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November 08, 2021 4 min read
Confused about the difference between face serums and oils? We don’t blame you. The distinction isn’t always clear--especially since many serums also contain oils.
Generally though, you can think of serums as a concentrated dose of ingredients meant to address a specific need, like fine lines or acne. Meanwhile, oils are meant to hydrate your skin and lock in moisture and nutrients.
Want to learn a little more? Here are the details:
Nearly everyone can benefit from using facial oil, especially as we age. Our skin tends to get drier with the years, so a good quality oil is essential to maintaining that youthful, dewy look.
Although everyone can use a face oil, it’s important to use the right one for your skin. For example, people with drier skin types will benefit from an argan or grapeseed oil, while people with oilier skin may like jojoba or marula oil. If you’ve got acne prone skin, you may do well with an anti-inflammatory choice like evening primrose oil.
If you’re not sure what type of skin you have, or if it shifts with the seasons, squalene oil (or a serum that contains it) is a great choice for just about any skin type.
Face oils are special because they can mimic your skin’s natural sebum production, which means they do a great job of balancing the oil your skin is already producing. This means face oils can not only lend some moisture to dry skin, but can actually help oily skin to be less oily.
Face oils are also excellent for “locking in” the other products you’ve put on your skin, so you can get maximum benefit from everything you’re applying to your face and keep your skin hydrated at the same time.
Unlike oils, serums tend to include a combination of ingredients in concentrated doses. Whether you’re looking to reduce hyperpigmentation or reduce the appearance of acne scars, there’s a serum for that.
Serums also tend to be lighter than oils because they’re made of smaller molecules. This means they can penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum benefit.
Serums are a convenient and highly-effective way to address a specific skin concern in a way that other products can’t. While other products in your routine, like cleansers and moisturizers, are excellent for general skin maintenance, a serum is the one product that makes a targeted change to your skin’s appearance.
Neither serums or oils are better. They simply have different uses. And in fact, they work best when paired together.
However, if you’re going to only choose one of the two, we recommend going with a serum that’s designed to target your specific skin needs. You’ll likely see more profound change than you would with just using an oil.
That said, if there’s nothing you’d like to change about your skin and simply want to keep it well-moisturized, a good oil may be the best choice for you.
Your oil and serum should be applied after you finish cleansing and toning your skin. If you’re going to use both a serum and an oil, apply the serum first. This will allow it to penetrate your skin for maximum effectiveness, and the oil will lock in the results.
For many serums, it’s a good idea to wait at least a few minutes before applying anything on top of it. This gives the ingredients time to take effect. We recommend applying your serum then taking a break to brush and floss your teeth before going on to apply your oil or moisturizer.
The best way to make sure the serum penetrates your skin is to firmly pat it in. On the other hand, oil is best massaged into the skin--and you may want to warm it in between your hands first so that it’s closer to your skin’s temperature.
Depending on the intensity of the serum you’ve chosen, you may be able to apply both your serum and oil in the morning and the evening. Be sure to wear sunscreen always, but especially if you’re using a serum. Many of those targeted ingredients that make up the serum can also make you more susceptible to sun damage.
If you’re only going to use your oil and serum once per day, use them at night. This is the time when your body is repairing itself (via sleep) anyway, and you also don’t need to worry about sun exposure.
Especially because serums penetrate so deeply into your skin, you don’t want to choose one that’s formulated with synthetic ingredients and toxic preservatives. The only way skincare can be made without these harmful ingredients is if it’s preserved with cold instead.
Wild Ice Botanicals is the only skincare company to keep our products cold from the moment they’re made until we ship them off to you, so you’re applying the highest quality, purest ingredients to your skin.
This includes our Cryo-C serum, which is made with high quality vitamin C, nourishing antioxidants and squalene oil to help you get glowy skin with less visible dark marks and scarring.
And if you’re looking for an indulgent oil to hydrate and nourish the skin on your body, we’ve formulated Berry Boreal Bod with elderberry to prevent wrinkles while it soothes and moisturizes your skin.
Grab a bottle of each and get started locking in moisture and nutrients. You’ll thank us later!
Mila (pronounced 'mee-luh') is mother of three, wife, and founder of Wild Ice, an all-natural cold-preserved skincare line dedicated to bringing the best of care to women everywhere.
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The four step process using Wild Ice products starts the day with positive vibes and smiles! Look good, feel good ... be nice ... use Wild Ice!
These products are absolutely amazing. They smell so good, and I’ve noticed a difference in the elasticity of my skin as well as the brightness and the few wrinkles I have. I have acne breakouts sometimes, but there has been a noticeable difference in how big the breakouts are and how fast they heal. Every time I wash my face, I feel like I am truly treating myself, and it feels so so good, especially because it’s all natural. I never want to stop using these products, and I can’t wait to try more! I think Mila is an absolute genius down to packaging her products. (They’re eco friendly.🥲)
DBT Baba Yaga is fantastic. I’m 70+ and this cream makes my skin feel so good. A little bit is all you need.
It’s very refreshing and my skin does not feel oily in the morning
Last year I stumbled upon this product at the Rosemary Beach Farmer's Market and I fell in love. I use it EVERY day. My day doesn't feel right without it. It gives me a natural glow and my skin feels so dewey.
I love how it glides onto my skin. It’s not greasy at all. My skin feels hydrated & glows!
These products are wonderful. My face was distressed after using a very irritating product. A few days of Wild Ice routine and a huge difference. Feels absolutely amazing
I tried this product when I was in Florida at a farmers market and quickly became obsessed! It is the perfect texture and it is doing wonders for my face. I can really tell when I go without, so I try not to! It leaves my skin smooth and hydrated and feeling great!
This is the second purchase.Wew talked to Mila on vacation at the farmers market at her tent.
Wonderful product with a natural glow.Works Great,
Thank you
I am really enjoying my Wild Ice ritual! The Baba Yaga is so light yet effective. I love how smoothly it goes on and how it leaves my skin soft without feeling heavy or greasy.
It's working Great.
Soft and luxiurius.
Love how this product add radiant and makes my skin looks healthier!
At 70+ years old with dry, sensitive skin, I am very pleased with this product. My skin felt smoother and shinier after using as directed. I am delighted with the results from using Yuki-Onna Facial Mask and am recommending it to my friends.
This is my second bottle of this stuff. I use Mila’s 4 step facial wash and care package. I use this toner after the blue minty face wash and before Cryo C and my moisturizer. I can’t say I really know how toner works except to prep my face for my serum and moisturizer. I can say that my complexion is looking better and better and I’d almost swear my wrinkles I’ve acquired during my 40 plus years are disappearing!
I purchased this regimen last October 2022. I noticed my skin is more hydrated, glows and fresh looking without makeup! I’m a satisfied customer!