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.
"Oils are really better at sealing in moisture due to their occlusive nature—they prevent the evaporation of hydration from skin to the environment," explains Dr. Nazarian. Thanks to the fact that oils are emollients, they'll create a barrier on your skin to lock in all that hydrating goodness from your moisturizer.
The answer is absolutely YES. You can use a facial oil instead of moisturiser.
In your skincare routine, do you really need to be using both a face oil and a moisturizer? The simple answer is yes, you do. And once we've broken it down you'll understand why.
"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.
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.
You cannot moisturize your skin with an oil.
The most popular and effective humectants are glycerin and hyaluronic acid. On the other hand, emollient ingredients soften skin.
Better idea: Use the moisturizer, then pat on your oil. It'll let the water melt into your skin and not evaporate. The most important reason oil goes last: It'll eventually sink into your skin, reinforcing your moisture barrier no matter the order.
6. Apply your facial oil at the end of your skincare routine. You should apply water-based products before oils, starting with the product thinnest in consistency and ending with the thickest. So, apply your oils as the last step in your skincare routine.
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.
"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.