“Can you use a Serum and Oil?” How to Layer Serums and Oils for Ultimate Hydration
Skincare enthusiasts now have the largest array of options ever seen, but that can make things a little complicated. The first step to constructing an effective skincare routine is finding the right products for your skin type but to really get the best results, it’s important to understand the order of application and how to combine different ingredients.
In the past few years serums and oils have been often mentioned in the same category, simply because most of the serums are water-based, so a lot of people think of facial oils as oil-based serums. But let’s have a look at the differences between these two treatments.
While we pick moisturisers that suit our skin type, choosing a serum usually is about our imminent skin needs, like fighting blemishes or reducing fine lines, for example. Adding facial oil afterwards is often recommended in case of dryness, caused by internal or external factors. Increasing the level of moisture in your skin forms the necessary base for achieving a healthy, glowing skin.
The most significant difference between serums and oils comes down to the composition of the formulas. Serums are products formulated with high concentration of actives and low molecular weights to deeply penetrate the skin. It’s essentially a supplement for your skin that deposits powerful ingredients like antioxidants, acids and peptides in the deeper layers of the skin for more targeted results. That’s why it’s best to keep them as close to the skin as possible and we usually apply serums after the cleansing and toning step. A good tip for maximum results is to wait for about a minute after applying serums and before proceeding to the next step in your routine.
Facial oils have a more emollient, richer texture. Oils can provide a serious boost of hydration and are ideal for skin lacking in oil content. Facial oils are usually composed of one or more oils extracted from nuts, seeds and fruits. That’s why they may have additional benefits to the skin, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as strengthening the skin barrier. Those with oily skin need not fear, long gone are the days of overly rich, pore-clogging, and greasy face oils. Jojoba oil, Marula oil and Rosehip oil, for example, are so lightweight that even people with blemish-prone skin can benefit from using them. Additionally, it’s also important to note that oil is attracted to oil, so even those with the oiliest skin can benefit from a facial oil and may find that it actually assists in reducing the excess production of oil.
Image: Honest Beauty
Serums are usually applied before a moisturiser, facial oils should be applied AFTER moisturiser to seal in nutrients and provide ultimate hydration. Serums are lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, where as in oils are of a much larger molecule and therefore take longer to absorb. Think of it this way: oil and water are opposites. Moisturiser can be absorbed through a serum, but will struggle when applied on top of an oil. Oil can penetrate through moisturiser, but moisturiser cannot penetrate through oil. Additionally, it’s best to use oils at night when your skin is regenerating and the product won’t interfere with your daily sunscreen. In the case that your T-zone is really oily, try applying oil only to the areas that are dry or dehydrated.
Finding the best way to layer serums and oils usually starts with focusing on your skin concerns. If your skin is lacklustre and you want to fade dark spots, try pairing a Vitamin C serum with a facial oil rich in Marula oil and Grapeseed oil. The Eight Saints Pep Rally Gel Radiance Serum contains Green Tea (known for its antioxidant properties), Hyaluronic Acid for moisture and Vitamin C to brighten the skin. Teaming it with the High Society Botanical Face Oil has a blend of Marula, Jojoba and Grapeseed oils aids a beautiful rich hydration which gives skin a radiant glow.
If your skin is sensitive and prone to redness but aging is a concern, try choosing a serum for soothing, and an oil for rich anti-aging properties. Jurlique’s Calendula Rescue Restorative Treatment Serum acts to restore skin’s natural barrier function and to soothe and calm sensitive skin, thanks to rebalancing botanicals like Calendula, Chamomile and Echinacea. For aging concerns, gently pressing a few drops of the Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil on top will protect skin from environmental aggressors, firm, and restore radiance.
Another duo that targets fine lines and wrinkles while providing hydration comes from Grown Alchemist. The Detox Serum Antioxidant+3 Complex contains niacinamide that improves uneven skin tone and dullness. Peptides and complex antioxidants, target free radicals, leaving skin radiant, hydrated and protected from the signs of ageing. For further skin nourishment, Antioxidant+ Facial Oil improves skin elasticity and makes the skin feel soft, smooth and firm, thanks to a blend of Camellia seed oil, Rosehip oil, Borage seed oil and Sea Buckthorn oil.
Ultimately, don’t forget that less is more. Use just a pea-size amount of your serums and oils for a radiant complexion.
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