From year, til ka tel, also called sesame oil, has been a consistent and trusted staple in Indian households, used for rituals, cooking, and skincare practices. Not only is its role to work as a culinary essential, but it has also emerged as a trustworthy and natural remedy for having glowing skin.
It is rich in vital vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants; these ingredients are among the age-old Ayurvedic beauty secrets. Let’s explore the skincare regimen as per your skin concerns.
What is Sesame Oil and Why is It Special for Skin?
For thousands of years, Ayurveda has used til ka tel, which is made from benne seeds. Unlike many commercial oils, it is abundant in:
- Vitamin E – Renowned for minimizing free radical damage and nourishing skin.
- Zinc and Copper – These are the minerals that support skin repair.
- Fatty Acids – Including linoleic acid and oleic acid, which improve hydration.
- Antioxidants (Sesamol, Sesamin) – Natural compounds that protect against early signs of ageing.
Its texture is thicker than coconut oil, but it sinks deep into the skin, making it a powerful moisturiser and healing oil.
Is Sesame Oil Good for Skin Whitening?
A lot of people in India want to know if benne oil can help lighten skin. The truth is that til ka tel does not lighten or whiten skin. Instead, it works by:
- Fading scars and dark spots are gradually.
- Protecting against sun damage (natural SPF of around 4).
- Improving blood circulation when massaged, giving a brighter, even-toned look.
So, it won't whiten your skin right away, but regular use can make it smoother and give it a natural, healthy glow.
What Sesame Oil Can Do for Your Skin
1. Deep Moisturization for Dry Skin
It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or flaky skin, which is common in the winter in India, as it is thicker than almond and coconut oil. Putting it on at night helps keep moisture in and smooth out rough spots.
2. Natural Sun Protection
It protects the skin from tanning and damage and gives it some UV protection. Benne oil under SPF adds an extra layer of protection, but it can't replace sunscreen.
3. Fights Acne and Pimples
Sesame oil possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties while also exhibiting antibacterial properties. If you are prone to acne, til ka tel has the ability to calm any redness present on your skin while preventing bacterial growth on your skin. Simply apply it in a thin layer, or combine it with lighter oils such as jojoba oil.
4. Anti-Ageing Properties
It will help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, due to its very high levels of vitamin E and antioxidants. Additionally, if you would apply benne oil with a massage on a regular basis, the massage through circulation will improve the firmness of your skin, reducing the signs of ageing skin, and restoring your skin to youthful skin.
5. Healing for Minor Cuts and Cracks
In Ayurvedic practices, til ka tel is recommended for wound healing. If you have cracked heels or chapped lips, applying a drop of warm benni oil will help to accelerate the recovery process.
If you want to learn more about the Benefits of sesame oil, you can read our article here: Why Sesame Oil is Called the Queen of Oils.
How to Use Sesame Oil for Skin Care at Home
1. Use for Face Glow
- Mix 1 tsp sesame oil + 1 tsp honey + 1 tsp lemon juice.
- Apply as a mask for 15 minutes and wash off.
- Result: soft, radiant skin.
2. Use as Night Moisturiser
Warm a few drops and massage onto face before bed. Wash with a mild cleanser in the morning. Works best for dry skin types.
3. Apply to Dark Circles
Dip a cotton ball in warm sesame oil and gently dab under eyes before sleep. Reduces puffiness and darkness over time.
4. Give yourself a Body Massage (Abhyanga)
Ayurveda says that you should massage your body with oil once a week. Massage your skin with warm oil for 15 to 20 minutes, then take a hot bath. It cleans the face and gives it a lot of nutrients.
5. Use it for Acne-Prone Skin
Mix a few drops with tea tree oil and apply as a spot treatment. This controls breakouts without overdrying.
Coconut Oil vs Sesame Oil: Which Is Better for Skin?
Both oils are popular in Indian skincare, but here’s how they compare:
- Coconut Oil: Lighter, more cooling, great for scalp and hair, works as a quick moisturiser.
- Sesame Oil: Thicker, warming, deeply nourishing, richer in antioxidants.
Coconut oil can clog pores, while benni oil (applied gently) can balance oil production in oily or acne-prone skin. Sesame oil is better for dry, ageing skin.
Does Sesame Oil Remove Tan?
Yes! With regular use of benne oil, you can reduce even tan as it's rich in antioxidants that repair the sun damage from the skin, and a gentle massage would do wonders for blood circulation. Even for quicker tan removal, combine sesame oil with lemon juice and apply to the areas that are tanned two times a week.
Effects of Sesame Oil on Skin
Til ka tel is typically safe, but remember to be careful of the following:
- Allergic Reactions: Some may get a rash or itch. Do a patch test before using it.
- Heavy Texture: It may feel sticky in Indian summers. If this bothers you, use less or blend with lighter oils.
- Not a Sunscreen Replacement: Although it offers some short-term protection, it is not a substitute for SPF.
Practical Tips To Use Sesame Oil in Your Skincare Routine
- For most nutrients, pick cold-pressed sesame oil.
- Use it once a week as a massage oil to keep your skin healthy.
- In the summer, mix with lighter oils like almond or olive.
- Always do a patch test before using it on sensitive skin.
- For best results, use with sunscreen and eat a healthy diet.
If you want to learn more about the Benefits of Groundnut Oil, you can read our article here: Groundnut Oil is a Healthy Choice for Your Diet.
Conclusion
Sesame oil isn’t just a kitchen essential but also a natural beauty treatment that has been respected within the Ayurveda community for hundreds of years, as it may not instantly turn your skin fair, but it will provide deep moisturization, anti-ageing benefits, tan removal, and healing that chemical creams cannot provide.
Used appropriately - as a face mask, night oil, or even a weekly overall body massage - sesame oil presents a one-stop solution to beautifully glowing, healthy skin. This oil is wo