Are face oil, and face cream, interchangeable? Unfortunately, no they aren't.
They perform two different functions.
Face cream is formulated with a combination of active ingredients, and a content of about 60-85% water. Actives are at a lower concentration because of the high content of water. Face cream is a medium to bring water(hydration) to the skin, along with other potential benefits that the active ingredients offer. The main function of a face cream is to HYDRATE the skin.
A face oil is a formula created with a combination of oils, and no water. This means that it has a much higher concentration of active ingredients. A face oil, ideally replaces the oils that you may have stripped away during cleansing, and/or that your skin doesn’t produce naturally. Along with this, the active oils will bring all the necessary benefits that they do. Face oil can LOCK-IN hydration, but it can’t bring hydration to the skin on its own.
How to use FACE OIL and/or FACE CREAM
If you have a face cream that you want to continue using with your face oil. Apply your face cream, and then follow up with your face oil to lock in the hydration that your cream provides. If you want to use ONLY a face oil, then be sure to ALWAYS apply it to damp skin. It can be on freshly washed skin, or you can apply a thermal mist, such as Avène, or Evian to your skin first and then follow up with your facial oil. You can also use an empty misting bottle and fill it with purified (not tap) water, and mist before you apply your face oil.
xoxo, ICONOLAB
