Should Oil Be Applied Before or After Moisturiser?

In beauty as with everything, ideas and opinions change. At Nakin we make sure that we keep up to date with trends, ingredients and new ideas; in order to make sure our natural skincare is as cutting edge as possible. This year we have been surprised to read lots of advice suggesting to apply face oils after a face cream moisturiser, in order to lock moisture in. However, we always believe that a face oil should go on before a face cream. This is because it means that the face oil can more easily seep into the skin cells to work its magic, whereas putting a face cream on top of an oil can act as a kind of barrier. We see a face cream as the last step in a skincare routine that seals all of the goodness.

So, we have been surprised to read the advice that a face oil should go on afterwards and we decided to do further research on this question. Following our investigations, we still believe that a face oil should go on before a face cream. Obviously, we would never suggest that this must be the way to use face products. Like everything in life, we should adapt things to whatever works best for us. Plus each product in a range differs from the next and so can have different directions. If you are wondering why we believe a face oil should be applied before a face cream, then read on.

The reason that a face oil should be applied before a face cream is because this is when it is able to most work its magic. A face oil like our 100% Natural Revitalising Face Oil contains many actives that can work wonders on skin. Treatments like this and serums should be applied straight after cleansing and toning, as this is when skin is most receptive to the actives in them. A face oil is about intensely nourishing and calming the skin, so is designed to sink deeply into skin layers, in order to reach as many skin cells as possible. When it is applied on top of a face cream, it is unable to do this. This is because any good face cream like those in Nakin’s range contain lots of protection for skin. They hydrate and nourish, but also protect skin from stressors like pollution. So, anything applied on top of a face cream moisturiser will in some way sit on the surface. The only thing that should be applied on top of a face cream moisturiser is sunscreen. Sunscreen is designed to block UV rays and so we do not want it to sink into skin. Below is a list of the correct order to apply face products.  

1. Start with a kind gentle cleanser like our Advanced Cleansing Milk or Rejuvenating Face Wash
2. Follow with our natural Purifying Face Toner 
3. As required exfoliate with our Exfoliating Radiance Tonic
4. Apply an anti-ageing Eye Cream Complex
5. Treat skin with our Performance Face Serum
6. Now is the time for face oil and our Revitalising Face Oilis one of the best
7. Then seal the actives in, nourish and protect skin with either the Matt Formula Face Cream for oilier skin or Active Dew Face Cream for dry skin types
8. Finish the routine with a stunning natural Lip Treatment Balm

The first step of cleansing aims to remove dead skin cells, freshen skin and then prepare it for actives applied afterwards. Next is the eye cream, closely followed by serum for skin rejuvenation and repair of past damage. Then the face oil works its magic nourishing, calming and energising. The moisturisers are applied next for hydration and protection. If you find an oil and a serum too much for skin and too many layers, then you could use one or the other, depending on your preference and skin requirements. Some people also use an oil after the serum and before the face cream, but this would be the full routine and it is down to preference and many find this too many layers. We know that lots of beauty experts are saying to apply face oil on top of face cream, to seal moisture in, and although we do not feel this is the best option for a face oil, we do respect this opinion.

Applying a good face oil like our Revitalising Face Oil before a moisturiser is a step that can significantly enhance your skincare routine. It is just one of our natural anti-ageing face treatments and undoubtedly the most nourishing. Face oils are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering a high concentration of active ingredients and hydration to the deeper layers. When applied before a moisturiser, they prepare the skin to better absorb the hydrating benefits of your moisturiser. Furthermore, face oils can help to fortify the skin's natural barrier, reducing the evaporation of water from the skin's surface. This layering technique ensures that the moisture provided by your moisturiser is locked in, leading to more hydrated, supple, and radiant skin.

We hope that you found our feature helpful about the correct time to apply a face oil in your skincare routine. As we said, we believe a face oil should be applied after cleansing and applying serum, but before a face cream. Although we are aware that lots of beauty experts advise to apply a face oil after face cream. The important thing is to always use the best skincare products. Nakin are dedicated to achieving beautiful skin at every age using the best natural ingredients. To find out more about Nakin and our award winning anti-ageing skincare then visit us at www.nakinskincare.com Nakin produce natural face products for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The full range can be found here and is designed to help skin to thrive and flourish by using the best plant active ingredients. Everything is cruelty free and made in the UK. If you would like to get in touch with Nakin then please email us at info@nakinskincare.com We would love to hear your thoughts and are also available to offer skincare and product advice.