Serums and face oils are today considered essential skincare products in modern skin care rules since they provide excellent hydration and illumination bonuses, as well as deliver nutrients to the skin. However, many people do not know whether they can use these two products simultaneously or if they can apply them one on top of the other.
Now, it is very confusing, and at InLab SkinGlow, we don’t want our readers to be more confused than they already are. In this blog, I will be introducing serums and face oils as part of your skincare regimen and sharing with you how you can combine these two into your daily skincare control. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Basics
What Is Serum?
A serum is a light product with high concentrations of bioactive substances focused on the treatment of skin-related issues. As compared to moisturizers, serums contain small molecular structures that help them sink into the skin to their highest capacity.
Purpose of Serums:
- Hydration: Most serums contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid that attract water to the skin, thus making the skin full and flexible.
- Anti-aging: Vitamin A derivatives like retinol that are found in serums help minimize the lines that make skin look rigid such as fine lines and wrinkles.
- Brightening: Essential in treating the skin are vitamin C and niacinamide serums that help fight dark spots, dye, and dullness.
How Should You Use Face Serums?
To reap the full benefits of a serum, it’s important to apply it correctly:
Proper Application Methods:
- Cleanse: Start with a clean face to ensure the serum penetrates properly.
- Tone (Optional): If you use a toner, apply it before the serum to prep your skin.
- Apply Serum: Dispense a few drops of serum onto your fingertips and gently pat or press it into your skin, focusing on problem areas.
- Wait: Let the serum absorb for a minute before applying other products.
When to Use Serums in Your Routine:
- Morning: Use antioxidant serums like vitamin C to protect against environmental damage.
- Night: Apply reparative serums like retinol or peptides to support the skin’s natural healing process.
What Is Face Oil?
A face oil is a cosmetic product made of plant-based oils or mixtures used to fill, feed, and shield the skin. Oils are different from serums because their main purpose is to remain on the skin’s surface, providing hydration and remodeling the skin’s protective layer.
Functions of Face Oils:
- Seal in Moisture: Face oils prevent water loss by creating a protective barrier on the skin.
- Nourish the Skin: Rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, face oils help maintain a healthy glow.
- Balance Oil Production: Some oils, like Bakuchiol Oil, mimic the skin’s natural sebum, helping regulate oil production in oily or acne-prone skin.
Types of Oils for Various Skin Types:
- Dry Skin: Argan oil, Buah Merah Oil.
- Oily Skin: Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil.
- Sensitive Skin: Rosehip oil, calendula oil.
How Should You Use Facial Oils?
Face oils require thoughtful application to maximize their benefits:
Guidelines for Using Face Oils Effectively:
- Use after-water-related products such as serums to seal the wetness on the skin.Â
- Little goes a long way, especially when using it on the face 2-3 drops suffice.Â
- Rub the oil between your palms and pat it on your skin correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using too much oil, which can lead to clogged pores.
- Applying oils before lighter products can block absorption.
- Skipping sunscreen after using oils that may increase sun sensitivity.
Combining Serum and Face Oil
Should You Apply Serum or Oil First?
When combining skincare products, the order of application is crucial to ensure that each product works effectively.
The Science of Layering Skincare Products: Skincare layering is done according to the molecular size and the preparation formulation. Water-dissolving skincare products like serums should be applied first to reach the skin, followed by oil-soluble products, which form a layer on the skin as an adhesive.
General Rule: Lightweight to Heavy Products
- When practicing, write from the least to the most viscous fluid outlined above.Â
- Before using oil treatments, you should use serums because applying oil will lock the skin and fail to allow the water-based serums to penetrate the skin.
Why Skincare Order MATTERS!
Using skincare products in the correct order is essential for maximizing their effectiveness and preventing skin issues.
Impact of Proper Layering on Product Efficacy:
- Serums enable the penetration of the skin by some of the active ingredients. They may also fail to penetrate if applied after an oil, as this decreases the effectiveness of the application.Â
- Oils lock in moisture and, as a result, reduce the act of transdermal water loss, but they are poor penetrations if applied at the earlier stage.
Examples of Incorrect Order and Its Effects:
- Applying oil before serum can block the serum’s absorption, wasting its benefits.
- Skipping sunscreen after layering oil and serum can leave skin vulnerable to UV damage, particularly if photosensitive ingredients are used.
The Correct Order for Your Daytime Skincare Routine
A properly sequenced skincare routine ensures optimal results:
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
- Cleanser: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and impurities.
- Toner (Optional): Use a toner to balance your skin’s pH and prep it for the next steps.
- Serum: Apply a few drops of serum to target specific skin concerns. Let it absorb completely.
- Oil: Use a lightweight face oil to lock in hydration and provide nourishment.
- Moisturizer: Apply a hydrating moisturizer to seal in all the previous products.
- Sunscreen: Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
Tips for Tailoring Your Routine:
- Adjust the number of steps based on your skin’s needs (e.g., skip oil if your skin is naturally oily).
- Use serums and oils suited to your skin type or concerns, like hydrating serums for dry skin or balancing oils for oily skin.
