The Right Way to Use Oil Serums in Skincare

Did you know that our skin is made up of roughly 70% water? That fact alone reveals something important: water is non-negotiable when it comes to skin health. But water isn’t the whole story. To keep skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing, it’s essential to understand the unique and complementary roles of water-based and oil-based products in your skincare routine.

Too often, people reach for one or the other, not realizing that it's the balance of both that leads to long-term skin harmony. Whether you're struggling with dry patches, dehydration, dullness, or an oily T-zone, this guide will help you understand why combining water and oil is the key to radiant, resilient skin.

Using oil as your only form of moisturizer might feel nourishing at first, but over time, it can lead to dehydration, irritation, or dullness. That’s because oils, while excellent at preventing moisture loss, don’t supply the water your skin needs.

How to use facial oils and get the best of both worlds:

• Step 1: Begin with a water-based product, such as a hydrating serum, essence, or lightweight moisturizer, to replenish moisture deep within the skin.

• Step 2: Follow with a facial oil or oil-based serum to lock in that hydration and protect the skin barrier.

When used together, these two types of products create the perfect synergy, keeping your skin supple, nourished, and luminous.

Using a face oil serum correctly can enhance its benefits. When incorporated properly, they nourish and transform your skin. Here’s a guide to integrating a facial oil serum into your routine. Remember, details matter for best results. Follow these steps to maximize the facial oil benefits.

Applying your oil serum on damp skin ensures better absorption. The moisture enhances the oil's penetration. Simply apply after washing your face or spritz a mist before using the serum. This creates a perfect base for a nourishing face oil, ensuring it absorbs deeply into the skin.

Oil serums work best when applied after water-based serums and moisturizer. They seal in the moisture, keeping your skin hydrated longer. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops into your moisturizer. This blend provides a lightweight facial oil finish, enhancing softness without a heavy feel.

A small amount of oil serum goes a long way. Use only a few drops for your entire face. Applying too much can lead to a greasy texture. Start with a couple of drops to see what your skin needs. You can always add more if required.

Your routine can vary depending on the time of day. In the morning, use lighter oils for a fresh base. At night, choose richer oils for deeper nourishment. Adapting your application ensures your skin receives what it needs throughout the day or night.

Every skin type can benefit from oil—you just need the right one:

• Oily skin: opt for lightweight options, such as jojoba or grapeseed oil.
• Dry skin: richer oils, such as avocado or marula oil, work well.
• Sensitive skin: try soothing oils like Sacha Inchi Seed or Meadowfoam seed oil.

Each oil serum offers different benefits, so select based on your skin type and concerns. This ensures a personalized skincare experience that enhances your skin’s health and appearance.

Always start with water-based products before applying oils. This sequence allows serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeply, optimizing their effectiveness. Oil serums then form a barrier, locking in hydration and nutrients. This method is key to achieving smooth and glowing skin. Remember, proper layering is crucial for healthy, balanced skin.

Not exactly. Facial oils help seal in hydration, but they don’t provide it. Moisturizers and hydrating serums contain water-binding ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that replenish the skin’s water content. Oils come afterward to lock in that moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Skipping moisturizer and using only oil can eventually leave your skin dehydrated.

Always apply your facial oil after your water-based products, including serums and moisturizers. Think of it as the “seal” that keeps hydration locked in. If you apply oil first, it can block water-based products from penetrating effectively.

Yes— the right oils can actually help balance oily skin. When the skin is dehydrated, it often produces excess sebum to compensate. Using lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like Rice Bran Oi, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, or grapeseed can calm the skin and help regulate oil production.

A little goes a long way! Start with 1–2 drops and adjust based on your skin’s needs. Too much oil can create a greasy finish or clog pores. For best absorption, warm the oil between your palms and press it gently into damp skin.

Absolutely. Mixing a drop or two of facial oil into your moisturizer boosts nourishment and adds a soft, dewy finish. Adding oil to your foundation can also help prevent dryness and create a luminous, glowy look—perfect for mature or dry skin types.

You can use facial oil both morning and evening, but choose based on texture. Lightweight oils like squalane or jojoba are great for daytime wear under makeup. Richer oils like rosehip or avocado are ideal for nighttime repair and deeper nourishment.

If you’re using a strong prescription retinoid like tretinoin, a facial oil can act as a buffer to reduce irritation. You can apply a few drops of oil before your tretinoin to create a protective cushion between your skin and the active ingredient—this helps minimize dryness and flaking without diminishing results.

For gentler retinols or encapsulated formulas, apply your oil after the retinol has absorbed. This locks in moisture and supports the skin barrier, helping your skin stay hydrated and resilient as cell turnover increases.

If your skin feels dry even after using oil, you’re likely missing the hydration step. Oils don’t add water—they trap it. Make sure to use a hydrating serum or mist first so your oil can lock that moisture in.

They’re similar, but oil serums often combine pure oils with active ingredients like vitamins, plant extracts, or antioxidants for targeted benefits. Facial oils are typically single or blended plant oils without added actives. Both can protect and nourish the skin, but oil serums often deliver extra treatment benefits.

Choose based on your skin type and concerns:

• Oily or acne-prone: Watermelon oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil.

• Dry or mature: Macadamia oil, rosehip oil, or avocado oil.

• Sensitive or compromised: Sacha Inchi Seed or Meadowfoam Seed Oil.

Choosing the perfect oil serum can feel overwhelming. With numerous options available, finding the right match for your skin type is essential. Consider your specific skin concerns and goals when selecting products.

If you're uncertain, don't hesitate to reach out. Our skincare experts can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your needs. Consulting an AOS esthetician can ensure your skin receives the best care possible, leading to healthier and more radiant skin.

We’re just a free skincare checkup away.