Serum or Oil: How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin?
Both serums and facial oils serve a vital purpose in a skincare routine, but ultimately, it’s all about choosing one that will work for your skin type and skin goals. In most cases, the main difference between serums and oils is that oil molecules are much larger and serve to penetrate only the outermost layers of the skin, whereas serums go deeper. Even though most oils only serve to boost hydration, that doesn’t mean they’re not equally as important in your routine. Read on to help discern which is better for your skin type...
What is a skincare serum?
Serums are skin treatments that contain highly concentrated ingredients made to penetrate deep within the skin. The ingredients in serums are molecularly formulated to be smaller in size, increasing their ability to reach the furthest layers of the epidermis. Serums are a vital part in your routine because they help to repair or protect your skin from a variety of concerns such as aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
So, we can advise you to use a serum if your skin is dehydrated, suffers imperfections, or you want to treat signs of ageing. And, here are our best picks:
A whoppingly intense concentrated booster packed with nutrients and vitamins that work in professional synergy to provide a defence against multiple free-radicals, protects against loss of elasticity, excess pigmentation, dark spots and reduced cellular activity.
Elemental Herbology Hyaluronic Booster Plus, £85
A great antidote to dry, dull complexions, this easily absorbed serum protects against moisture loss and helps to plump out fines lines and wrinkles. Skin tone and texture is rapidly improved and hydration lasts all day.
What is a skincare oil?
Oils provide moisture, nutrition and hydration to the skin, which are fundamental parts in keeping your skin healthy. Facial oils usually contain plant extracts and essential oils which provide the skin with lipids. These lipids help to fortify the moisture barrier and keep your skin balanced. They also help to protect it from environmental damage which can lead to acne and premature ageing.
We recommend that you use oils if you have dry skin, sensitive skin or if you want an immediate glow. Here are our favourites:
With a name like Aphrodite - expect big things from this product! A magical blend for radiant skin: Yarrow extract helps to even skin tone, fragrant rose geranium balances and cleanses, whilst marshmallow extract hydrates and calms the skin. Also containing the infamously anti-aging rosehip oil, vitamin E and rare Damask Rose flower oil. MOA's products are made in England and inspired by old herbal folklore, dusted with a sprinkling of magic!
High-tech natural actives and wonderful floral oils to help firm, heal, hydrate and replenish, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines for an overall healthy, radiant complexion.
How to Use Oil and Serum on Your Skin?
Applying your skincare in the correct order is just as important as choosing the right products. The general rule of thumb is to apply your products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
Step 1: Serum
Because serums have a smaller molecular structure and are water-based, they should always go on first (after cleansing and toning). This allows those potent active ingredients to absorb quickly and penetrate deep into the epidermis without any barriers blocking them.
-
How to apply: Dispense a few drops into your palms and gently pat or press the serum into your skin. Avoid rubbing, as this can pull at the skin.
Step 2: Oil
Face oils are thicker and heavier, often serving as a sealant. If you apply oil before serum, the oil will create a barrier that prevents the water-based serum from penetrating your skin, rendering it ineffective.
-
How to apply: Apply your oil as the final step in your routine (or before your SPF in the morning). Warm 2-3 drops in your hands and press it over your face and neck to lock in all that hydration and moisture.
Can You Use Serum and Oil Together?
Absolutely! In fact, using them together is often the secret to a truly radiant complexion. Because they serve different functions—serums hydrate and treat specific concerns, while oils nourish and protect the skin barrier—they work in perfect synergy.
Think of your serum as a glass of water for your skin, and your face oil as the lid that keeps that water from evaporating. By layering a hydration-boosting serum underneath a nourishing oil, you ensure your skin remains plump, hydrated, and protected against environmental stressors throughout the day.
Top Tip: If you are short on time, you can mix a drop of your favourite facial oil into your moisturiser for an extra boost of nourishment, but we always recommend keeping your serum as a separate, first step to get the most out of its active ingredients.
Ever dreamed of a hybrid, tinted do-all bronzing serum? Check out why we think Oskia’s Nutri-Bronze Serum is well worth investing in.
