Winter is finally here! There are many things that make us nostalgic about the warmth of winter we enjoyed as a kid. Whether it was munching on some peanuts and moong dal ka halwa or just lying snuggled up in a blanket for hours, winter brings back so many good memories. There’s one more image that comes to mind when one thinks of winters in India – kids sitting in the sun with their mothers or grandmothers for a relaxing coconut oil champi. And not just hair, it has also been an all-time favourite for nourishing body massages in Indian homes.
While our grannies and mothers relied on coconut oil for skin care and hair care in multiple ways, today’s generation has lost touch with the magic of this beautiful ingredient. So, here we are to help you rediscover the many beauty benefits of coconut oil for skin and hair in winter.
Why Should You Use Coconut Oil in Winter?
As the temperature in winter goes down, the air outside becomes drier and less humid. This cold air sucks the natural moisture from your skin and hair, leaving them dry, flaky, and dehydrated. And that’s where coconut oil comes in. Here’s why you should use coconut oil in winter:
- Coconut oil is made up of fatty acids that are good for your skin and hair health and keep them protected.
- It is a natural emollient that helps keep the skin and scalp moisturised.
- Coconut oil also has antioxidants that help fight free radicals and prevent skin and hair damage.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Skin in Winter?
There are many benefits of coconut oil for skin. While it works great for people with dry skin, you should refrain from using it if you have oily or combination skin. Applying coconut oil on face can clog pores and trigger acne breakouts.
Here are a few ways you can use coconut oil for skin:
-
Moisturiser:
Coconut oil is perfect for preventing dry skin in winter. Applying coconut oil to the skin helps strengthen its protective barrier, improving its ability to retain moisture. It locks moisture in your skin, keeping flakiness and dryness at bay.
-
Body Massage Oil:
A body massage with coconut oil helps relax muscles, improves blood circulation, and keeps the skin healthy. Coconut oil also has anti-ageing properties. Massaging it on the skin helps reduce visible signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles. Coconut massage oil also helps reduce stretch marks on the body. Aroma Magic Cocoa Butter & Vanilla Body Cream is enriched with the goodness of coconut oil. This coconut-infused body cream deeply nourishes the skin and helps fade stretch marks.
-
Lip Balm:
Dry lips? They are a sign that the skin on your lips is dehydrated. One of the most notable benefits of coconut oil is that you can use it as a natural lip for dry & chapped lips in winter. Apply a few drops of Aroma Magic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil on your lips, gently tapping with your fingertips. You can do this several times a day.
-
Wound Treatment:
Coconut oil's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it a good option for treating skin rashes, infections, and wounds.
-
Makeup Remover:
Got coconut oil at home? Then, don’t bother spending money on buying a makeup remover. To use coconut oil as a makeup remover, rub some oil between your palms and apply it on your face like you apply a cleanser. Massage in circular motions with your fingertips, and then rinse off. Wash your face with a face cleanser and follow the rest of your skin care routine.
Why Should You Use Coconut Oil for Hair?
When it comes to natural hair oils, coconut oil is at the top of the list for many people. It is enriched with vitamin E, fatty acids, and other nutrients vital for maintaining hair health. Here are a few benefits of coconut oil for hair:
-
Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
Massaging your scalp with coconut oil improves blood circulation to the scalp and strengthens hair follicles. It can keep the scalp healthy, making way for stronger and thicker hair growth.
-
Moisturises Dry Hair
The lack of natural moisture can make your hair dry and brittle, making it more prone to breakage. You can use a coconut oil hair mask to keep your hair moisturised, soft, and smooth. This mask will help control frizz and reduce hair breakage.
How to use coconut oil for a hair mask
- Take 2 tbsps. (increase or decrease the quantity based on your hair length and texture) of warm coconut oil.
- Apply it on damp hair, ensuring that every strand is coated.
- Cover your head with a shower cap. Leave the mask on for 1 to 2 hours.
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and then wash it with a natural, sulphate-free shampoo. Don’t forget to condition.
-
Repairs damage
Coconut oil helps improve the overall health of your hair and scalp by preventing protein loss. It gets absorbed quickly and penetrates deep into the scalp, repairing dull, lifeless, and damaged hair.
As listed above, there are many benefits of coconut oil for hair and skin. But to ensure you get the most of these benefits, you must use 100% natural cold-pressed coconut oil. Cold-pressed coconut oil is extracted without heat and the use of parabens and chemicals, keeping most of the nutrients intact.
Conclusion
Coconut oil has been used in the Indian beauty regime for ages. From repairing dry and damaged hair to nourishing and hydrating the skin, this natural ingredient has a lot to offer. So, it’s essential that while we embrace modern beauty trends, let’s not forget the age-old beauty secrets that have been passed down from one generation to another.
