Mukhalaya is rich in skin-identical fatty acids - especially linoleic and oleic acid - which replenish lost lipids, reinforce the intercellular matrix, and restore the skin’s hydro-lipid mantle.

It softens and smooths the outermost skin layer, reducing the flakiness and also calming skin reactivity. Chamomile, with its anti-inflammatory layer to reduce irritation that often accompanies chronic dryness.

It is potent in anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties to stimulate glycosaminoglycan synthesis and collagen production, helping repair fissured, peeling, or eczema-prone skin. Kalonji’s thymoquinone and pomegranate’s punicic acid activate healing and antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Loaded with Vitamin E, beta-carotenes, phytosterols, and polyphenols it neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), preventing collagen breakdown and maintaining skin elasticity. Wheatgerm, one of the richest sources of natural Vitamin E, supports cell membrane integrity and smooths texture.

It promote microcirculation and gentle exfoliation, resulting in a brighter, more even tone. Rose and jasmine also contain mild astringents and anti-glycation agents, which tone tissues while preserving suppleness.

Oils like jojoba (structurally similar to sebum), almond, sesame, and walnut help stimulate and mimic natural sebum production, restoring the skin’s lipid film without clogging pores. This balanced sebum production prevents excess dryness while maintaining skin suppleness and elasticity, essential for a healthy, hydrated skin ecosystem.

Face oiling strengthens the skin’s natural barrier with fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acid, helping prevent water loss and shield against damage. In Ayurveda, this nourishing action—Snigdhata—soothes dryness (Vata dosha) and supports Rasadhatu (plasma), keeping skin soft and resilient.

Oiling with massage enhances blood flow and lymphatic drainage, delivering nutrients and flushing toxins. Ayurveda sees this as opening Srotas (channels) and moving Prana (life energy), resulting in brighter, clearer, more energized skin.

Plant oils carry vitamins and antioxidants that fuel cell renewal, repair damage, and support collagen. In Ayurveda, this is Rasayana therapy—nourishing from within (Dhatu Pushti) for lasting vitality and youthful skin.

Oils rich in anti-inflammatory compounds (like rosehip and turmeric) calm reactive skin. Ayurveda uses cooling oils to balance Pitta (heat and inflammation), easing redness, acne, and irritation.

Facial oils fight free radicals, maintain hydration, and protect collagen—slowing signs of aging. Ayurveda uses oiling (Snehan) to counter Vata-driven aging and preserve Ojas (vital energy), promoting firmer, stronger skin.

Face oils smooth skin, improve hydration, and enhance natural light reflection. Ayurveda calls this Kanti or Tejas—a glow that comes from balanced doshas and well-nourished skin, inside and out.

The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of facial skin, functions as a barrier made up of corneocytes (dead skin cells) embedded in lipid “mortar”—a mix of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. When this barrier is disrupted—due to over-cleansing, harsh weather, or aging—it can no longer retain moisture effectively. This leads to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), resulting in tightness, flaking, and even micro-inflammation. Repairing this barrier with lipid-replenishing ingredients like ceramides and plant oils restores its integrity and dramatically reduces chronic facial dryness.

The skin naturally produces Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) such as urea, lactic acid, PCA, and amino acids, which draw and hold water within the stratum corneum. These NMFs are especially vulnerable to stripping agents like alcohol-based toners or foaming cleansers, as well as UV damage. A deficiency in NMFs impairs the skin’s ability to retain moisture even if water is externally applied. Replenishing NMFs through topical humectants helps rebuild the water-binding capacity of the skin, restoring its plumpness and reducing sensitivity linked to dryness.

Sebum, the skin’s natural oil, provides occlusive benefits—it slows water evaporation and enhances skin softness. Dry skin types often have genetically lower sebum output, especially in colder months or with age. Without this lipid coating, the skin lacks a protective film to seal in hydration, making even mild water loss feel severe. Introducing non-comedogenic facial oils (like jojoba, rosehip, or marula) into a dry skin routine mimics natural sebum, cushioning the skin surface and locking in hydration without clogging pores. This is especially helpful overnight, when TEWL increases.

Aquaporins are protein channels in skin cell membranes that transport water between cells. In dry or aged skin, the activity of these water channels—particularly Aquaporin-3 (AQP3)—diminishes, leading to uneven hydration across skin layers. Some skincare ingredients like aloe vera help stimulate or mimic aquaporin function, encouraging even distribution of moisture from deeper layers to the epidermis. This ensures that hydration isn’t just present—it’s well-dispersed, reducing dry patches, dullness, and uneven texture on the face.

Dry skin is often accompanied by subclinical inflammation, even if redness isn’t visible. External stressors like UV exposure, pollution, or fragrance allergens activate inflammatory pathways, which in turn impair barrier enzymes and accelerate water loss. This becomes a cycle: inflammation leads to dryness, and dryness increases sensitivity. Calming actives reduce this hidden inflammation, allowing the skin’s repair systems to function optimally and water levels to stabilize.

Healthy skin maintains a slightly acidic pH (4.5–5.5), which supports the function of enzymes that build barrier lipids and NMFs. Overuse of alkaline products (e.g., soap-based cleansers) or harsh exfoliation raises skin pH, disrupting the skin microbiome and enzymatic balance. This leads to lipid degradation, impaired barrier synthesis, and dryness. Restoring pH with acidic toners, lactic acid, or mildly acidic moisturizers reactivates these repair enzymes and rebalances the microbiome, which collectively enhance water retention and barrier strength.