The 101 Guide to Face Serums and Face Oils
If you are a clean beauty maven as we are, you will agree that there are not many things as satisfying as an organized beauty cabinet filled with your favorite skincare heroes, all lined-up and ready to give you the best complexion ever, right?
However, skincare can be confusing, especially when you find yourself owning dozens of products and not knowing exactly when you’re supposed to use each one of them. If you feel this way, don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re here to help and today we’re giving you the lowdown on two of the most discussed, yet effective, types of products on the market. And we can guarantee that once you learn how to properly use both, your complexion will look better than ever!
THE BIG MATCH: FACE SERUMS VS FACE OIL
Let’s start with the basics: what’s the difference between a face serum and a face oil?
Face serums can be described as “medicine” for the skin. “Serums deliver more concentrated versions of active ingredients to the skin”, explains Dr. Julius Few, M.D, “and the purpose of the active ingredient can vary, from hydrating to skin brightening to wrinkle-reducing”. Due to its very concentrated formulation, a serum can treat skin concerns in a more targeted way than other products in a daily routine, and it provides visible results with a very small amount. Thankfully today the range of options encompasses solutions for a number of skin concerns, and in terms of application, you can go by feel; products with a lighter texture and more intense use of active ingredients should be used first and then any heavier-consistency product should be layered on top. So, if you’re wondering when to incorporate serum into your regimen, the answer is right after cleanser and toner or essence, and before any kind of cream or SPF.
Face oils, on the other hand, should not be confused as a replacement for serums. The good news is that you can use both in the same routine. However, face oils act as bodyguards for your skin, sealing all the products that are underneath deep into the skin. In addition to their incredible moisture-retention properties, face oils help prevent against any environmental stressors that our skin faces from the outside world. For this reason, and following the “lightest to heaviest” rule, they should be applied as the final step of our skincare routine, and depending on their thickness and concentration, most of the times they can be used to replace the cream moisturizer.
Now the fun can begin, as we invite you to discover a real pro when it comes to face serums and oils. You already know our love for OIO Lab, an effective yet natural range that combines potent botanical extracts and clinically-proven active ingredients. And if your face serums and oils shelve is in need of a refresh, then read along to discover our faves from the range!
THE E-SERUM: PRO-REPAIR ANTI-BLUE LIGHT FACIAL SERUM
This advanced facial, gel serum protects and repairs the skin from the negative impact of electromagnetic smog and urban pollution, while it visually reduces wrinkles and roughness, unifies the skin tone and gives a healthy complexion, with a powerful anti-digital and anti-photo aging effect.
7 MOMENTS: BOTANICAL SMOOTHING FACIAL TREATMENT OIL
This potent treatment contains organic turmeric root extract and innovatively sourced chicory, beech and hemp seed oils. The botanical elixir – rich in squalane, organic prickly pear and safflower oils – supports the skin regeneration processes and enhances skin tone, while helping to tighten the skin and visually smoothing out wrinkles.
AQUASPHERE: MULTI-DIMENSIONAL HYDRATING FACIAL SERUM
A real must for dehydrated skin types: this advanced, concentrated and multi-level hydrating serum containsfive forms of hyaluronic acid compounds, two hyaluronic acid and elastin precursors and active plant substances. The gel-serum ‘fills-in’ the skin’s structure, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, stimulates natural production of hyaluronic acid and prevents water loss – by forming an invisible, protective film on the skin.
This anti-aging night oil facial treatment contains a potent blend of an advanced, stable form of 5% Retinol H-10, botanical extracts and organic oils to support the skin’s natural regeneration processes. The night elixir helps to tighten the skin, counteract the signs of ageing and enhances healthy skin colour.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT: BRIGHTENING FACIAL TREATMENT OIL WITH VITAMIN C
A unique blend of ultra-powerful form of 15% vitamin C derivative with organic, cold-pressed oils in a potent, brightening facial oil treatment. An extremely stable form of vitamin C acts as a strong antioxidant, stimulates collagen production, revitalises and unifies the skin tone. The ultra-powerful vitamin C combined with milk thistle, borage, cranberry and wild rose seed oils supports the skin regeneration processes.
