Are you confused about the difference between a face oil and serum? Welcome! You are not alone. When it comes to skincare, the options can be overwhelming. Among the multitude of products available, two common products that often get mixed up are face oils and serums. While both are used to enhance the appearance and health of the skin, they have very different formulations and benefits. So let’s break down the differences between a face oil and serum, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Face oil vs serum
First, let's define what each product is. A face oil is a skincare product that is made up of, you guessed it, oils! These oils can come from a variety of sources, such as plants, nuts, and seeds, like jojoba oil, argan oil, and rosehip oil. Face oils are typically used to moisturise and nourish the skin. They help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. They can also help to balance the skin's natural oil production, which can be beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
On the other hand, a serum is a lightweight skincare product that is designed to penetrate deep into the skin, delivering ingredients more effectively than a heavier moisturiser can. Serums are typically formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work to target specific skincare concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines, and are designed to be layered underneath a moisturiser which would be the final step in your routine.
Difference between serum and oil?
So, what's the difference between serum and oil? The main difference is that face oils are used as a moisturising agent, while serums are used to target specific skin concerns. Face oils provide hydration and nourishment to the skin, while serums deliver a high concentration of active ingredients to address specific issues. If you are looking for a serum that provides barrier support that hydrates and repairs damaged skin, look no further than our rebound serum. Rebound combines key ingredients like Centella, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Oat Extract at a carefully formulated concentration all in one so you don’t need to have five different bottles in your cupboard!
Can serum and face oil be used together?
Can serum and face oil be used together? Yes, in fact, they can complement each other very well! You can use a serum in the morning, and then follow up with a face oil at night. The serum will work to target your specific skincare concerns, while the face oil will provide hydration and nourishment to your skin. You may just fine a face oil a little heavy for morning use, especially when sitting under makeup.
How to apply serum and face oil
How to apply a serum
Now to apply a serum, start by cleansing your face and then patting it dry. Take a small amount of serum and apply it to your face using your fingertips. A little goes a long way with serums, and typically a pea-sized amount is enough to cover the entire face. Gently massage the serum into your skin using upward and outward motions, making sure to cover your entire face, including your neck and décolletage.
How to apply a face oil
For a face oil, after cleansing, take a small amount of oil, typically 2-3 drops, and warm it up between your palms. Gently press and massage the oil into your skin using upward and outward motions, covering your entire face, neck and chest.
Where do serums and face oil sit in my skincare routine?
The best time to apply a serum in your skincare routine is after cleansing and toning, but before moisturising. This is because serums are typically more concentrated than other skincare products, and they’re able to penetrate the skin when it is clean and free of other products. Applying a serum before moisturiser allows the serum to fully absorb into the skin and provides a good base for the moisturiser to then lock in the hydration. In general, you can apply your serum twice a day, morning and night, although certain ingredients are best kept for night time, such as AHA and retinol.
To get the most benefits from your face oil apply it after cleansing and before moisturising. Face oils are more occlusive than serums and moisturisers, meaning they form a barrier on the skin surface to lock in the hydration. Applying a face oil on top of a serum allows the serum to fully absorb into the skin and provides a good base for the oil to lock in the hydration. You can apply your face oil once a day, morning or night.
Can you use a face oil instead of a moisturiser?
Yes, it is possible to use a face oil instead of a moisturiser. Many face oils are formulated to provide both hydration and nourishment for the skin, making them a great alternative to traditional moisturisers. They can be particularly beneficial for those with dry or mature skin as they are more occlusive and can provide a deeper hydration than lotions or creams.
It's important to note that not all face oils are created equal, and some may be more suitable for use as a moisturiser than others. For example, oils that are high in linoleic acid such as rosehip or safflower oil are more lightweight and absorb quickly, making them suitable for oily skin types. Oils that are high in oleic acid such as avocado or coconut oil are heavier and more emollient, making them better suited for dry skin types.
It's also worth noting that if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it's best to avoid face oils that are high in comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil or cocoa butter which can clog pores and make breakouts worse. In that case, it's better to stick to lightweight oils such as Jojoba oil, which is non-comedogenic and can be easily absorbed by the skin.
Which is better: face oil or serum?
Now, the question that's on everyone's mind: which is better, face oil or serum? The answer is, it depends on your individual skincare needs, and possibly both! If you have dry or dehydrated skin, a face oil may be a good option for you, which can be layered on top of any serums you use. If you have specific skincare concerns you want to target, such as acne or hyperpigmentation, a serum is how you can do this, with an oil being optional. Ultimately, it's important to pay attention to your skin's needs and choose the product that will best address them.
So to wrap it up, face oils and serums are two very different skincare products that can be used together to achieve optimal results. Face oils provide hydration and nourishment to the skin, while serums target specific skincare concerns with high concentrations of active ingredients. Pay attention to your skin's needs and choose the product that will best address them. Don't be afraid to experiment with different products and see what works best for you, there’s a lot of amazing ingredients out there waiting for you!
