Face Oils vs. Serums: What Do You Really Need in Your Skincare Routine?

In the world of skincare, there are seemingly endless products and ingredients to choose from. It can be overwhelming to know which ones you need and how to use them correctly. In this blog post, we're going to break down two important skincare essentials: face oils versus serums. We'll dive into what each one is used for and when they should be used. By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of which one is right for you and your skincare routine! 

Face oils vs. face serums - what's the difference?

Generally speaking, face oil is defined as an oil that combines skin-safe oils mainly to moisten, and smooth the skin. Also, the definition varies from brand to brand and formulator to formulator and the formula has no set norm, however, most facial oils generally have exactly what the label indicates: oils. Facial oils are typically an effective but very basic formulation typically tailored to one skin type, but not specifically intended to target specific skin concerns. However, every facial serum is made to target specific skin concern. It is among the main differences between the two product categories.

Similarities

Generally, facial oils are made of oils! It is the essential carrier oil for all natural and organic product categories. Carrier oils consist mainly of lipids in the body as part of a nutritious composition like vitamins, carotenoids, and squalane. Fatty acids penetrate the upper layers of skin and assist in proper skin functioning. These products help increase skin's beauty by a great deal. Other chemicals sometimes called unsaponifiable available are able to help the body retain moisture, soften skin and even rejuvenate the skin.

Differences

The major difference between anhydrous (oil-based) and oil face serum is the added ingredients that go further than oils. This is another ingredient that gives this serum extra benefits. Unlike facial oils and facial creams, serums are designed to treat underlying skin issues. Serum products usually deliver these benefits by using botanical extracts, vitamins, or lipophilic active products that specifically fulfill their needs.

Benefits of serums

As mentioned before, every face serum has its own unique ingredients and benefits. But in general, face serums can provide the following benefits. https://www.foreo.com/mysa/acids-in-skincare-how-to-use-them/

Face serum brightens skin

A lot of people start to use face serums in their 20s when they first start to notice the signs of aging, such as skin discoloration. Skin discoloration can be caused by many things, such as sun damage, acne scarring, or even just the natural aging process. Whatever the cause, a face serum can help to brighten your skin and even out your skin tone. If you're looking for an anti-aging serum, look for one that contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Face serum smooths skin

Another common benefit of face serums is that they can help to smooth your skin. If you have dry, rough, or flaky skin, a face serum can help to hydrate and nourish your skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion.

Face serum reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Face serums can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you're looking for a face serum that can help to smooth your skin, look for one that contains hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful ingredient that can help to hydrate and plump your skin.

Face serum reduces the appearance of pores

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, then you certainly know the frustration of dealing with large pores. Face serums can help to reduce the appearance of pores by controlling oil production and keeping your skin healthy and free of blemishes.

Face serum combats acne

If you're struggling with acne, a face serum can help to control oil production and keep your skin clear. Look for a face serum that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are both powerful ingredients that can help to fight acne. https://www.foreo.com/mysa/best-natural-and-active-ingredients-for-fighting-acne/

Benefits of face oils

Unlike serums, oils aren’t formulated with water and are thicker in consistency, beneficial for keeping skin’s barrier smooth and nourished. Namely, every facial oil has different ingredients and benefits, but in general, face oils, such as argan oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, hemp seed oil, etc. can provide the following benefits.

Face oil hydrates dry skin

If you have dry, flaky, or sensitive skin, face oil can help to hydrate and nourish your skin. Face oils are typically very rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which can help to soothe and protect your skin.

Face oil controls oily skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, face oil can actually help to control oil production and keep your skin clear. Face oils can help to balance your skin’s natural oil production, resulting in a matte complexion.

Face oil reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Face oils can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you're looking for a face oil that can help to smooth your skin, look for one that contains rosehip seed oil or argan oil, which are both rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help to hydrate and plump your skin.

How to choose between facial oil and facial serum?

Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of both face oils and serums, you might be wondering how to choose between the two. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the best facial oil or serum for you will depend on your skin type and concerns. [caption id="attachment_9921" align="aligncenter" width="932"] So, if you're using both a face oil and a face serum, you would start with the face serum and follow it up with the face oil.[/caption] If you have dry, flaky, or sensitive skin, you might benefit from using face oil to help hydrate and nourish your skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might benefit from using a face serum to help control oil production and keep your skin clear. And if you're concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, you might benefit from using a face oil or serum that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or retinol, which can help to smooth your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

When to apply facial oil or facial serum?

The order in which you apply your skincare products is just as important as the products themselves. Generally speaking, you should always start with the lightest product and work your way up to the heaviest. So, if you're using both a face oil and a face serum, you would start with the face serum and follow it up with the face oil. This will ensure that your skin can properly absorb all of the nutrients and benefits from both products.

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