Over the past few years, facial oils have taken the skincare world by storm. Packed with nutrients like vitamin C, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, they penetrate the skin and transform it by building a resilient skin layer known as the lipid barrier. So, if a facial oil isn’t a part of your regular routine, then you’re seriously missing out something great for your skin. Also, if you’re new to it, you may be confused about when to use it. Should you apply oil before or after moisturiser? While some say to apply oil before moisturizer, so that it absorbs right into your skin before you slather on more hydration, others say to apply it after your moisturizer, so that the oil could seal in everything you’ve applied beneath it. But, instead of confusing yourself, read here to learn the correct way.
Basic Skincare Layering Rule:
You can easily find an answer to this question once you’ve gotten a grip on the skincare layering rule. Every skin care product has a different molecular structure and they work their best when applied from thinnest to thickest, with the final layers providing increased barrier function to your skin. So, the order should be as follows:
- Toner.
- Essence/ampoule.
- Facial Mist.
- Serum.
- Lotion.
- Regular moisturiser.
- Facial oil.
As you can see, facial oils should always be the last step of your skincare routine. If you use a facial oil before a water-based moisturiser, the moisturiser wouldn’t penetrate your skin effectively.
Basic Tips to Apply Face Oils:
Here are some basic tips to help you get the most out of your face oils:
1. Combine Oils with Serums or Moisturizers: Facial oils can be combined with other products to get enhanced effects. To treat a skin care issue, it can be mixed with a serum and to lock in hydration, it can be mixed with a moisturizer.
2. Apply Based on Your Skin’s Needs: Instead of following rules, it is best to use oils according to your skin needs. If your skin is dry at certain areas, use oils to spot-treat dry areas rather than applying all over the face. Also, if you have dull skin, you can use face oil as a primer before applying makeup for a natural, hydrated glow.
3. Pat Oils into Your Skin: You shouldn’t be rubbing the oils into your skin. Instead, dab or pat the oils, pushing them into your pores, rather than just sliding them on the skin’s surface. This will help your skin absorb the oil and make use of its benefits.
4. A Couple Drops is All You Need: Since face oils contain concentrated amounts of nutrients, one to three drops of oil are enough to cover your whole face and deliver the benefits your skin needs.
