Face Oil vs Moisturiser: What’s the difference?

One of the notable differences between a face oil and a moisturiser is the texture, but this does not mean that one can replace the other during your skincare routine. Face oil and moisturiser offer various benefits to the skin. There are several articles and reviews about the importance of these two skincare products. While most people argue that a face oil should come before a moisturiser, others believe that moisturiser is a better replacement and has more skin benefits. Skincare experts have conducted various research to help give a clearer understanding of face oil and moisturiser. By the end of this article, you will be able to understand the use of face oil and moisturiser and what makes them different. The first step to achieving healthy skin is understanding the skin’s needs.

It is essential to know that though face oils can serve as a moisturiser, it does not offer the same benefit.

Face oils and benefits

Face oils are mostly natural oils like jojoba, argan oil, rosehip oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and coconut oil which are non-comedogenic (they don’t clog the pores). They offer more hydrating qualities to the skin. For people with oily or acne-prone skin, face oils can lead to an acne breakout. Face oils nourish the skin and help to keep in water and lock moisture. Most face oils are rich in fatty acids and are also plant-based. From their natural source, it is considered safe for the skin because it contains no chemicals and is purely synthetic. Face oil is beneficial for people with dry and flaky skin. It reduces dehydration of the skin and also makes you glow. If you use a face roller to massage your skin, it is better to use face oils for better results. Face oil makes the skin smoother and softer and serves as a form of protection. It is best to use the face at night because it absorbs easier than in the daytime—people with drying and ageing skin claim to get more benefits from the face oil than a moisturiser.

Here are some benefits of face oil

– It has antibacterial properties that cleanse the skin.

– Face oil improves the complexion or tone of the skin due to the blood circulation that happens during a massage.

-It has anti-inflammatory properties. While some say that it reduces acne and blemishes, it is best to consider your skin type before using facial oil for this purpose.

– It gives soft and smooth skin

– Face oil locks in hydration in the skin.

Essential Moisture: Shea Butter, Kokum Butter, Cocoa Butter, Mango Butter

While the skin has natural oil, it still needs extra moisture to keep it healthy. There are face moisturisers like shea butter, kokum butter,  cocoa butter, mango butter etc. A face moisturiser helps to protect the skin barrier. The lack of a moisturiser on the skin can lead to breakouts and irritation of the skin barrier. The moisturiser is a barrier between the skin and the environment/climate. It is essential to moisturise the skin during your morning and nighttime skincare routine. When we go about our daily activities without moisturising the skin, it causes dryness and inflammation. The skin becomes dry and flaky, and there will be visible signs of aging. The moisturiser helps to lock in the natural moisture of the body.

Here are some benefits of a face moisturiser

– It boosts the skin’s elasticity and prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

– It protects the skin from the sun, but this does not rule out the importance of sunscreen.

– Natural face moisturiser helps us fight against acne because it does not contain any form of harsh chemicals that will irritate the skin.

– A moisturiser soothes sensitive skin. Most face moisturisers contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal etc.

– Moisturising the skin keeps it plump and lets you stay young. It adds a healthy and natural glow to the skin.

It is advisable to use a face moisturiser when the skin is damp. This makes it easier to lock moisture and reduces inflammation and irritation.

Now that you know the benefits of facial oil and face moisturiser, you must understand what your skin needs.

Face oils are generally hydrators. It is vital to keep the skin hydrated, but we benefit more from face moisturisers. Our skin needs change with the weather. When the weather makes your skin dry, you can add face oil to your routine. The face oil feels too heavy during the daytime. It is advisable to let the face oil become a part of your nighttime routine. The moisturise comes immediately after your toner and serum in your skincare routine. You can add a few drops of face oil to your moisturiser. It is best to know the compatibility of these products before you mix them.

With skincare product applications, there is a rule of thumb. Products need to be applied from the thinnest to the thickest. This means that you have to use the moisturiser before the face oil.

Difference between a face oil and face moisturiser

Jojoba oil is a skin-friendly oil for people with dry and ageing skin. Moisturisers range from lightweight gels to body butters, making the skin healthy.

The winter season is one of the best times to use a face oil and moisturiser to hydrate and retain moisture on the skin. This way, you are sure your skin’s natural barrier is protected.

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