Many people make the erroneous assumption that face oil can replace moisturizer because it's so rich and emollient. But because face oil adds nourishment and seals in moisture, using it alone is like eating food without drinking water. You'll get by, but your skin won't be adequately hydrated.
In your skincare routine, do you really need to be using both a face oil and a moisturizer? The simple answer is yes, you do.
If you have dry, flaky, or sensitive skin, you might benefit from using face oil to help hydrate and nourish your skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might benefit from using a face serum to help control oil production and keep your skin clear.
Yes, they can be. “In theory, face oils reduce water loss from the skin, as they act as a barrier to prevent water content of the skin from evaporating,” explains Dr. Vij. “There is some oil content in the outermost layer of the skin, so face oils can make your skin seem a little more smooth or plump.”
Many people make the erroneous assumption that face oil can replace moisturizer because it's so rich and emollient. But because face oil adds nourishment and seals in moisture, using it alone is like eating food without drinking water. You'll get by, but your skin won't be adequately hydrated.
While oils can certainly be used daily, one also needs to be mindful that the skin doesn't become overly reliant on them. “Skin can become reliant on this coating making it lazier,” says skin expert Debbie Thomas.
Put simply, the purpose of a face oil is primarily to nourish, protect and moisturise the skin while a face serum targets specific skin concerns (such as wrinkles, fine lines, dullness, dryness, acne, irritation and redness). Due to the latter serving a particular purpose, serums tend to be more expensive than oils.
Following the rule of applying skincare from thinnest to thickest, serums should be applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. Facial oils can replace your moisturizer or, if you're extra dry, can be layered above or beneath depending on personal preference.
You could develop more wrinkles.
That's right: Leaving moisturizer out of your routine today could lead to deeper wrinkles later on. "When the skin barrier is compromised, which is what we see when it becomes dry, there's actually a low-grade chronic inflammation that occurs in the skin," warns dermatologist Dr.
Benefits of rosehip oil
Unlike moisturisers, rosehip oil doesn't contain water. Just oil. This means it helps nourish and hydrate the skin and keeps the skin's barrier healthy. Rosehip oil's essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6)) also mean it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Face moisturiser – Rosehip Oil has high levels of essential fatty acids and can be used instead of a moisturiser.
Aesthetic dermatologists have observed that habitual, daily moisturising over a prolonged period can actually age the skin. This induced ageing occurs because the same fibroblast cells which produce GAGs (the skin's moisturiser) also produce collagen and elastin, which help maintain the skin's elasticity.
Although oily skin can clog pores and lead to increased acne breakouts, oily skin also has many benefits. Oil helps preserve the skin, and people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. The key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin's natural moisture.
As we explained above, cleansing oils usually need to be rinsed off. And that's not always the case with balms: Some, like the Ultra Facial mask, can be used without water. After massaging the formula onto your skin the same way you would a cleansing oil, you can simply wipe off any residue with a clean, dry towel.
Facial oils are beneficial for regulating combination skin as many of them have natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These ingredients are excellent for unclogging pores, removing acne-causing bacteria, reducing oil production, and hydrating the skin.
It's always best to follow the directions on the product, but as a rule of thumb, apply four to five drops of oil into your palms and pat it into the skin. Smoothly press the oil onto your face and neck, using the whole surface of your hands.
Which is best for me? For oily or breakout prone skin, we recommend Hyaluronic Acid Serums. For other skin types it really comes down to personal preference Some cannot live without the indulgent, dewy feel of a face oil, while others prefer the lighter feel of a serum.
“Oils are moisturizing, hydrating, lightweight, and easy to apply,” says Lain. “Retinol serums offer many of the same benefits, but at their core are water-based, so they likely will not moisturize to the same degree as an oil.” Dr.
The conclusion is that facial oils are best used daily when they're most easily absorbed: at night. There is, however, one exception: if you have dry skin, you may benefit from adding a few drops of facial oil to your morning routine to layer under your makeup.
Those with sensitive skin shouldn't leave it on for much longer than 15 minutes. If you're using the oil to treat dry skin, it can be left on overnight. Rinse the oil off with warm water and dry your face gently. If you've left the oil on overnight, you can simply do this during your morning shower.
They can reduce your wrinkles.
Some facial oils are packed with antioxidants, which prevent further aging, says Dr. Tung, so if you're affected by sun damage and dryness, she recommends looking for products containing primrose oil or those with a vitamin E base, such as Argan oil.
Citrus oils, including lemon, orange and bergamot, are particularly dangerous, as they can be phototoxic, meaning they react to UV light and can cause skin to burn and blister. Cinnamon bark, clove, lemongrass, oregano, peppermint and jasmine oils are also known to cause irritation.