Coconut Oil Moisturizer for Dry, Flaky Winter Skin

The Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Skin Moisturizing

Coconut oil has become an increasingly popular natural skin care ingredient in recent years. This versatile oil, often labeled as nature well extra virgin coconut oil, offers many beauty benefits for all skin types. Using coconut oil as a moisturizer can help hydrate and smooth dry, flaky skin to restore a healthy, youthful glow.

Coconut Oil Skin Care Benefits

Cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil contains fatty acids and nutrients that help nourish skin when applied topically. Some key ways this natural oil benefits skin include:

• Deeply moisturizes without clogging pores
• Soothes skin inflammation and irritation
• Protects against environmental damage
• Improves skin elasticity and tone
• Slows signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging

The medium-chain fatty acids found in the oil, including lauric acid and caprylic acid, provide intensive hydration while still allowing skin to breathe. The coconut oil's antioxidant vitamins C and E fight free radicals that can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles.

Using Coconut Oil to Treat Dry Skin

Skin dryness often worsens during the cold winter months when humidity is low. Frigid temperatures outside combined with blasting indoor heat creates the perfect environment for parched, flaky, itchy skin. Yet turning up your humidifier and loading up on thick creams isn't always enough to alleviate tight, cracked skin.

This is where using extra virgin coconut oil can make a big difference. The oils unique structure allows it to penetrate deeply into skins layers where it can supply essential hydration. Unlike some lotions that just coat the surface, coconut oil moisturizes skin on a deeper level.

How to Use Coconut Oil to Moisturize Skin

When looking for the best coconut oil for skin and hair, stick to pure, unrefined varieties without added chemicals. Nature well extra virgin coconut oil contains the most beneficial nutrients to hydrate skin naturally. Follow these tips for using this multi-purpose oil to moisturize your face and body:

• Cleanse and gently pat skin dry before applying the oil.
• Use your fingertips to massage a dime-sized amount onto your face, concentrating on dry areas.
• Apply extra virgin coconut oil sparingly to avoid clogged pores.
• Use a thin layer of coconut oil to moisturize normal to oily skin types.
• Rub coconut oil generously on rough patches like hands, elbows, and feet as an intensive treatment.
• Always do a patch test before applying coconut oil to check for any allergic reactions.

Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream for Dry Skin

While coconut oil works beautifully on its own, mixing it with other nourishing ingredients can enhance its hydrating abilities. Creating your own coconut oil moisturizing cream allows you to customize the formula to meet your skins needs.

Sensitive skin prone to flaking and cracking can benefit from this hydrating coconut oil cream. The mild exfoliation from oats buffs away dead cells to reveal smoother skin underneath. Meanwhile, the coconut oil and honey infuse moisture to help prevent future dryness and irritation.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp ground oats
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Method

1. Add the coconut oil and honey to a small mixing bowl. Gently stir to combine.
2. Sprinkle in the oats and lavender oil then beat the mixture well with a fork.
3. Transfer the coconut oil moisturizing cream to a jar and store at room temperature.
4. Smooth over clean dry skin whenever your face feels tight or dry.

The mild exfoliating properties of oats coupled with the intense moisture from raw honey and extra virgin coconut oil makes this an excellent hydrating cream for flaky winter skin. The coconut oil soothes inflammation while locking in hydration to restore suppleness.

Other Remedies for Soothing Dry Winter Skin

While natural coconut oil makes an exceptional moisturizer for parched skin, other homemade treatments can also provide relief when flakiness strikes. Give one of these simple dry skin remedies a try to complement your coconut oil skin care regimen:

Soothing Oatmeal Bath

Colloidal oatmeal softens skin to curb irritation from dryness. Simply add a cup of oats tied up in cheesecloth to bathwater then soak to moisturize your entire body.

Avocado Mask

Mash up an avocado then apply it to dry areas and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. The omega fatty acids and vitamins in avocado nourish for supple skin.

DIY Sugar Scrub

Gently buff away flaky skin with a brown sugar scrub. Mix 1 cup brown sugar with 12 cup coconut oil then massage onto rough patches to exfoliate.

Hydrating Sheet Mask

Cut two holes in a sheet mask then soak it in plain yogurt. Apply the yogurt-soaked mask to your face for an extra moisture boost when skin feels tight.

Conclusion

Using extra virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer provides an all-natural way to keep skin hydrated and healthy, especially for those with persistently dry complexions. The fatty acids in coconut oil infuse deep moisture to smooth roughness and flaking caused by dry air and cold weather. By making your own coconut oil moisturizing cream, you can create a custom formula tailored for your skins condition.

Remember to always start slowly when adding new skin care products like coconut oil. Doing a patch test first ensures you wont have any adverse reactions. Pay attention to how your skin responds then tweak your usage accordingly. Used properly, nourishing, skin-loving nature well extra virgin coconut oil can make a world of difference for dry, irritated skin.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.