Harsh winds and frigid temperatures can deplete your hair, skin and nails of much-needed moisture. Of course, there are countless products available to help combat Mother Nature’s wintry assault on the human body. You can use a moisturizing mask or conditioner to tame your thirsty tresses, body lotion to alleviate dry, scaly patches and specialty cream to repair your crumbling cuticles. Or, you can use coconut oil to remedy all these winter woes and many others.
To say that coconut oil is incredibly versatile is an understatement. Following is a sampling of the best uses for coconut oil in cold weather:
1. Hair conditioner
Cold weather can cause even the loveliest locks to become dry and brittle. To mega-moisturize your mane, apply coconut oil liberally to your scalp, and massage it through from the roots to the tips. Pull your saturated hair into a bun and allow it to sit overnight (be sure to protect your pillow with a towel!). Wash and style your hydrated hair as usual in the a.m.
2. Make-up remover
Make-up wipes aren’t necessary when you have coconut oil on hand. Apply a small amount of the tropical oil to a cotton ball or pad and use it to rid your face and neck of any makeup or grease. In addition to cleaning your skin, the coconut oil will help restore moisture it may be lacking.
3. Lip gloss
Many lipsticks can leave lips feeling dry and flaky—especially in cold climates. Coconut oil to the rescue! Instead of getting rid of your favorite lipstick, simply mix it with coconut oil before applying it to your lips. You can still sport your signature shade while reaping the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil. Or, take the natural route and ditch the lipstick altogether by patting coconut oil directly onto your pucker!
4. Eye cream
Does the skin around your eyes feel tight and dry? That’s another common dilemma caused by winter weather. Say so long to your expensive eye cream and reach for some coconut oil instead! Just dab a small amount of oil under and around your eyes every day for best results.
5. Nasal ointment
Your nostrils, much like the rest of your body, are prone to dryness during the winter. Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of coconut oil to the inside of each nostril for immediate hydration.
6. Shaving cream
You may not shave as often during the winter months, but you’ve still got to shave, right?! Coconut oil can help provide a fragrant, hydrating and smooth shave all winter long. Simply use a thin layer in place of standard shaving cream and say goodbye to dry (and razor burn)!
7. Cuticle cream
Cold weather and dry nails go hand-in-hand (pun intended!). And few products make a better cuticle moisturizer than coconut oil. Simply dab a small amount of oil on each of your cuticles, let it sit for a minute or two and push them back as usual.
8. Skin/rash cream
Skin conditions, such as eczema, often flare up when cold weather sets in. Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to patchy and/or irritated skin for quick, moisturizing relief. Don’t have a rash? The oil is great for treating plain old dry skin, too (like those pesky elbows).
9. Heel healer
Dry, cracked heels often make an appearance during the months of December, January and February. But your feet don’t have to be parched and painful all winter long! Massage them with soothing coconut oil at bedtime and slip on a pair of soft socks. When you rinse them in the morning, the difference should be apparent.
10. Shovel lubricant
Removing wet, heavy snow from your driveway can be exhausting, especially if it clings to your shovel, quickly accumulating and amassing excess weight. To prevent snow from piling up, apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your shovel prior to snow removal. Reapply once or twice a week, as needed for smooth shoveling.