The Optimal Order for Using Face Oil and Face Cream in Your Skincare Routine

Choosing the order in which to layer face oil and face cream in your nighttime skincare routine is crucial for maximizing their benefits. Here, we'll explore the best sequence and provide tips to ensure your skin receives the maximum benefits from both products without any adverse effects.

Understanding the Benefits

Both face oil and face cream have unique properties that work synergistically to improve your skin's texture and hydration levels. Face creams are typically water-based and provide hydration, while face oils are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help lock in moisture and create a protective barrier against water loss and environmental stressors.

Applying Face Oil After Face Cream

The standard recommendation is to apply face oil after your face cream. This order allows the cream to provide the initial hydration needed, and the face oil helps seal and lock in the moisture, preventing evaporation and enhancing the cream's effects. Applying face oil directly after face cream ensures that the benefits of the cream are retained and that your skin is more nourished and protected.

Additional Tips for Layering

For best results, always layer your face oil after a moisturizer. Moisturizers, being water-based, absorb quickly and provide hydration directly to the skin. Using a face oil afterward creates a protective barrier that locks in this moisture, making your skin stay hydrated for a longer time and benefit more from the nourishing properties of the oil.

Alternative Applications: Olive Oil for Face and Hair

Olive oil, a natural and versatile product, can be used not only for skin but also for hair, making it a multi-purpose wonder. To apply olive oil to your face, massage it directly after applying your moisturizer. If you have specific skin concerns like acne, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, you can add a few drops of essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, or peppermint oil to the mix. These essential oils have antioxidants and can soothe and improve various skin conditions.

Layering Options and Customization

Layering face oil and face cream can be customized based on your skin type and preferences. Some people prefer to mix the oil with their moisturizer, while others apply it as a final step to seal in moisture. The key is to find a routine that works best for your skin. For instance, if you have dry skin, using a few drops of jojoba oil with your night cream can help enhance its hydrating benefits.

Caution with Oily Skin

While face oil can be beneficial for dry and mature skin, it may not be suitable for oily skin due to its potentially heavy and clogging properties. If you have oily skin, it's advisable to proceed with caution and use a less is more approach. Always ensure the oil is not rancid by smelling the bottle before application.

Additional Uses of Face Oil

In addition to using face oil on the skin, you can also use it on other areas of the body where the skin tends to be dry, such as the knees, elbows, and cuticles. Applying oil to these areas before taking a shower or bath can help protect the skin and improve its absorption. Additionally, using oil in conjunction with dry brushing can be very beneficial for the skin, promoting improved circulation and a healthier complexion.

Understanding the best order to layer face oil and face cream will help you achieve the best results in your nighttime skincare routine, whether you're aiming for a bright, hydrated, and nourished complexion or a smooth, moisturized scalp.