Serums and oils are both popular skincare products, but they have distinct differences in their formulations and purposes.
Each product has its own advantages, but they can also work together to provide powerful benefits. If you’re looking to boost the effectiveness of your skincare routine, you may be wondering if a facial serum or oil is the right choice for you.
WHAT ARE FACIAL OILS?
Facial oils are made from botanical oils and natural actives that nourish and protect the skin. They’ve been a skincare essential for thousands of years. Facial oils are lipid-based and can be derived from various sources like plant extracts, seeds, or nuts. They contain fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. They come in various viscosities, from thick to dry or lightweight oils.
Facial oils absorb fast and deliver potent antioxidants, fatty acids, and other key nutrients to the skin, providing rich moisture without clogging the pores or leaving behind a greasy feel. Oils provide a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, sealing in moisture and preventing water loss. They offer hydration and can address issues like dryness, irritation, and help improve skin texture.
The magic of facial oils comes from their ability to mimic the sebum in the natural skin barrier, making them especially beneficial for smoothing, moisturizing, and balancing the skin – all while providing a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Oils can be used in different ways: they can be applied directly to the skin after cleansing and toning, mixed with moisturizer, or used as a final step in your skincare routine to lock in moisture.
WHAT ARE FACE SERUMS?
Serums are water-based or water-like formulations that contain a high concentration of active ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. They are formulated to address specific skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone or fine lines and wrinkles. They are lightweight and often have a gel-like or liquid consistency which allows them to absorb quickly and easily into the skin.
They can penetrate deeper due to their smaller molecular structure, delivering active ingredients effectively. They’re often formulated with highly concentrated actives, such as retinol to combat fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliating acids to improve skin tone, or salicylic acid to fight acne.
Serums are highly concentrated, and while they often provide short-term hydration, they tend to evaporate quickly, so sealing them in with an emollient moisturizer or Facial Oil is essential for lasting moisturization. Serums are typically applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. A small amount is enough to cover the face and neck.
WHY USE BOTH A FACIAL SERUM & FACIAL OIL?
It turns out, oil and water do go together after all – at least when it comes to a healthy skin barrier and overall skin health! That’s because the dermis of the skin holds water, elastin, and collagen – the building blocks of plump and youthful skin.
On the other hand, the epidermis, or skin barrier, contains sebum which is made up of beneficial skin oils like lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. It forms a protective barrier against moisture loss, harsh weather, and environmental toxins while lubricating the cells of the skin and promoting a smooth, soft texture.
Unfortunately, the production of natural sebum in the skin barrier slows with age and can also be reduced by factors like harsh cleansers, wind, and cold weather. Skin issues like Rosacea and Eczema also have a negative impact on skin barrier function.
When the water and oil content of the skin is balanced, it’s at its healthiest. Because the skin cannot create water-based moisture, we must add it to the skin through water-based products like serums and moisturizers.
Facial oils bring the other half of this equation into balance. There’s a common misconception that facial oils should not be used on oily skin, but that’s entirely incorrect. Applying the right oil in the right amount reduces natural oil production and promotes balance.
Facial oils are ideal for promoting long-term skin barrier health and resilience, and serums are the go-to choice for addressing immediate skin issues. Since they each have a different consistency and composite, they penetrate the skin differently, allowing each one to target skin concerns in their own way.
HOW TO APPLY FACIAL OILS AND SERUMS
Incorporating facial oils and serums into your skincare routine will reward you with better skin health and a more radiant complexion. Each can be used on its own, or you can layer them both into your routine to amplify the benefits and address a variety of skin concerns.
Remember to always apply your skincare products in order from thinnest to thickest. Serum should be applied after you cleanse, exfoliate, and tone your face, but before you moisturize. Facial oils should be applied after your serum to seal in moisture, protect the skin barrier, and prevent your other skincare products from evaporating away too quickly.
Simply add a few drops of the product into the palm of your hand, and gently pat or massage it into the skin. This will provide an added boost of circulation, bringing blood and oxygen to the skin’s surface and further promoting that healthy, radiant glow.
HOW TO CHOOSE
When choosing a facial oil or serum to add to your daily routine, it’s important to take into account your skincare goals.
Our Facial Serum and a Facial Oil address and combats against Aging, Uneven Skin Tone, Dry and Dehydrated Skin, Sensitive Skin, Acne – Prone Skin.
READY TO INTRODUCE A FACIAL SERUM & FACIAL OIL INTO YOUR ROUTINE?
Our Delux Bundle is the perfect place to start! Made from 100% organic, cold-pressed botanical oils and backed up by the power of Hyaluronic Acid our “Wining Combo “ is rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and potent antioxidants to nourish and protect the skin barrier, fight the signs of aging, and promote a healthy balance.
