The Forgotten Center: Why Your Belly Button Deserves a Little Self-Care

I’ve been in this industry long enough to know:
When it comes to skin, people will try just about anything if it promises a glow.

Trust me – I’ve seen it.
But what if I told you there’s a part of your body you’ve probably been ignoring, even though it once served as your literal lifeline?

Yes, I’m talking about your belly button.

The Lifeline You Forgot About

When I first came across Sharon Billins’ post about putting oils in the navel, it made me pause.
Not because it sounded far-fetched – our elders were doing stuff like this before Google ever made it searchable.

It made sense in a way I hadn’t considered before.

Think about it:
The navel was your first connection.
Through your umbilical cord, you were fed, oxygenated, and kept alive.
It was your literal center before you even had fingerprints.

So what if – even now – it still holds more power than we give it credit for?

Ancient Practices, Modern Curiosity

In Ayurveda, the navel (nabhi) is believed to be the body’s center of balance and energy.
For centuries, oils like neem, almond, mustard, sesame, and coconut have been massaged into the navel as part of holistic care.

Let’s be real:
Science hasn’t officially declared your belly button some secret absorption hub.
But what we do know is this – oil massage supports hydration, circulation, and relaxation.

And if you’ve ever fallen asleep during a massage, you already understand:
A simple ritual can change the way your body feels.

Whether it’s an energy hub or just a quiet act of love, the belly button might be worth a second look.

Oils & Their Benefits (Belly Button Edition)

Here’s the scoop from Sharon’s post – mixed with a Skinchology spin:

• Neem oil – Great for fighting acne and blackheads. Especially helpful if your skin stays congested.
• Almond oil – Softens, hydrates, and can support a natural glow.
• Mustard oil – Helps with dryness, stimulates digestion, and warms the body.
• Olive or coconut oil – Deeply moisturizing and tied to traditional fertility practices.
• Sesame oil – A go-to in Ayurveda for joint pain and bone health.
• Castor oil – Known to ease inflammation, cramps, and digestion. (Raise your hand if your granny swore by it for everything.)

Want to try one of these oils? We’ve curated some naval-safe options in the Self-Care Edit shop to get you started.

Why This Matters for Skin & Self-Care

At Skinchology, we say it often:
Self-care is layered.
It’s not just the cleanser you use or the serum on your shelf –
It’s how you tend to your entire being, inside and out.

So when you take a moment to put oil on your navel, it’s not just skincare.
It’s ritual.

As I mentioned in this post about redefining self-care, real care often looks like slowing down and listening.

When you do,
It makes you connect with a part of your body you likely only notice when your jeans feel tight.

But here’s the thing:
Skin is emotional.

Dryness, breakouts, dullness – those are stress signals, not just surface issues.
When you slow down enough to rub oil into your belly button, you’re telling your nervous system:
“We’re safe. You can exhale now.”

You’re telling your skin:
“You’re seen. You’re cared for.”

And honestly? That’s where the glow begins.

To explore even more about how your skin responds to what’s happening inside, read this post about the gut-skin connection.

Try It for Yourself

Here’s a simple ritual to bring into your routine:

1. Choose an oil based on what your body needs (hydration, acne help, joint support, emotional calm).
2. Warm it slightly in your hands.
3. Apply 2–3 drops into and around your belly button before bed.
4. Massage gently in circles, breathing deeply as you do.
5. Rest. Let your body do what it does best, restore.

Ritual Over Quick Fixes

I don’t believe in overnight results.
I believe in small practices that teach you to listen to yourself.

Even if science hasn’t caught up yet, here’s what I know:

Every time I make space for rituals like this,
My body thanks me.

Maybe the navel isn’t just scar tissue from birth.
Maybe it’s an invitation –
To slow down.
To reconnect.
To nourish yourself from the [skin]side out.

Shoutout to Sharon Billins for sparking this reminder:
Self-care doesn’t always come in a fancy jar or a 10-step routine.

Sometimes, it starts with a few drops of oil…
And the belly button you’ve been ignoring.

No shade. Tehehehehe.

Take [Self]care 🤍

Danita Q. Berry, LE
Founder, Skinchology
“Where Beauty Meets Science & Therapy”