You should apply moisturizer first before oil.
Then, wait 1-2 minutes for your moisturizer to absorb, then apply your face oil.
While moisturizers are used to add water and free fatty acids back into your skin, they are lighter products than facial oils.
Face oils are heavier products made of blends of synthetic and natural oils to seal in moisture and protect your skin barrier.
Regardless of your skin type, facial oil should be one of the last steps in your skin care routine.
The only products that should come after facial oil include occlusives like Vaseline.
This article will explain everything you need to know about facial oils and how to use them with moisturizer.
When to Apply Face Oil in Skincare Routine
Face oils should be applied after cleansing, toning, hydrating serum, and facial moisturizer.
Cleansing should be the first step in your skincare routine to remove dirt and excess oil.
This is especially important for oily skin and acne-prone skin types.
Then, apply your toner.
If you have dehydrated skin, you may also benefit from a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Finally, finish off by applying face moisturizer and a few drops of your favorite facial oil to keep your skin supple.
What is Face Oil?
Face oils are skin care products with fatty acids and antioxidants used to lock in moisture and leave you with healthy, hydrated skin.
Certain skin types, such as dry skin type, do not produce as much natural oil as others due to genetics. This natural oil is called sebum.
Therefore, by applying face oil as the last step in your skincare routine, you can restore balance to your natural skin barrier.
Best Facial Oils
One of my favorite facial oils is The Ordinary Rosehip Oil.
That being said, some people may prefer jojoba oil or a blend of oils as found in Stratia Fortify.
I suggest trying a few different face oils before settling on one that your skin likes.
What goes first, face oil or moisturizer?
Your moisturizer goes first before face oil.
Traditional moisturizers have a lightweight formula compared to oils, and the general rule of thumb is to apply skincare products from thinnest to thickest.
Therefore, moisturizer should be applied before any face oil.
How to Use Facial Oil and Moisturizer Together
To use facial oil and moisturizer together, first apply a layer of your favorite moisturizer with nourishing ingredients.
Then, wait 1-2 minutes for your moisturizer to absorb into your skin.
Finally, apply a few drops of your facial oil and gently massage into your skin until absorbed.
Do you put face oil or moisturizer first?
It would be best if you put moisturizer before face oil to ensure active ingredients penetrate your skin appropriately.
Oil or serum first?
First, apply a thin layer of your favorite serum.
Then, follow up with moisturizer and finish off with face oil.
You can always add more oil afterward if your skin needs it.
Oil or moisturizer first at night?
Regardless of nighttime or daytime use, moisturizer goes first before oil.
Oil or lotion first?
Lotion should be applied first before oil.
Lotions are a type of lightweight moisturizer. Therefore, they are lighter and thinner than oils and should be applied first.
Oil or cream first?
Cream should be applied first before oil.
Skincare creams are a type of thick, heavy moisturizer. However, they are still typically water-based products and will be lighter than face oil.
Therefore, you should apply facial oil first before applying any creams.
Face oil before makeup?
You should apply face oil before makeup to help seal moisture and protect your skin barrier.
That being said, face oil may make it difficult for your base layer of foundation or concealer to stay on your face.
Therefore, if you wear makeup, you may want to save your facial oils for nighttime use only.
Is face oil good for your skin?
Yes, face oil is good for your skin.
Your skin barrier is made up of many different types of fats which can be replenished by moisturizers and face oils.
That being said, face oils are typically more suitable for people with dry skin or dealing with flaky patches.
People with oily skin may find face oils too heavy for their skin type which leads to clogged pores.
Can you use face oil with retinol?
Yes, you can use face oil with retinol.
Because retinol can cause skin issues like flaking and irritation, it is a good idea to use nourishing skin care products like moisturizer and oil with it.
Should I use facial oil?
You should use facial oil in your skincare routine if you feel like your skin could benefit from extra hydration and oil.
Face oils are particularly beneficial for individuals with dry skin or those living in dry, cold climates.
Are face oils good for oily skin?
Face oils can be good for oily skin if you’re using harsh active ingredients that dry your skin out like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
However, if you find that face oils are too heavy for your skin and contribute to breakouts, it’s best to steer clear of them.
Try experimenting with a few different products to see what works best for you.
Summary: facial oil or moisturizer first?
Moisturizer should be applied first before facial oil.
Remember, the correct order of your skincare routine involves applying products from thinnest to thicket.
Therefore, you should apply serum and moisturizer first before facial oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should use face oil after applying your moisturizer. This way, your facial oil can help lock in hydration and moisture.
Applying face oil should be the last step in your skincare routine after moisturizing.
Cream comes first in skin care before oil.
If you have to pick one, it is better to use moisturizer than oil. This is because moisturizers can deliver hydrating and active ingredients into your skin whereas oils will only seal in moisture.
