Our Guide To Face Oils: Face Oil vs Serum
Our Guide To All Things Face Oils
When it comes to the perfect skincare routine there is no one-size-fits-all ritual that promises perfectly dewy skin for every face. Differing skin types, environmental factors, and lifestyle all play a major role in identifying which products are best suited for our skin’s needs. To establish a personalized skincare routine, it is important to understand the properties and benefits of the different types of products we use on our skin. One product category, in particular, has long been surrounded by apprehension, even for the most avid beauty gurus: enter face oils. Despite the ambiguity around them, face oils can be a great hydrating solution for brighter-looking skin without clogging pores (AKA non-comedogenic). Before we delve into the benefits of adding oils to your everyday skincare ritual, it’s important to understand what sets them apart from other moisturizing products.
Moisturizer vs. Serum vs. Oil
The desire for soft and supple skin has been around since the dawn of time, making moisturizers a global skincare essential for centuries. While we have come a long way from dousing ourselves in homemade cold cream or bathing in olive oil, the principle of moisturizing skin - specifically the face - remains, with moisturizers being the most common way to work hydration into our skincare routines. Typically a cream that goes on post-cleansing, there are endless moisturizer options on the market, but their purpose remains the same: to add hydration and form a moisturizing barrier atop the skin. So what is the difference between face oil and serum? Serums, another member of the hydration family, typically go on before moisturizers to boost hydration, but usually have other main benefits besides this. Serums are typically thinner and more lightweight than creams or lotions and prime the skin for moisture, a key difference in serum vs oil. Then we have oils and believe it or not there are notable differences between serum and oil. Perhaps the myth that oils clog pores have made modern skincare novices apprehensive to adopt facial oils into their routines, but we’re here to show you what you’ve been missing. The truth is that like attracts like, so using oils on oily skin can help balance the complexion. The unique formulation of face oils makes them non-comedogenic, meaning that they won’t clog pores. These non-comedogenic properties make them the perfect supplement to any skincare routine for added hydration and smoothness.
Face oils and other products made with quality oils are just the things to take your hydration to the next level and promote brighter-looking skin. With countless conditioning properties, oils are perfect for everything from priming makeup to reducing dryness to boosting moisture retention - all while keeping skin hydrated and looking its best. Here are some key ingredients to keep an eye out for when you’re looking to supplement your beauty routine with oil-based products.
Squalane Oil: Squalane has gained popularity among clean beauty fans because of its lightweight feel and ability to absorb easily into the skin, we may be biased, but our one-ingredient, 100% olive derived version is pretty awesome. Squalane oil is suitable for all skin types because it occurs naturally in our bodies, diminishing as we age and in turn contributing to skin dryness and dullness As a result, Squalane Oil is an all-around winner, and particularly one of the best face oils for dry skin and one of the best oils for sensitive skin.
Avocado Oil: You’ve probably heard of avocado oil in the context of the kitchen, but its nourishing effects have skin-saving properties. Through the ages, avocado oil has been used on all skin types, even very sensitive. The Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans used avocado to help with hair growth and to beautify skin because of its recognition as one of the best face oil choices for sensitive skin.
Jojoba Oil: High in vitamins B and E, as well as minerals and essential fatty acids, the chemical structure of the Jojoba Oil plant resembles the sterol content of human skin, offering gentle and effective hydration that won’t clog pores or cause irritation. Jojoba is one of the best oils for skin that is prone to dryness because of its gentle nature.
Moringa Oil: Rich with omega fatty acids and antioxidants to smooth and protect the skin, Moringa Oil has notable moisturizing properties. It’s frequently used as a hydrating ingredient in a variety of face and body products, making it one of the best face oils for glowing skin.
Rosehip Seed Oil: Pressed from the fruit and seed of the rosa canina rose bush, this multipurpose oil hydrates the skin with a bang. It is rich in vitamins A, C & E as well as beta carotene and linolenic acid, making rosehip seed oil a versatile topical, sensitive enough for maturing complexion making it one of the best face oils for aging skin.