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Oils vs. Moisturizers: What’s the Difference?

By June 28, 2021May 2nd, 2023Skin Care Products

Keeping your skin hydrated is critical to help maintain a dewy, youthful appearance. Both oils and moisturizers can help you ward off dryness and achieve a healthy glow. With all of the different moisturizing products on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are right for your skin.

What Are Oils?

Most oils act as sealants. This property enables them to form a protective layer on your skin, which protects it from moisture loss and external irritants. However, you should be selective about which oils you use because many oils, such as coconut oil and avocado oil, are comedogenic. They can cause your pores to get clogged if they’re left on the skin too long and lead to acne or other breakouts. Rosehip oil, hemp oil, jojoba oil, and other more lightweight oils are more easily absorbed by the skin and can help prevent inflammation. These lighter oils are often used as ingredients in moisturizers.

What Are Moisturizers?

After cleansing, moisturizers are used to keep your skin hydrated and help give it a radiant look. They also play a crucial role in protecting sensitive skin and masking blemishes or other imperfections. There are three classes of moisturizers:

– Humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid

– Emollients, such as castor oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter

– Occlusives, such as lanolin and argan oil

Most moisturizers contain some combination of these three types of ingredients.

How to Use Oils and Moisturizers in a Skin Care Routine

Though some moisturizers contain oils, you may choose to use an oil in addition to your daily moisturizer, but it’s often a good idea to speak to a dermatologist before making major changes to your skin care routine. When using a fast-absorbing, lightweight oil, you should apply it before your moisturizer. However, if you’re using a heavier oil that takes longer to absorb, apply your moisturizer first.

Adding a new oil or moisturizer to your skin care routine without the right information can negatively impact your skin. The board-certified dermatologists at The Dermatology Clinic can advise you on which products to use or avoid based on your skin’s composition. We also offer a range of cosmetic procedures to help patients in the Baton Rouge area achieve a smoother, more youthful glow. For more information or to speak to a doctor, schedule an appointment at one of our offices today.