If you're struggling with dryness or constant moisture loss, you've likely considered exploring alternative moisturizers for your routine. One popular option is a hydrating face oil.
Face oils are a highly effective, ultra-hydrating skincare essential that helps nourish and brighten the skin. Many individuals overlook these hydrating oils for moisturizing creams or lotions. However, there are many advantages to using face oil alongside your everyday moisturizer. Some face oils can completely replace your daily moisturizer during the warmer months. If you've never used a face oil or oil moisturizer for your face, here's what you need to know:
Key Takeaways
- Face oils are designed to protect and improve the skin barrier.
- Face oils are pure oil while an oil moisturizer is an oil-based moisturizer. However, a face oil can be used as an oil moisturizer.
- Face oils can be used after your everyday moisturizer or on their own, depending on your needs.
Face oils are great for dry or mature skin types.
Why Face Oils Are Essential for Skin Hydration
Face oils are a great hydrating alternative for dry or mature skin types. The oil can help protect the skin barrier, deeply hydrate, and offer a subtle glow, especially when applied after moisturizer.
These products work well for intense hydration because they don't evaporate as quickly as a water-based moisturizer. Some formulas contain nutrient-rich ingredients to replenish natural oils on the skin's surface. When shopping for a face oil or oil moisturizer for the face, look for quality ingredients that benefit your skin type. Also, look for clinical trials and research that offer insight into the effectiveness of the formulas.
Oil Moisturizer vs. Face Oil: What’s the Difference?
A face oil is typically pure oil, while an oil moisturizer combines oil with water-based ingredients and nutrients. Face oils are designed to penetrate deeper and strengthen the skin barrier. Oil moisturizers only hydrate the skin's surface. Face oils are typically paired with another moisturizer, whereas oil moisturizers can replace your everyday moisturizer. However, a nutrient-rich face oil can be used on its own as an effective moisturizer.
Both products have different advantages and benefits for your skin. When exploring the formulas, consider your unique skin concerns and skin type to find the best option for your routine.
The Benefits of Fitting a Face Oil In Your Skincare Routine
A face oil is commonly used after your everyday moisturizer but before your serums and makeup. During the summer and spring, when you don't need a thick moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, you may apply the face oil on its own.
There are many benefits to finding ways to fit face oil into your facecare routine. Some skin type specific benefits include:
Aging Skin
The signs of aging get more pronounced as we grow older–collagen production slows down, years of sun damage may start to surface in the form of dark spots or fine lines, and our complexion begins to lose a bit of its natural bounce.
Face oils reduce the appearance of lines and hyperpigmentation, while their restorative qualities support a firmer, more supple complexion. As face oil is absorbed into the skin’s moisture barrier, your complexion looks plumper and smoother for a more youthful appearance. Oils are wonderfully nourishing for mature skin.
Dry Skin
Face oils are an ideal match for dry skin, which can suffer from flakiness, redness, roughness, or even chapping if you live in a cold climate. Oils can soothe dry skin types and the sensitivity that often accompanies them. Because they lock in moisture, face oils support the skin barrier and help prevent transepidermal water loss that can further dry your complexion.
Any face oil is inherently moisturizing for dry skin, but if you also have sensitivity, try sunflower seed or jojoba oil to calm and reduce the appearance of inflammation.
Oily Skin
It may seem counterintuitive, but face oil actually benefits oilier skin types, too. When the skin barrier is dry you produce more oil, or sebum, to compensate, and this can clog your pores. Face oil keeps the skin barrier moisturized, so it has a balancing effect that prevents excess oil production. Plus, you’re also preventing transepidermal water loss when you use a face oil.
How to Choose the Right Oil Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
There is a science behind selecting a face oil for your skin. Different oils have different properties. Argan oil, for instance, contains skin-supporting fatty acids, while Karanja oil has antimicrobial properties, and sunflower seed oil is a good source of vitamin E, a powerhouse antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Face oils in skincare are renowned for their ability to seal in moisture to support a high-functioning water barrier, which promotes supple skin that’s better protected from environmental damage.
When exploring different face oils and oil moisturizers for the face, it's best to consider your unique concerns and skin type. You'll also want to look for clean, effective formulas without harsh ingredients, irritants, or fragrances.
When to Use an Oil Moisturizer in Your Routine
Face oils and moisturizers are beneficial for individuals with oily, dry, or mature skin types. You can use a face oil on its own, but you also won’t oversaturate your skin if you use it with other skincare products, too. Pairing the oil with a serum or moisturizer, for instance, can have complementary effects.
The Serum, for instance, has a lightweight texture, making it a good base layer for a face oil. Serums also have a different function, because their formulations target specific skincare concerns. For instance, you may have a serum that addresses acne, so you’ll want the hydration that comes from face oil.
Moisturizers also work well with face oil to enhance hydration, which is important for dry or mature skin, or as part of your cold weather skincare routine to protect skin from the elements.
Layer them on or combine them together, or just dab on a bit of face oil in areas that need special attention. Our face moisturizers work harmoniously with The Face Oil; for a truly luxurious experience, match The Ultimate Soothing Cream and The Face Oil for unmatched skin support.
How to Apply Face Oil After Moisturizer for Maximum Benefits
There are several ways you can use a face oil after your moisturizer. Here are three of the most popular options for your oil skincare routine:
Apply After
After you apply your everyday moisturizer, apply two to three drops of face oil to clean, dry skin as desired. Then, continue with the rest of your skincare and makeup routine.
Apply With
For a more hydrating experience, blend the face oil with your moisturizer before you apply. This will offer an intensely moisturizing experience and a subtle, elegant glow.
Apply Over Makeup
You can also apply a face oil over your makeup after you finish your skincare routine. It's best to use the face oil at the high points of your face for a more natural, subtle finish.
Explore Clinically Proven Face Oils
The Face Oil formula contains an innovative and effective blend of babassu, hazelnut, and argan oil. These oils are paired with our TFC8® technology to promote cellular renewal and provide long-term results for your skin.
After our 12-week user trials**, 99% of participants agree skin feels instantly hydrated with a healthy, radiant glow. 84% of participants agree that their skin looks five years younger, and 95% agree that their skin tone and texture are visibly improved after use.
Shop The Face Oil today to learn more.
FAQs
Should I put a facial oil on over or under moisturizer?
Facial oil should be applied last, after your serum and moisturizer, to lock in hydration and provide additional nourishment.
Is face oil really necessary?
If you have dry skin, face oil can be a supplementary hydrating skincare product for your routine. These products are formulated to hydrate the skin for longer than your everyday moisturizer, helping to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated for longer.
Can I just use face oil instead of moisturizer?
Yes, you can replace your moisturizer with a face oil during the warmer months. This is a great lightweight alternative.
Do dermatologists recommend facial oils?
Yes, dermatologists recommend facial oils for individuals with dry, oily, or combination skin types.
**Based on a 12-week Consumer Perception Study of 108 participants.