Main Takeaways: Generally speaking, moisturizers hydrate the skin while face oils lock the moisture in. Face oils feel slick while moisturizers are generally creamy. Good to Know: There's no reason you can't use both a face oil and a moisturizer to help restore and lock moisture into the skin.
One question that always comes up is whether or not face oils actually moisturize. And if they do, are they just for dry skin? The short answer is yes, oils are part of the moisturizing process.
The correct way to use your face oils is to use the moisturizer first then pat on your oil. It'll let the water melt into your skin and not evaporate. The other reason why oil goes last is that it will eventually sink into your skin, reinforcing your moisture barrier. If you're wearing SPF apply oil after.
"The skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance, otherwise, it gets too dry which can cause breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles. Using a facial oil helps keep moisture in the skin while protecting it from the environmental damage," she explains.
Face oils are considered a type of emollient, which means they help strengthen the outer layer of your skin — the stratum corneum — by softening and sealing it, preventing water loss," González said.
At night is where you most certainly will need both a moisturizer and a face oil. By using both, you'll support your skin as it sleeps and regenerate healthy new skin cells as it does every night. So while you sleep, your moisturizer and face oil will be working together for healthy-looking and glowing skin by morning.
A cream drives moisture into the skin, while fatty oils and ingredients like vegetable-derived Glycerin prevent the water from evaporating. This hydration boost means that skin cells retain moisture, leaving skin supple, healthy and glowing.
"Heavy oils can congest the skin and cause breakouts, which will definitely inflame and irritate existing acne conditions. "Oils such as coconut, olive and wheatgerm should be avoided, as they may block pores and cause increased blemishes."
Alex Roher, MD of San Diego Botox Inc recommends using face oils both in the morning and at night. He advises applying oil as the last step of your nighttime skin care routine and before your sunscreen and makeup in the morning.
Myth #2: Facial oils clog pores.
Let's cut to the chase right away – facial oils will not clog your pores. Oil (or sebum) occurs naturally in your skin and your sebaceous glands are constantly working to pump it out. Acne is a result of hair follicles that become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Use face oil twice daily, or as needed
Facial oils can take pride of place in your skincare routine in the morning or the evening (or both!), but they can also be used as and when they're needed.
Research has shown that almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, argan oil, and others are best for dry skin and conditions that cause dry skin like eczema.