The experts at LovelySkin have partnered with SkinCeuticals educators to bring you the latest skin care intel.

Hydration is vital to the overall appearance, health and essential functions of our skin. Aside from hydration, the moisture level of the skin also plays a vital role in maintaining hydration by keeping it from evaporating. Facial oils seem to be in a category all their own and, depending on the type of oil or oils used, can help provide nourishment if the skin needs it. If you’re wondering where facial oils fit into your skin care routine, we’ve got you covered as we answer questions such as:

• What’s the difference between hydration and moisture?

• Are facial oils hydrating?

• How can I maximize hydration and moisture with SkinCeuticals?

• When should I use facial oils in my skin care routine?

What’s the difference between hydration and moisture?

Hydration refers to the water content within the skin, which is crucial for maintaining the skin's overall elasticity, plumpness and health. Humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin are popular ingredients to look for to help increase water content and effectively hydrate skin thanks to their water-binding properties. Moisture, on the other hand, refers to the oil or lipid content on the skin’s surface, which helps lock in hydration from these humectants and prevent that water content from evaporating. Lipids and emollients are great options for moisturizing the outer layer of the skin while locking in hydration. To maintain an optimal balance, it is important to address both hydration and moisture in your skin care routine.

Are facial oils hydrating?

Let’s visualize a bottle of water. If we drop a teaspoon of oil into that bottle, what happens next? The oil naturally separates and rises to the top. This is because oils are hydrophobic or “water fearing.” When applied to the skin, a facial oil will sit on the surface layer to help prevent hydration loss but lacks the ability of attracting water into the deeper layers where it’s needed most. While a facial oil will help to lock in hydration from other products, it lacks the ability to draw and bind water into the deeper layers of the skin.

How can I maximize hydration and moisture with SkinCeuticals?

To address your skin’s unique needs while prioritizing hydration, layering is key. Here's a general step-by-step guide to follow featuring some of SkinCeuticals best-selling formulas focused on both hydration and moisture:

1) Cleanse: Start with a non-stripping cleanser to remove impurities and prepare the skin for the rest of your routine. We love SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser, a dual-action face wash that’s suitable for dry, normal, combination or oily skin types and delivers deep facial hydration while maintaining moisture and levels with ceramides, glycerin and vitamin B5.

2) Antioxidant: During the daytime reach for a vitamin C serum that prioritizes moisture like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum. This award-winning vitamin C serum also includes 1% vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that also helps to replenish skin lipids. SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums only need to be applied once daily in the morning and will always be your first step after cleansing. This essential step will prevent skin damage from free radicals while providing visible anti-aging benefits too.

3) Hydrating essence: For an additional hydration boost, an essence is an excellent option to add into any routine. Essences are lightweight, packed with hydrating ingredients and can be used throughout the day. SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist is a hydrating botanical facial mist formulated with a 6.2% blend of hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help draw and retain water into the skin.

4) Corrective serum: We recommend applying a serum containing humectants, like hyaluronic acid, to help attract and retain water while visibly smoothing skin. SkinCeuticals offers a full portfolio of hydrating serums for all-in-one hydration and correction. You can choose one or multiple to add into your routine to address specific concerns in addition to long lasting hydration. Here are some options:

• SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Hydrating Serum to hydrate and plump skin

• SkinCeuticals Retexturizing Activator Exfoliating + Hydrating Serum to hydrate and exfoliate skin

• SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Hydrating + Calming Gel Serum to hydrate and soothe skin

• SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Hyaluronic Acid Gel Serum to hydrate and restore radiance

5) Moisturizer: Next, you can follow up with a moisturizer that contains a blend of humectants and lipids, these ingredients help to lock in moisture while supporting skin barrier function. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 checks all these boxes and more. This anti-aging corrective cream features a first to market ratio of 2% ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids along with glycerin to synergistically increase hydration for visibly radiant skin.

6) Sunscreen: During the daytime, always finish your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. We love SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 because not only does this formula give the skin an amazing lit-from-within glow, but it also keeps skin hydrated throughout the day with 7% glycerin.

When should I use facial oils in my skin care routine?

Facial oils are not able to hydrate the skin on their own, but they can provide an occlusive barrier to the top of your skin to help lock hydration in. Depending on your skin type, this may or may not be beneficial and most often a lipid-rich moisturizer can eliminate the need for one. If you have a facial oil that you love and is working for your skin type, layer it properly alongside the rest of your routine. In the morning, you can apply your facial oil after your hydrating serums and moisturizer but before sunscreen. In the evening, we recommend applying your facial oil as the last step after serums and moisturizer.

Are you applying your skin care products properly? You can learn more about whether to apply skin care products to damp or dry skin to maximize their benefits on the LovelySkin Blog.