Beat Winter Dryness with this DIY Skin and Hair Elixir

Winter is a harsh season. Ottawa has even been known to be the coldest capital in the world at some points of the season, no thanks to blistering winds and blizzards. All that snowy weather can take a serious toll on your hair and skin. Hydration is key during the cold months to repair dry skin and prevent brittle hair.

This DIY recipe is not only easy to whip up in your kitchen, it’s also all natural and great for sensitive skin. It’s the perfect home remedy for keeping your hair and skin moisturized. We can’t think of a better way to start the year on a healthy note across the board. Do try this at home!

Shea butter is an ideal addition to any hair and skin regimen, especially in the winter. It is the one of the most versatile beauty ingredients, after coconut oil. Not only is it rich in Vitamin A, E, F, it is also incredibly moisturizing and even offers SPF 6 UV protection. Furthermore, it reduces skin inflammations and soothes the skin, making it one of the best options for those suffering from redness or sensitive skin. When looking for which shea butter to buy, we recommend getting the raw, and unrefined shea butter for the best moisturizing benefits.

Coconut oil is a fantastic skin softener, as well as a great anti-aging agent. It has similar properties to shea butter, helping with moisture retention and providing a healthy glow.

Tea tree oil is often praised for its many healing properties. This essential oil dries out acne blemishes and can relieve psoriasis, eczema, and cuts or infections. It will also cover up the smell of the shea butter for those who aren’t too fond of it.

Shea Butter, Coconut oil & Tea tree oil Chantilly

To make this Chantilly, you will need:

1 ½ cup virgin coconut oil (preferably it its solid form)

1 cup shea butter (lightly melted)

9-10 drops tea tree oil

5 drops another essential oil (we like lavender for its relaxing scent)

¼ cup olive oil (optional)

Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend the ingredients together until you obtain a smooth mix. Transfer the Chantilly to a glass jar and store it in a cabinet at room temperature.

For skin care: Apply the Chantilly twice daily as you would with a regular moisturizer. It is especially effective when applied after a shower. You should begin to notice some change after a week or two.

For hair care: The Chantilly can be used as a hot oil treatment after washing your hair. Apply generously to hair from roots to tips and then cover hair with plastic wrap. Wrap your head with a hot towel, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Rinse your hair to remove excess oil and style as usual. Repeat once per week. The tea tree can even prevent the appearance of dandruff and is great for helping with dryness.

If you don’t already have these ingredients in your cupboard, you can find them at grocery stores, health food stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Body Shop, Lush or online from Amazon.