With the very exciting launch of our very first face cream to join our natural skincare range, CELESTE: Deep Moisture Hyaluronic Acid Cream, a question we've been getting a lot is:
“Should I use face cream or face oil first?”
You’re not alone in wondering as layering skincare correctly can truly make all the difference. And now that we (Wild Rising) offer both face oils and a face cream, it’s now the perfect time to talk about how to build your skincare routine the right way.
We just want to start by saying that everyone's skin behaves differently and you may want to entirely ignore this and do it your own way. That being said, many dermatologists suggest applying the thinner more water-based product first. “Face oils feel thin consistency-wise,” says Robert Anolik, MD, an NYC dermatologist and professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “But they should still be applied after water-based products like lotions"
So use face oil last?
Yup, using your face oil last ensures that it forms a protective barrier, locking in moisture from the cream and boosting your skin’s lipid barrier. If you were to reverse the order, face oil before cream, the cream may not be able to penetrate through the oil layer as effectively.
Creams can contain skin-barrier-supporting ingredients like linoleic acid or squalane (just as oils can) but also typically include water-based hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid (like Celeste). An oil over the top delivers extra nourishment and seals in moisture at the same time. But if the cream you’re using is super occlusive (thick), you might want to layer it over the oil.
We hope that helps lovely people,
Love, Danielle (Founder/Owner)