The Benefits of Using Both a Face Serum & a Facial Oil
When used together, serums and face oils create a powerful synergy that enhances your skincare routine. Each product offers unique benefits, and when combined, they can address various skin concerns more effectively.
How Serums and Oils Complement Each Other
Serums and face oils serve different roles but work in harmony to improve overall skin health:
- Serums are formulated with potent active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin, addressing specific concerns like fine lines, uneven tone, and dehydration.
- Face Oils primarily work on the skin’s surface, sealing in moisture, nourishing the skin, and strengthening the protective barrier.
By applying serum first, you deliver targeted treatments where they’re needed most, and the subsequent oil locks in these benefits, ensuring long-lasting results.
Improved Hydration, Nourishment, and Skin Barrier Protection
- Hydration: Serums with humectants like hyaluronic acid attract and bind water to the skin, while face oils prevent water loss, keeping the skin supple and hydrated throughout the day.
- Nourishment: Oils rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids provide the skin with nutrients that support cell repair and rejuvenation.
- Skin Barrier Protection: Oils create a barrier that shields the skin from environmental stressors, pollutants, and moisture loss, enhancing the skin’s natural defenses.
Enhanced Results for Specific Skin Concerns
Using both serums and oils can amplify results for targeted skin issues:
- Dullness: A brightening serum with vitamin C paired with a nourishing oil like rosehip can restore radiance and even skin tone.
- Dryness: A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid followed by a rich oil like marula deeply moisturizes and relieves parched skin.
- Sensitivity: A calming serum with niacinamide combined with a soothing oil like calendula reduces redness and irritation while protecting sensitive skin.
Practical Tips for Optimal Results
Using serums and face oils effectively requires thoughtful selection and application. Here are practical tips to help you get the most out of these products while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.
How to Choose the Right Serum and Oil for Your Skin Type
Your skin type plays a crucial role in determining which serum and face oil will work best for you: and know Can serum and face oil be used together,
Dry Skin:
- Serum: Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Oil: Choose nourishing oils like argan, marula, or Buah Merah Oil, which provide deep hydration.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin:
- Serum: Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic ingredients such as niacinamide or salicylic acid to control oil and prevent breakouts.
- Oil: Use balancing oils like Buah Merah Oil or grapeseed, which mimic the skin’s natural sebum without clogging pores.
Sensitive Skin:
- Serum: Select calming ingredients like aloe vera or Centella Asiatica to soothe irritation.
- Oil: Go for gentle options such as rosehip or calendula oil, which reduce redness and inflammation.
Aging or Mature Skin:
- Serum: Look for anti-aging actives like retinol or peptides to boost collagen and reduce fine lines.
- Oil: Use rich, antioxidant-packed oils like pomegranate seed oil to fight free radicals and nourish mature skin.
Spot-Testing New Products to Avoid Irritation
Before incorporating a new serum or oil into your routine, always perform a patch test:
- Apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area, such as behind your ear or inner forearm.
- Wait 24-48 hours to check for any signs of redness, itching, or irritation.
- You can safely use the product on your face if no adverse reaction occurs.
Patch testing is essential for products with strong actives like retinol, vitamin C, or essential oils.
Adjusting Frequency Based on Weather or Skin Condition Changes
Your skin’s needs can vary with the seasons or changes in your environment:
- Cold Weather: The skin also changes and becomes dry during winter, using hydrating serums, and rich oil may be best applied during winter.
- Hot Weather: As for the serums and face oils, I prefer them in summer because a heavy formula is the last thing you want on your face during hot seasons, especially when it is sticky.
- Skin Conditions: If your skin is feeling sensitive or irritated, cut back on active serums like retinol and focus on soothing and hydrating products.
Best and Recommended Serum by InLab SkinGlow
- Brightening Face Serum
- Power C Oil Serum
- Magic Berry Oil Serum
- Magic Berry Pressed Oil Serum
Conclusion about Can serum and face oil be used together
In conclusion, using a face serum and a facial oil will certainly enhance the manipulation of your skin since it will allow the specific treatment at the same time with the extended hydration of the skin’s surface. Serums contain a high percentage of active ingredients for the skin; they go deep in the derma, while oil offers the skin the necessary moisture it requires, and it also helps in the skin’s protective layer. It simply means that in applying the product, you use the serum before the oil, thereby maximizing the efficiency and balancing the moist deep.to these products.
FAQs about Can serum and face oil be used together
1. Can I use a serum and face oil together?
Yes, you can! Apply the serum first to deliver active ingredients, then follow with a face oil to lock in hydration and enhance the benefits.
2. Should I use serum or oil first?
Always use the serum first, as it is water-based and penetrates deeply. Apply the oil afterward to seal in moisture.
3. Can I skip moisturizer if I use a serum and oil?
While serum and oil provide hydration and nourishment, a moisturizer adds a protective layer and is especially important in dry or harsh climates.
4. Are face oils suitable for oily skin?
Yes! Lightweight oils like jojoba or grapeseed can help balance oil production without clogging pores.5. How often should I use serum and oil?
Serums can be used daily, but oils may be adjusted based on your skin type and needs—daily for dry skin or a few times a week for oily skin.