Yes, you can apply face oil after serum, and it's often recommended for optimal skincare benefits.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Why Apply Face Oil After Serum?
Face oils are typically best applied as the final step in your skincare routine (before sunscreen in the morning). This is because oils create an occlusive barrier on the skin. An occlusive barrier helps to:
- Seal in moisture: The oil traps the hydration provided by your serum and moisturizer, preventing water loss throughout the day or night.
- Enhance serum effectiveness: By creating a barrier, the oil helps the serum's active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin and work more effectively.
The Ideal Skincare Order:
The general rule of thumb is to apply your skincare products from thinnest to thickest consistency. This allows each product to absorb properly. A typical order would be:
- Cleanser
- Toner (optional)
- Serum (water-based)
- Moisturizer
- Face Oil
- Sunscreen (daytime)
Important Considerations:
- Serum Absorption: Allow your serum to fully absorb into your skin before applying the face oil. This usually takes a few minutes.
- Oil Type: Consider the type of face oil you're using. Lighter, non-comedogenic oils are generally better for oily or acne-prone skin. Richer oils are suitable for dry skin.
- Morning vs. Night Routine: As the provided reference indicates, you can split your serum and oil application between morning and night. For example, use a hydrating serum in the morning and a retinol serum with face oil at night.
Example Routine:
| Step | Morning Routine | Evening Routine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanser | Cleanser |
| 2 | Toner (Optional) | Toner (Optional) |
| 3 | Hydrating Serum | Retinol Serum |
| 4 | Moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| 5 | Face Oil (Lightweight) | Face Oil (Richer) |
| 6 | Sunscreen | (Optional - Overnight Treatment) |
In summary, applying face oil after serum is a beneficial practice that can enhance the effectiveness of your skincare routine by sealing in moisture and helping your serum absorb better. Remember to consider your skin type and the specific properties of your chosen products.
