If you have found yourself confused by whether you should be using a face oil or a moisturizer or even both, then you are not alone. The two may seem similar given that their ultimate function is to bring moisture to the skin, but this is the point at which their similarities end.
Face oils bring moisture to the skin but not water because oils are lipids and are insoluble in water. Oils form a protective lipid barrier on the skin’s surface, helping to keep water in and providing a lubricating effect, which is different than moisture by hydration. Meanwhile, phytonutrients in face oils make it exceptionally nourishing for the skin. Phytonutrients are plant-derived and have come to play a paramount role in modern skincare after showing significant skin benefits. Particularly, these natural agents accumulate in the skin, enhancing its ability to combat environmental stressors. For instance, they promote skin resilience by activating skin cells’ antioxidant-based defense mechanisms. Because face oils are so phytonutrient dense, they do not only offer more vitamins and minerals in a smaller dose, but also improve skin’s elasticity, collagen production and healthy glow.
Although applying oil to one’s face may seem counter intuitive, especially if the skin is acne-prone, many natural plant oils will not clog one’s pores and can transform the skin. A great natural oil to try is Nina by LaBruna Skin Care’s Nourishing Face Oil. The product is packed with natural, antioxidant-rich and non-comedogenic oils such as sea buckthorn, moringa, calendula, cloudberry and goji berry oils.
In comparison to face oils, moisturizers are a lot more emollient thanks to their water component. Emollients form a layer over the epidermis in order to preserve moisture, serving as excellent lubricating and softening agents. Their hydrating effects are so potent that medically, they are used to treat eczema and psoriasis. Beyond that, moisturizers are remarkably versatile products that work for all skin types, having varied textures and hydrating effects depending on the ingredients.
Having read about all the skin benefits that face oil and moisturize can boast, you might be wondering whether your daily skincare routine should include both. The answer is that it really depends. Every person’s skin is extremely different, making it restrictive to assign a single “one fits all” routine to all.
Here is a list of some “guidelines” to the application process for every skin type:
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Tomiris Issayeva
Author