When it comes to skincare products, there are countless options available to us. Among them, facial oils and moisturizers. While both products aim to nourish and protect the skin, they have different compositions and functions. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between facial oils and moisturizers and how they can benefit your skin.

Face Oils
Facial oils are concentrated blends of plant-based oils that can be applied directly to the skin. They are typically formulated with oils such as jojoba, argan and rosehip oil, which are known for their nourishing properties. Facial oils are designed to deliver nutrients and essential fatty acids to the skin.
They work by creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface that locks in moisture and helps to prevent water loss. They can also help to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote radiant healthy skin.
Facial oils are suitable for all skin types, but they are especially beneficial for those with mature or dry skin. They can also be used to balance oily skin by regulating sebum production.
Face Oil vs Face Serum
Although the lines are sometimes blurred and marketing can confuse people even more, there is a difference between face oils and serums. Face oils are usually simple formulations of just one or two oils. They're meant to stay on the surface of the skin to form a protective barrier.
Face serums (sometimes called face oil serums) on the other hand usually contain plant-based carrier oils and essential oils and are designed to target very specific skin concerns, like dark spots, acne scars and wrinkles. They're meant to deliver active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin.
In order to do that they must be applied as the first step after cleansing before using a moisturizer.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are a type of skin care product that is designed to hydrate and protect the skin. They are typically formulated with a combination of water, humectants, and emollients. Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid work to attract and retain water in the skin, while emollients such as shea butter and ceramides help to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. Moisturizers can also contain additional ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, and vitamin c to provide additional benefits to the skin.
Moisturizers come in a variety of formulations, including face creams, lotions, and gels. They're particularly beneficial for dehydrated skin. They can be tailored to different skin types and concerns, such as oily, dry, combination, sensitive skin, or acne-prone skin. When using a moisturizer, it's important to choose one that is appropriate for your skin type and to apply it regularly to maintain hydration and protection.
Facial Oils vs Moisturizers - What's the Difference?
While both facial oils and moisturizers are designed to moisturize and nourish the skin, they have different compositions and do different things. While face oil formulations are more basic and moisturizers more refined, the key difference is their water content.
Face oils are obviously oil-based and typically contain zero water. Moisturizers depending on their consistency sometimes contain up to 70%.
Why is this so important? Well, our skin just like the rest of our body needs water.
Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin
While often seen in someone with dry skin, dehydration (lack of water) is common with all skin types. Dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water. That's why even someone with oily or combination skin can have dehydrated skin.
Dehydrated skin can look thin or flaky and can feel tight and dry. Skin that needs moisture tends to absorb products quickly. So, you know your skin is thirsty, if it seems to soak up water-based products within seconds.
Dehydrated skin can be cause by a number of factors, like drinking coffee or alcohol, dry air, sun exposure, etc. Although, drinking enough water is important and can help with dehydration, it doesn't reach the outer layers of the skin. That's why it's important to use a moisturizer that is water-based to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
What is the Best Face Oil?
What the best face oil is for you will depend on your skin type. There are, however a variety of oils that are suitable and beneficial for every skin type. Their chemical makeup is very similar to the sebum of the skin, that's why they absorb easily without leaving an oily residue behind.
Ideal face oils are:
- jojoba oil
- argan oil
- apricot kernel oil
- grapeseed oil
- sunflower oil
- sweet almond oil
Oils to avoid would be heavy oils that absorb slowly, like coconut oil and even olive oil.
How to use a face oil:
Using a face oil doesn't have to be complicated. Although, there are certainly plenty of commercially marketed face oils available. It can be as simple as applying a single oil that you may already have in your pantry. Simply warm 3-5 drops of oil in the palms of your hand and gently pat them to your face after you've applied your face cream. Easy.
Conclusion
Face oils can be a great addition to your skin care routine since they provide nourishment and lock in moisture by strengthening the natural skin barrier. But since they lack water they won't be effective in hydrating the skin. That's why they should be used in combination with water-based skin care products.
Use them as the last step in your skin care regiment after applying a moisturizer. That way the oil will seal in the moisture to give your skin cells more time to absorb it.
By incorporating both facial oils and moisturizers into your routine, you can ensure that your skin is receiving the nourishment and hydration it needs to look and feel its best
If you choose to only use a face oil for your skin, it's important to apply it to clean, damp skin to help the oil retain some of the moisture for best results.
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