Top Carrier Oils for Winter Skin: Nourish and Protect Your Skin All Season Long

Winter can be a harsh season for your skin. The cold air, lower humidity, and harsh winds can all contribute to dry, flaky, and irritated skin. While a good moisturiser (toxin free) is essential, incorporating nourishing carrier oils into your skincare routine can make a world of difference. These oils not only hydrate but also help to lock in moisture, repair the skin barrier, and soothe inflammation. Here are some of the best carrier oils to use for winter skin to keep your skin glowing, soft, and protected.

1. Argan Oil: The Liquid Gold for Dry Skin

Argan oil is a powerhouse when it comes to skincare. Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, it helps to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. Its lightweight texture means it won’t leave a greasy residue, making it suitable for all skin types—even oily skin can benefit from its balancing properties. Argan oil also helps improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and fight inflammation, which is particularly helpful for sensitive or irritated winter skin.

Best for: Dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.

How to use: Apply a few drops of argan oil directly to your skin after cleansing. You can also mix it with your regular moisturiser for an added boost of hydration.

2. Jojoba Oil: Nature’s Moisturiser

Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax, making it very similar to the skin’s natural sebum. This allows it to be easily absorbed without clogging pores, making it a great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin as well as dry skin. Jojoba oil helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance, providing long-lasting hydration and acting as a protective barrier against the elements. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin, which is a common issue during winter.

Best for: All skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.

How to use: Massage a few drops of jojoba oil onto clean skin before bed, or add it to your favourite facial moisturiser to enhance hydration.

3. Rosehip Oil: For Revitalised, Radiant Skin

Rosehip oil is known for its regenerative properties. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and C, it helps promote skin repair, reduce the appearance of scars, and fight signs of ageing. Its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin makes it an excellent oil for dry and mature skin during the colder months. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be particularly soothing for skin that’s been irritated by the winter elements.

Best for: Dry, ageing, or scarred skin.

How to use: Apply a few drops of rosehip oil directly to your skin after toning. It’s especially beneficial to use at night as part of your evening skincare routine.

4. Sweet Almond Oil: Gentle and Soothing

Sweet almond oil is another versatile oil that works well in winter skincare routines. Packed with vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants, it deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin, making it perfect for combating the dry, flaky skin that often occurs in the winter months. Its light texture makes it a good option for those with sensitive skin, as it’s less likely to cause irritation. Sweet almond oil can also help improve the appearance of dark circles, uneven skin tone, and scars.

Best for: Sensitive skin and dry, flaky skin.

How to use: Apply sweet almond oil directly to dry areas or use it as a carrier oil for essential oils. It can also be massaged into the scalp to combat dryness and flakiness.

5. Coconut Oil: The Ultimate Winter Skin Protector

Coconut oil is a popular option for winter skincare due to its rich content of fatty acids that can deeply moisturise and protect the skin. It’s especially good for extremely dry, cracked skin, and can help to soothe irritation. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also help protect the skin from infections or further damage during the harsh winter months. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to use coconut oil sparingly, as it can clog pores for some people.

Best for: Very dry or cracked skin.

How to use: Apply coconut oil to dry patches or use it as an all-over body moisturiser after a shower. It can also be used as a lip balm or as a deep conditioning hair treatment.

6. Avocado Oil: Deep Hydration for Parched Skin

Avocado oil is known for its rich, emollient texture and high levels of vitamins E, K, and C. It’s particularly beneficial for deeply hydrating and rejuvenating the skin, making it an excellent choice for winter months when skin is prone to dryness and dehydration. Avocado oil also contains lecithin, which helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier and retain moisture. This oil is especially beneficial for dry, flaky, and mature skin.

Best for: Dry, mature, or dehydrated skin.

How to use: Gently massage a few drops of avocado oil onto clean skin, particularly in areas that need extra hydration, such as the elbows, knees, and hands.

7. Grapeseed Oil: Light yet Moisturising

Grapeseed oil is an excellent carrier oil for those who want the benefits of deep hydration without a heavy feeling. It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, making it a great option for protecting the skin against environmental damage. Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for those with combination or oily skin who don’t want to add excess shine. Grapeseed oil also helps to tighten and tone the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance, while soothing and calming irritated skin.

Best for: Oily, combination, or sensitive skin.

How to use: Apply grapeseed oil directly to the face or body after cleansing. It can also be used to dilute stronger essential oils in DIY skincare blends.

8. Hemp Seed Oil: For Balanced and Hydrated Skin

Hemp seed oil is often hailed as a miracle oil for its ability to balance and hydrate the skin. Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it helps to nourish and repair the skin's protective barrier while soothing inflammation and redness. It’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores, making it ideal for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. Hemp seed oil is also rich in antioxidants, helping to protect the skin from the damaging effects of winter’s harsh conditions.

Best for: Acne-prone, sensitive, or inflamed skin.

How to use: Apply directly to the skin or use as part of a DIY facial oil blend.

As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, your skin needs extra care to stay hydrated and protected. Incorporating these nourishing carrier oils into your skincare routine can help combat the harsh effects of winter weather. Whether you choose the deeply hydrating avocado oil or the light but effective grapeseed oil, each oil offers unique benefits that can help keep your skin soft, smooth, and radiant all winter long.

Remember to patch-test any new oils to ensure they suit your skin type, and enjoy the natural glow that comes with using the best oils nature has to offer!

Watch this space as I'll be sharing the BEST Essential Oils to support your skin....