I’ll never forget the time I showered outdoors on an African safari. The water came in slow, uneven trickles, warmed by the day’s sun. Or the time I sat in a little metal tub in the Oaxacan mountain jungle, steam rising as the essence of wild herbs drifted in from the trees.
Once, in a remote village, I watched women finish a long day of grinding corn and preparing meals for their families. Their hands were raw from the work, yet before they sat to rest, they rinsed with fresh water and rubbed lemon into their skin, a ritual passed down for generations.
We didn’t speak the same language, but I remember standing side by side in a mud hut, washing dishes. A small open window framed goats and chickens roaming freely. One woman cut a lemon, placed it in my hands, and nodded with a gentle smile. She spoke words I didn’t understand at the time, but I caught one - exprime. With her nodding and the motion of her hands, I knew exactly what she meant: squeeze the juice over my fingers before I finished for the day. The scent of earth and citrus mingled in the air, and in that moment, without sharing a language, I reveled in her offering. Her kind, joyful eyes and the richness of her contentment have stayed with me; she had so little, and yet seemed to carry so much.
Water, bathing, the earth, herbs, botanicals, these have always been more than getting in, getting out, and chasing soft skin. They are rituals of resilience, of care, of connection.
And here’s a truth most of us have forgotten: water alone doesn’t hydrate the skin. In fact, as it evaporates, it takes your natural oils with it, stripping the skin’s protective barrier and leaving it tight and thirsty. That’s why the secret isn’t water alone, but what you do after bathing.
What’s really enlightening is this: your skin is naturally coated in an oil-based barrier (sebum) designed to lock in moisture. When you bathe, water alone can’t penetrate and hydrate the deeper layers. Instead, it evaporates and carries some of your oils away. That’s why applying oils, butters, or balms immediately after bathing, while your skin is still damp, is one of the oldest and most effective hydration secrets. The oils trap the water molecules against your skin, creating true hydration that lasts.
This practice goes back to ancient cultures. Egyptians anointed themselves after bathing in the Nile. Romans massaged olive oil after steam baths. Ayurvedic tradition prescribes warm oiling after bathing as a daily ritual of vitality.
Combined with herbs, botanicals, butters, and even fruit juice like lemon or grapefruit, these rituals remind us of something essential: caring for the body is caring for the soul.
So here is your gentle nudge today: take a moment to revel in these moments more often. Bathe not just for cleanliness, but for nourishment, connection, and renewal.
I created our Wilder Body Oil in remembrance of these beautiful indigenous women, and of so many moments I’ve carried from the great outdoors across the world, crafted with citrus, bergamot, and deeply nourishing oils to awaken the wild in you.
Warm Oiling Ritual (Abhyanga-inspired)
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Prep the space
Lay out a towel you don’t mind oiling, warm the room, cue soft music, and place your oil within reach. Wilder Body Oil works beautifully. Have a warm robe handy. -
Warm the oil
Place the bottle in a mug or bowl of hot water for 1–2 minutes. Test on your wrist. It should feel pleasantly warm, never hot. -
Start at the crown (optional)
If you like, massage a few drops into the scalp and ears. Use slow, steady pressure. -
Neck, shoulders, and arms
Use 1–2 splashes per area. Long motion on the long bones toward the heart, small circles over joints, and tight spots. Finish with the hands and each finger. -
Chest and abdomen
Use light pressure over the chest. On the abdomen, massage in clockwise circles that follow digestion. -
Back, hips, and glutes
Work what you can reach with broad, grounding motion. A soft fist or palm heel helps ease tension. -
Legs and feet
Long motion from ankles to upper legs, circles around knees and ankles. Spend extra time on the soles of the feet. Slip on cotton socks if you like. -
Let it sink in
Rest for 5-10 minutes. Breathe slowly. This pause is part of the therapy. -
Rinse and finish
Take a warm shower and lightly rinse. Use soap only where needed. Pat dry, do not rub. If you prefer the “post-shower seal,” simply step out with skin still damp, then smooth a light layer of oil head to toe. -
Seal and glow
If elbows, hands, or heels need more love, add a touch of balm after oiling. Dress in natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen.
How often
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Cool or dry seasons: 4-7 times per week
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Warm or humid seasons: 2-4 times per week with a lighter layer
