Oct
The temperature is dropping, and the indoor heat is blasting. Even the healthiest skin and hair are losing their natural moisture barrier due to the notorious dry and cold air, leaving us with flakiness, tightness, and dullness. No ordinary lotion can fix this and provide winter hydration. The secret? Oils that lock hydration.
From scalp to cuticles, adding the right oil to your routine can seal the moisture and protect your skin and hair from dehydration and cold weather. Choosing the right blend of hair, face, and body oils makes all the difference.
In this blog, we will explore the five best oils to lock in winter hydration, recommended by skincare professionals, dermatologists, and natural beauty brands who believe in natural nourishment.
5 Best Oils for Winter Hydration
Here is a list of the best natural oils for skin and hair that, separately or combined, can transform your winter skincare and hair routine for good.
1. Argan Oil
Known as the liquid gold for skin and hair, argan oil for winter is a Moroccan treasure rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.
You can consider this hydrating oil as winter’s signature oil that mimics your skin’s natural sebum, restoring lipid barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It locks moisture in, adding a soft and dewy finish to your skin.
| Argan Oil for Skin | Argan Oil for Hair |
| Massage a few drops of Argan oil onto your damp skin after a shower or before bedtime and: 1. Seal hydration without greasiness 2. Soothes dry patches and flaky cheeks. | 1. Smooths frizz 2. Softens brittle ends 3. Adds shine to your hair 4. Best for dry hair in winter 5. Provides heat protection from styling tools |
Pro Tip: Add two drops to your palm, rub your palms together to heat it up, and press gently into your skin and hair for all-day softness.
2. Jojoba Oil
Known as the perfect balancer for winter skin, Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum. This liquid wax is a holy grail for oily and dry skin types.
Jojoba oil works effectively as hair and skin oil in balancing oil production and strengthening the skin barrier, keeping the moisture locked in when used in your winter skincare. If you are struggling with both dry skin and breakouts and searching for the best oils for dry skin, Jojoba oil is your savior.
| Jojoba Oil for Skin | Jojoba Oil for Hair |
| 1. Light yet deeply hydrating. 2. Excellent to be used under makeup. 3. Jojoba oil for dry skin can be mixed into your winter moisturizer. | 1. Massaging it into your scalp prevents flakiness and itching. 2. Best for locking moisture in your hair and follicles. 3. Helps starter locs stay soft and defined in colder months. |
Pro-Tip: Mix equal parts Jojoba oil and Rosehip oil for a hydrating serum. It doubles as a facial oil and hair treatment.
As seen in: Elizabeth O Beauty’s Vitamin C oil is recommended for its versatility and gentle touch on sensitive skin.
3. Sweet Almond Oil
This nutrient-rich comfort oil is like a cozy blanket for your skin in winter. It’s loaded with vitamin A, E, and Omega-9 fatty acids, which help in sealing hydration on cold and windy days.
Almond oil’s emollient texture fills in tiny cracks in your dry skin, creating a smooth and protective barrier against further damage.
| Almond Oil for Skin | Almond Oil for Hair |
| 1. Apply when your skin is damp. It helps in locking moisture. 2. It maintains suppleness. 3. Best for knees, elbows, and hands. | 1. It’s ideal for smoothing treatments 2. Reduces frizz and split ends if used before blow-dry. |
Pro-Tip: It is safe to use as body oils for winter for sensitive skin. The best oil to be used by your whole family in winter.
4. Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil is known as the powerhouse of Vitamin C. It is the winter’s answer to dryness, dullness, and tired skin. Rich in natural vitamin C, A, and Omega-3s, it deeply nourishes skin while improving elasticity and tone.
Among Rosehip oil hydration benefits, you need to know that Rosehip oil is very lightweight yet rich. It is perfect for layering under your moisturizer or mixing with your foundation for a dewy finish.
| Rosehip Oil for Skin | Rosehip Oil for Hair |
| 1. Brightens dull winter skin. 2. Fades dark spots caused by winter irritation. | 1. Massage a few drops or blend with coconut oil for DIY winter oil. 2. Boosts hair shine. 3. Reduces dryness. |
Pro-Tip: For overnight skin renewal, use rosehip oil before bedtime.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut is the classic winter multitasker. It is an all-in-one winter essential. Coconut oil is packed with lauric acid that helps in restoring skin moisture and repairing skin barrier in winter while protecting it against environmental damage.
