For me, fall and winter are all about sipping red wine, gazing at the beautiful changing trees, and—oh, the buzzkill: dry skin and an itchy scalp! It's no secret that harsh, cold weather can really dry out your skin and locks. If you get as dehydrated and flaky as soon as temps drops, we have you covered. Try these hydrating, softening oils before going out in the elements that dries out your complexion, your hair, and your soul.

Skin: Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a natural antioxidant that has been known as a skin saver in the traditional Indian practice of Ayurvedic medicine. The oil is absorbed by damaged skin more quickly than other viscous liquids, which is why it's also widely used as the base for massage oils and oil-based skin care products. It's even said to help tame acne, tone down dark spots, heal wind burns and sunburns, and work as a natural sunblock, protecting against up to 30% of harmful UV rays. For the face, we recommend using an organic, cold-pressed oil, like Life-Flo Pure Sesame Oil ($16.69) before bed. Massage it in after your usual routine and sleep in it. Or, for a quick pick-me-up, slather it on and leave it for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Hair: Amla Oil

When the dry winter months leave the top of your noggin flaky, apply a bit of amla oil—another known staple of Ayurveda. It’s a hair repairer made by boiling Indian gooseberries in coconut oil. Apply Optimum Salon Haircare Amla Legend Oils Cream Night Wrap ($6.99) to scalp and hair (a little goes a long way), put on a shower cap (you may look a little funny but it’s worth it), go to bed, and shampoo it out in the morning. The result? Shiny, silky hair with less dandruff and itchiness. Bonus: Amla oil is one of the best products to use to renew pigmentation in hair, and great to help prevent premature greying.



Skin And Hair: Prodigieuse Oil

This French import oil was created by NUXE then made into a product called Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil ($29–58). It consists of vitamin E and a mega-mixture of six nourishing plant oils (borage, St. John's Wort, almond, camellia, hazelnut, and macadamia) that combat damaged skin and dry hair. Use a drop or two under makeup, or apply to palms and work into hair for a tousled, shiny look. You can also add a few drops into the bath, or spritz a little on hard-to-cure winter dry spots, like elbows.

