Store Oils
Once you have chosen your oil, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its quality. Oils should be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
Coconut oil and olive oil can be stored at room temperature, but other oils should be stored in the fridge.
When storing oils it’s important to make sure they’re not exposed to light or heat as this can cause them to go rancid.
It’s also important that you don’t use the same oil over and over again as this can lead to bacteria build-up. It’s best to use a fresh oil each time you oil pull.
How Often Should You Oil Pull?
For best results, oil pulling should be done once daily. This allows the body to detoxify overnight and gives the oil time to work its way through the system.
If you’re new to oil pulling, start with 5 minutes and gradually increase the time to 20 minutes. It’s important not to overdo it as this can lead to irritation.
When choosing an oil for oil pulling, make sure to choose one that is organic and unrefined.
Side Effects of Oil Pulling
Though oil pulling is generally considered safe, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include:
1. Soreness or pain in the jaw: This is the most common side effect and is usually due to improper technique. Make sure you are not pulling too hard on your teeth or apply too much pressure.
2. Dryness of the mouth: This is another common side effect and is usually due to over-zealous oil pulling. Remember to spit out the oil after swishing and do not swallow it.
3. Nausea: This is a rare side effect and is usually due to swallowing the oil. If you experience nausea, stop oil pulling immediately and consult your doctor.
4. Rash or irritation: This is a rare side effect and is usually due to an allergy to the oil being used. If you experience a rash or irritation, stop oil pulling immediately and consult your doctor.
5. Diarrhea: This is a rare side effect and is usually due to swallowing the oil. If you experience diarrhea, stop oil pulling immediately and consult your doctor.
As you can see, there are a few potential side effects of oil pulling. However, these side effects are rare and usually only occur when the individual is overzealous in their oil pulling. If you experience any of these side effects, stop oil pulling immediately and consult your doctor.