Building an ideal skincare routine can be tricky. Many facial products often serve the same purpose - moisturizing. A facial serum, oil, and moisturizer nourish your skin while making it soft and smooth. But the question is, how do you choose one of them?
Your decision depends upon the characteristics of these products and how they fit with your skin type. In this article, we shed light on the differences between a facial serum, oil, and moisturizer to help you choose the best option. Read on to learn more.
Highlights:
Why Is Moisturizing Your Face Essential?
Your face is your unique identity. Naturally, it draws attention and leaves an impression on people. Therefore, keeping your skin healthy is crucial. Did you know that your facial skin is more prone to damage than any other part of your body?
No matter how many beauty products you use in a day, moisturizing your face remains the most crucial step to maintain your skin’s well-being. People who use moisturizer daily are less likely to have skin issues as they age.
Moisturizer not only helps you achieve youthful skin but plays an essential role in protecting your skin in many ways. Let’s have a closer look at how moisturizer helps your facial skin.
1. Protects Your Moisture Barrier
The natural moisturizing barrier [1] protects your skin from external threats such as dust, dirt, and bacteria. However, this barrier weakens over time due to dehydration, extreme sun exposure, improper diet, and aging. That is why you need to include facial moisturizing products in your skincare routines, such as serums, facial oils, and moisturizers.
2. Fights The Signs Of Aging
Fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and other unwanted issues appear as you start aging [2]. While you certainly can’t stop the aging process, daily moisturizing can slow it down. Lack of moisture dries out your skin, which can cause fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Reduces Acne And Blemishes
Face serum, face oil, and moisturizer help reduce acne and blemishes on your skin. These products have water-attracting properties that keep your face hydrated and clear.
What Affects The Moisture Of Your Facial Skin?
Your skin produces a certain amount of sebum that keeps your face well-moisturized. [3] It protects you from skin conditions like dryness. But if your skin does not create enough sebum, you may experience extreme dryness, leading to uncomfortably itchy and flaky skin. Also, dehydrated skin gives you a dull and rough appearance.
Your face may lose moisture due to the following reasons [4]:
- Extreme cold or warm weather
- Sun damage
- Pollution
- Excessive use of soap or face wash
- Use of harsh chemicals in makeup products
- Low skin pH
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Sleeping with makeup on
- Not drinking sufficient water
- Lack of sleep
-
Unhealthy food habits
Difference Between Face Serum, Face Oil And Face Moisturizer
|
Face Serum |
Face Oil |
Face Moisturizer |
|
Serum formulas are mostly water-based and have other highly potent ingredients to serve a wide range of skin concerns. |
Facial oils are emollient-rich to give your face deep nourishment. |
Moisturizers are made with water, oil, and other essential ingredients. |
|
Serums are meant to serve skin issues like wrinkles, fine lines, dullness, dark spots, sun damage, acne etc. |
Facial oils nourish your skin and restore your natural glow. It provides you with long-lasting hydration. |
Moisturizer typically hydrates the epidermis (uppermost layer of the skin). |
|
Serums contain antioxidants and multiple vitamins that give you glowing skin. |
Face oils are basically plant-based oils, derived from nuts, seeds, fruits etc. These oils benefit your skin in many ways. |
Face moisturizers have skin-replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum, salicylic acid etc. |
|
Face serums play the role of an efficient and intense powerhouse of nourishing ingredients. |
Face oils offer plenty of essential fatty acids and vitamins to your skin. |
Moisturizers are a balanced combination of both oil and water-soluble nutrients. |
|
Face serums are thinner and lighter than face oil and moisturizer. People with oily skin can opt for face serums. |
Facial oils are best used in small amounts as too much oil can clog your pores. People with oily skin may want to avoid using facial oils. |
Face moisturizer is suitable for dry, oily, and combination skin. You can use it daily for better results. |
How To Apply Face Serum, Oil And Moisturizer In The Right Order?
The rule of thumb when applying skincare is to use the lightest first and the heaviest last.
As serums are lightweight, they always go first. Serums penetrate the active ingredients into the skin effectively. Ensure to pick a serum that is designed to treat your skin issues and use it regularly.
Moisturizers are meant for daily use. Once you are done cleansing and exfoliating your facial skin, you can opt for a face moisturizer to lock the water into your skin cells.
Last but not least, facial oils are suggested for daily use in small amounts for people with dry and dehydrated skin.
Wrapping Up
Ideally, choosing skincare products depends on your specific concerns. For instance, if you want to treat wrinkles and dark spots, a serum is your best bet. Moisturizer or oil can offer more promising results to repair dry skin. You should also be careful to pick the right ingredients for your skin.
Mass-produced skincare products often offer only a generic solution. SkinKraft provides a customizable skincare regimen based on your unique skin type and characteristics.
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