Coconut oil’s molecular structure allows it to penetrate into your skin and hair shafts, making it a powerful moisture-locking oil.
| Coconut Oil for Skin | Coconut Oil for Hair |
| 1. It is best for an overnight moisturizer. 2. Great to be used as body oil for extremely dry skin. | 1. Perfect for deep conditioning treatments. 2. Ideal to be used for dry, coarse, curly hair. 3. A top-pick for starter locs 4. Offers hydration without buildup. |
Pro-Tip: It is great to use coconut oil for winter skincare, but if you have acne-prone skin, avoid using coconut oil on your face. Use only on your hair and body.
How to Layer Oils for Maximum Impact in Winter
All of the above nourishing oils for dehydrated skin have great benefits; however, layering, mixing, and applying them the right way makes all the difference.
Step 1: Start with Damp Skin
When your skin has moisture, you will have something to work with. Applying oil on damp skin locks the existing moisture; they don’t create it.
Step 2: Warming the Oil
Take a few drops of the oil and rub between your palms to heat it up before applying it to your skin.
Step 3: Do Not Rub
Press the oil gently into your skin for maximum absorption. Avoid rubbing these moisturizing oils on your skin.
Step 4: Moisturize
After applying the oil, follow it with your moisturizer if your skin is extremely dry.
For your hair, apply the oil to mid-lengths and on the ends of slightly damp strands. You can also mix a few drops into your conditioner to keep your hair moisturized until your next hair wash.
Here is a list of the best moisturizers you can compare and choose the best to add to your skincare routine: Best Face Moisturizers: Expert-Tested and Highly Recommended!
Other Multi-use Winter Oils You’ll Love
Here are some additional best oils for dry hair and skin in cold weather that you can add to your skin and hair care routine.
- Marula Oil: Lightweight, rich, and nourishing hair oil for winter dryness. Marula oil for face hydration is ideal for fine hair and dull skin.
- Avocado Oil: Use avocado oil for cold weather. It nourishes your skin deeply and is great for DIY recipes for hair masks.
- Olive Oil: Mostly used as a kitchen staple, olive oil for soft skin in winter doubles as a facial and body hydrator.
Among the best oils for winter skin hydration, these enhance a winter skin and hair care routine and add extra protection and glow.
Winter Care Routine
In order for your skin and hair to stay protected and hydrated, you need to make an effort, follow experts’ winter skincare oil recommendations, and add the best hair and skin oils for winter to your morning and evening routines.
Morning
In the morning,
- Cleanse your skin gently.
- Spritz a hydrating mist.
- Apply the best facial oils for winter, like 2-3 drops of Jojoba oil or Rosehip oil.
- Seal with a moisturizer and SPF before getting out of the house.
Evening
In the evening,
- Double cleanse your face.
- Massage moisturizing oils for winter, like sweet Almond oil or Argan oil, into your skin.
- Use coconut oil for overnight hydration on hands, elbows, and heels.
Hair
For your hair,
- Use once a week, apply warm coconut or Almond oil as part of your winter beauty essentials to your scalp.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes and wash with moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Final Thoughts on Your Winter Hydration Ritual
Winter beauty isn’t just about fighting dryness; it’s about working with nature. Oils aren’t a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining balance. By integrating argan, jojoba, almond, coconut, and rosehip oil into your daily routine, you give your skin and hair the nourishment they need to stay smooth, hydrated, and radiant all seasons long.
You need a lot of care and the best body oils for winter dryness and essential oils for winter skincare. Whether you prefer a minimal routine or a full spa-like treatment at home, these affordable winter skincare oils have got you covered from head to toe.
As Elizabeth O Beauty reminds her clients:
“Hydration isn’t a luxury in winter, it’s a necessity your skin will thank you for!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Which oil is best to use in winter?
Argan Oil and sweet almond oil are top choices for dry winter months. They deeply moisturize without clogging pores. It works best for both skin and hair.
Which oil is the most hydrating?
Coconut oil is the most hydrating natural oil. Thanks to fatty acid content, it penetrates deeply to lock in moisture.
Which oils lock in moisture?
Jojoba, argan, and rosehip oils lock moisture best because they mimic the skin’s natural sebum and prevent water loss.
What is the best oil for extremely dry skin in winter?
Sweet almond oil or coconut oil is best for severely dry and cracked skin. They form strong barriers and provide lasting hydration.
Which oils and hydration are essential for protecting skin from winter dryness?
A blend of jojoba, argan, and rosehip oils offers the perfect balanced protection. They help hydrate, seal in moisture, and restore glow even in harsh climates.
