Winter is coming, with its bitter wind and biting cold. You step outside and immediately feel the bitter wind tingling your cheeks and the cold air cracking your lips. When you get back home, the dry heating air tightens your skin, making it sensitive and dull. The winter charm has a downside, especially for your skin. Wrap it in an invisible cloak that protects and nourishes it, making it radiate with vitality. The secrets of Mother Nature are waiting to be discovered, whispering about remedies as old as time itself.
A shield against the cold
The harsh winter months can dry out the skin and compromise its natural oil barrier, leading to a flaky, dry skin that feels tight and uncomfortable. Now more than ever, it is important to give your skin an extra layer of protection. Which oils can you use for that?
Argan oil
Argan oil, also known as liquid gold, is a powerhouse when it comes to winter skin care. Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it helps hydrate and restore skin. Argan oil’s unique ability to penetrate deep into the skin creates a protective layer that seals in moisture and keeps the damaging effects of the cold out.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is unique in that it closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it an ideal moisturizer that helps restore the skin’s own oil balance. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, a common problem with other moisturizers.
Deep nourishment for winter skin
When the temperature drops, the skin needs more deep nourishment to stay healthy and supple. Which oils are best suited for this?
Castor oil
Castor oil is known for its moisturizing properties. It is particularly rich in ricinoleic acid, which gives the oil its unique moisturizing qualities. A few drops of castor oil can soothe the driest areas of the skin, such as elbows and knees.
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe and nourish irritated, wind-swept skin, making it an ideal choice for winter skincare. You will notice your skin calming down quite immediately from hemp seed oil, which is why it is a popular oil during colder times or in areas where it is often cold and especially windy.
The revitalizing effect of natural oils
In addition to protection and nourishment, natural oils can also help revitalize and rejuvenate the skin during the colder months. Consider:
Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins A and C, which are known for their skin-renewing properties. This oil can help reduce the signs of skin aging and provide a radiant complexion, even on the darkest winter days.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil is another winter favorite, thanks to its high concentration of oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid. It is an excellent moisturizer, helping to keep skin supple and hydrated.
Bulgarian rose water
Bulgarian rose water, while not an oil, is a perfect addition to any skincare routine. It helps to refresh and tone the skin, making it a gentle yet effective partner to the oils.
Radiant through the winter
The secret to radiant skin during winter lies in the power of nature.Incorporating natural oils into your skincare routine can help combat the effects of cold weather and maintain a healthy glow.
Care from within
Healthy skin starts with good nutrition. Oils like avocado oil contain nutrients that, when taken internally, help to maintain healthy skin. They are rich in vitamins and fatty acids that are essential for maintaining firm, hydrated skin.
The power of antioxidants
Oils like argan oil and rosehip oil are loaded with antioxidants that help neutralize damaging free radicals. These free radicals can increase during the winter due to the cold weather and other environmental factors, making the skin need extra protection.
The versatility of oils for every skin type
Not every oil is suitable for every skin type, but there is an oil that suits the unique needs of your skin.
For dry skin
For those with dry skin, hydrating oils like castor oil and avocado oil are invaluable. These oils provide rich hydration and help restore the skin’s natural barrier, which is essential in fighting the cold.
For oily skin
It may seem counterintuitive, but even oily skin can benefit from the right oils. Jojoba oil and hemp seed oil can help balance the production of natural oils, leaving skin looking healthy and hydrated rather than greasy.
For sensitive skin
The sensitive skin requires special care, especially during the cold months. Bulgarian rose water and rosehip oil are gentle and can help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
Natural oils in your evening routine
The evening is the perfect time to give your skin extra care. The night offers the skin the chance to recover and regenerate.
Before going to sleep
Apply a few drops of rosehip oil or argan oil to your face before going to bed. These oils work overnight, so you wake up with soft, supple skin.
Don't forget your hands
The hands are often the first to be hit by the cold. A rich hand cream enriched with natural oils, such as castor oil or avocado oil, will do wonders for your hands at night.
Soft lips
Apply a balm rich in natural oils to keep your lips soft and hydrated during the cold nights.
Deep care for winter skin
As winter sets in, it’s not just the cold that affects the skin, but also the indoor heating that dries out the air. It’s therefore essential to delve deeper into the lesser-known, yet crucial aspects of skincare with natural oils.
The importance of layers
Just as we wear layers of clothing to protect ourselves from the cold, layering skincare products can help insulate your skin from the winter elements. Start with a lightweight oil like jojoba, which absorbs quickly, and then follow with a richer oil like argan to seal in hydration.
Timing is everything
The timing of application can enhance the effectiveness of natural oils. Applying oil to slightly damp skin immediately after a bath or shower improves absorption, thereby increasing the benefits.
Combine with water-rich products
For extra hydration, consider combining oils with products rich in hyaluronic acid or glycerin.These ingredients attract water, while oils help retain this moisture. These are for example: argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil or rosehip oil.
Natural oils and scrubs
Exfoliating your skin is essential, especially in the winter. This removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and allows your skin to absorb and utilise oils much better. This is because they can more easily penetrate into clean, smooth skin without the barrier of dead skin cells. The result is healthier looking skin that is better hydrated and nourished.
Gentle exfoliation
Use a gentle scrub with natural ingredients or a gentle scrub glove before applying oils. This will increase the effectiveness of the oil.
Nightly renewal
Exfoliating before bed, followed by a nourishing oil, aids in the skin's overnight recovery process.
Natural oils combined with moisturizers
A question that often comes up is whether it is necessary to use another moisturizer if you are already applying natural oils. Although natural oils have excellent moisturizing properties, it can be beneficial to combine them with a moisturizer, especially for extra protection against extreme cold or dry indoor air.
When combining natural oils with a cream, it is important to choose products that work complementary and further enhance hydration. Shea butter and mango body butter are excellent choices in this regard. They are rich in moisturizing properties and together with natural oils form a powerful duo to nourish and protect the skin, especially against extreme cold or dry indoor air.
Extra support for the skin
In addition to the external use of natural oils, it is also important to support the skin from within or protect it against weather influences.
Nutrition and hydration
A diet rich in omega fatty acids helps the skin stay hydrated and resilient. In addition, it is crucial to drink enough water, even in winter, to keep the skin hydrated.
Supplements
For those who have trouble getting enough essential fatty acids from their diet, supplements like fish oil or flaxseed oil can be a great addition. They promote overall skin health from the inside out.
Wind protection
On windy days it is essential for your skin to avoid direct contact with cold air. Therefore wear a scarf, gloves or a hat or cap. Nice and warm and good for the skin. For exposed skin areas, applying a thicker layer of a rich natural oil, such as castor oil, can provide extra protection.
Indoor climate control
Using a humidifier helps maintain indoor humidity, which benefits both the skin and the respiratory tract.
Adjusting the skin care routine
Depending on the winter conditions, you may need to adjust your skincare routine. This may mean using heavier oils at night or applying extra protective layers during the day.
Bring it on
Winter is coming, with its bitter winds and biting cold, but we are ready for it. Bring it on! By protecting your skin as much as possible, choosing the right natural oils and using them wisely, you protect and nourish your skin. With a little extra care and attention, your skin will shine and bloom even in the coldest months.
This winter, let's celebrate nature's riches by giving our skin the care it deserves with the earth's purest gifts.
