Applying Face Oil or Moisturizer: In What Sequence?
Mastering Skincare Layering: How to Use Face Oils for Maximum Benefits
Face oils have become a staple in many skincare routines, offering a variety of benefits for different skin types. Here's a guide on how to effectively incorporate face oils into your skincare regimen.
First and foremost, moisturizers are the cornerstone of any effective skincare routine. They hydrate the skin and provide a protective barrier against external aggressors[2]. It's essential to ensure that your moisturizer is fully absorbed before applying oil for maximum hydration[3].
Understanding the principles of skincare layering can help you maximize the benefits of both products. Moisturizers typically contain three types of ingredients: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Humectants attract moisture to the skin, emollients soften and smooth it, and occlusives create a protective barrier, locking in hydration[2]. Face oils, being occlusive, are ideal for sealing in the moisture from your moisturizer[4].
Face oils should be applied after moisturizer. This helps to create a protective barrier that locks in the moisture and active ingredients from the moisturizer, preventing them from evaporating and enhancing hydration[1][4][5]. If oil is applied before moisturizer, it can block the moisturizer from absorbing properly into the skin, reducing its effectiveness[1].
Layering skincare products separately rather than mixing (e.g., serum and oil) allows each product to absorb properly and work effectively[1]. In humid climates, lightweight oils can be used to lock in hydration before moisturizers[6]. In dry or cold environments, heavier oils may be required to protect against moisture loss[7].
Lightweight oils, like argan or grapeseed oil, are excellent options for layering under moisturizer. They absorb quickly and provide additional hydration without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue[8]. For face oils, two to three drops are usually enough to cover the face and neck[9]. Pressing oil into the skin, rather than rubbing it, helps ensure even distribution without disrupting the underlying layers[10].
Facial oils are particularly beneficial for dry and mature skin, as they create a protective barrier against water loss[11]. They can also balance sebum production in oily skin, making them a versatile addition to many skincare routines[12].
In a typical skincare routine, you should follow these steps:
- Cleanse
- Tone (if applicable)
- Apply serum (if any)
- Apply moisturizer
- Follow with face oil to lock in hydration
- Apply sunscreen in the morning routine if applicable[1][5]
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your skincare products are working effectively and that you're achieving healthier, more radiant skin.
- Moisturizers are the foundation of any well-balanced skincare routine, as they hydrate the skin and create a protective barrier against external aggressors.
- To maximize hydration, it's crucial to ensure that your moisturizer is fully absorbed before applying face oil.
- Skincare layering principles can help you optimize the benefits of both moisturizers and face oils, with face oils being optimal for sealing in moisture from the moisturizer.
- Face oils should always be applied after moisturizers to create a protective barrier and lock in the moisture and active ingredients.
- Separately layering skincare products allows each product to absorb properly and work effectively, making it more beneficial than mixing them together.
- In humid climates, lightweight oils like argan or grapeseed oil can be used to lock in hydration before applying moisturizers, while heavier oils may be necessary in dry or cold environments to protect against moisture loss.
- Face oils are suitable for various skin types, offering benefits such as protecting water loss for dry and mature skin, and balancing sebum production for oily skin.
- In a typical skincare routine, the steps should include cleansing, toning (if applicable), applying serum (if any), using a moisturizer, applying face oil to lock in hydration, and applying sunscreen in the morning routine (if applicable), all geared towards achieving healthier, more radiant skin.
