As the temperature drops and winter’s icy grip tightens, our skin often becomes the first victim of the season’s harsh conditions. The cold, dry air can leave our skin feeling tight, flaky, and in desperate need of extra care. While there’s an array of skincare products on the market, sometimes the best solutions come from nature itself. In the realm of holistic skincare, natural oils stand out as powerful allies in the battle against winter’s chill.
While there are plenty of conventional lotions and hand creams on the market, sometimes our skin needs and deserves more. In this article, we’ll explore five exceptional natural oils that not only shield your skin from the biting cold but also provide deep nourishment and hydration. As winter sets in, consider incorporating these natural wonders into your skincare routine to ensure your skin remains radiant, supple, and resilient throughout the colder months. Say goodbye to dry, irritated skin and welcome the season with the natural warmth of these rejuvenating oils.
If you’re used to using natural oils on your body, then you’re already familiar with the benefits that these good-for-you oils provide. If you’ve never used natural oils before and your skin requires some serious hydration, allow me to introduce you to the following natural oils. Your skin will thank you.
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7 Oils That are Great for Winter Skin
1. Argan oil
Extracted from the kernels found in the fruit of Moroccan argan trees, argan oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E.
Why it’s great in winter:
Argan oil is packed with vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants that help combat dryness and environmental stress.
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Benefits:
- Deeply moisturizes without greasiness
- Improves elasticity and softness
- Helps calm redness and inflammation
- Supports skin repair during harsh weather
Best for: Dry, mature, or environmentally stressed skin
This skin superfood can be used on both skin and hair as it helps restore the appearance of the skin’s tone and hair’s texture. It’s a lightweight oil, but, it’s powerful.
2. Sweet Almond Oil
This oil is nourishing and works well to revive any skin type. Deriving from pressed almonds, almond oil can be used on the entire body and easily absorbed into the skin without clogging pores as well as promoting soft and healthy-looking skin.
Why it’s great in winter:
Sweet almond oil is gentle, nourishing, and excellent at preventing moisture loss, making it ideal for compromised winter skin.
Benefits:
- Softens rough, cracked skin
- Rich in vitamins A, E, and B
- Calms irritation and itching
- Great for face and body use
Best for: Sensitive, itchy, or flaky skin (including eczema-prone skin)
3. Avocado Oil
If your skin needs some intense hydration, this oil will do the trick. Avocado oil is heavy in texture so you don’t have to use much of it. It helps to maintain supple skin while softening, conditioning, and moisturizing dry or rough skin.
4. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil comes from the seed of the jojoba shrub and although it’s technically a wax, it’s structurally and chemically similar to human sebum and easily absorbs into the skin.
Why it’s great in winter:
Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester, not a true oil, which makes it incredibly similar to human sebum. Because of this, the skin recognizes it easily and absorbs it without clogging pores.
Benefits:
- Helps regulate moisture without feeling heavy
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Suitable for both dry and acne-prone skin
- Reduces flakiness and irritation
Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive or combination skin
Jojoba oil can also be used as a hot oil treatment in hair by warming up a quarter-size amount of the oil or enough oil to cover the hair, leaving it in your hair for five to ten minutes then shampoo and conditioning afterward.
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5. Castor Oil
With this emollient, a little goes a long way since it’s extremely thick. Packed with vitamin E, castor oil penetrates the surface layers of the skin, creating more soft and hydrated skin. I especially love to use this oil on my feet after finishing up with my bath.
6. Rosehip Seed Oil: The Skin Repairer
Why it’s great in winter:
Rosehip oil is rich in linoleic acid and natural vitamin A (retinoic acid), which supports cell turnover and repair—something winter skin desperately needs.
Benefits:
- Helps fade dry patches and rough texture
- Boosts radiance and smoothness
- Supports collagen production
- Absorbs quickly and layers well under moisturizer
Best for: Dull, dry, or uneven skin tone
7. Marula Oil: The Lightweight Protector
Why it’s great in winter:
Marula oil offers rich nourishment without heaviness. It’s especially helpful when you want moisture without shine.
Benefits:
- High in antioxidants and omega-9
- Absorbs quickly
- Helps protect against environmental damage
- Leaves skin smooth and balanced
Best for: Normal to dry skin, or anyone who dislikes greasy textures
While I still use some beautifully scented natural lotions and creams on occasion, I’m a huge advocate of knowing what you’re putting into your skin and I believe in treating my skin with the best ingredients possible.
Additionally, natural oils are typically inexpensive in comparison to other skin moisturizers and most are multi-purpose. My absolute favorite way to apply these oils on my skin is when I’m fresh out of the bathtub. I gently massage one of these oils onto my body while my skin is still damp. Doing this hydrates and seals in the moisture from the oil.
