During the cold winter months, our thirsty skin often craves extra nourishment and moisturization. With so many products that promise hydrated and glowing skin, it can feel overwhelming. Oftentimes, it’s difficult to know which type of products will offer both relief and results. At PURA, we regularly hear these types of questions: Do I use a cream or an oil or both? Can I mix the two or do I layer these products? What do you suggest for my skin type?. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of moisturizers vs. oil and why we suggest a combination of both to keep your skin healthy and hydrated especially during the driest seasons of the year.
Moisturizer vs. Oil - What’s The Difference?
Both moisturizers and oils soften the skin, but in different ways. On a very basic level, the main difference is that moisturizers are both water and oil soluble while oils are simply oil soluble. All moisturizers will contain some water content and potentially some oils as well as humectants (substances that draw water into the skin) such as hyaluronic acid. Moisturizers have the ability to absorb into the various layers of your skin. On the other hand, oils form more of an occlusive barrier over the skin to prevent moisture from escaping. Oils also protect your skin’s barrier with essential fatty acids and oil soluble vitamins. Oils restore and lock hydration into the skin, but do not necessarily moisturize like a cream or a lotion. Since oil production slows over time, we recommend incorporating moisturizers and oils into your rituals as you age or if you live in a particularly dry climate.
Which Comes First - Moisturizer or Oil?
All skin types can benefit from using a moisturizer and an oil in combination with each other, particularly during your night ritual. While we recommend applying a moisturizer first so it can sink into your skin, we also encourage you to experiment with what works best for you. Some individuals use a moisturizer and oil year round, while others skip an oil during the humid summer months and bring it back into their ritual for the winter. If you are short on time, you can cocktail your skincare by mixing your moisturizer and oil in the palm of your hand before applying it altogether. You can also experiment with applying a face oil throughout the day to refresh your overall glow.
PURA’s Top Moisturizer & Oil Pairings For Face And Body
FACE
Turmeric Night Cocoon
Hug your skin with this comforting and oh so nourishing night cream. Golden turmeric oil contains conditioning and toning properties that contribute to a natural, radiant-looking glow. Uplifting rose geranium oils help promote healthy skin renewal, while protecting against environmental stressors.
Hug your skin with this comforting and oh so nourishing night cream. Golden turmeric oil contains conditioning and toning properties that contribute to a natural, radiant-looking glow. Uplifting rose geranium oils help promote healthy skin renewal, while protecting against environmental stressors.
Radiant Face Drops
These rich and ultra-replenishing drops provide a nightly boost of skin-softening and brightening nourishment. Bulgarian rose, French lavender, and Egyptian geranium oils help calm and soothe the skin for a beautiful, radiant appearance. Evening primrose acts as an intense antioxidant oil for a firmer and plumper looking complexion.
These rich and ultra-replenishing drops provide a nightly boost of skin-softening and brightening nourishment. Bulgarian rose, French lavender, and Egyptian geranium oils help calm and soothe the skin for a beautiful, radiant appearance. Evening primrose acts as an intense antioxidant oil for a firmer and plumper looking complexion.
HANDS
Winter’s Eve Hand Cream
This rich and inviting hand cream offers instant relief. Gently massage this cream into the hands to restore hydration for healthy, soft skin. Ideal for sensitive or eczema prone skin, this nutrient-rich hand cream is crafted with pure essential oils, soothing Vitamin E, nourishing coconut oil, and luxurious cocoa absolute. Featuring a blend of exquisite ingredients that evoke the warm, bright and enchanting fireside memories of winter, this cream is a treat for your skin and senses.
Dreamsicle Hand Oil
This euphoric blend of pure essential oils protects the skin with ultra-moisturizing ingredients such as calendula herbal oil, sweet orange, rosewood and vanilla. Sweet almond oil is high in Omega-3 fatty acids which helps promote nail growth while preventing abrasions and breakage. Massage a few drops into the fingertips, hands and nails following Winter’s Eve Hand Cream. Ideal after bathing, being out in the elements, or applying just before bed.
This rich and inviting hand cream offers instant relief. Gently massage this cream into the hands to restore hydration for healthy, soft skin. Ideal for sensitive or eczema prone skin, this nutrient-rich hand cream is crafted with pure essential oils, soothing Vitamin E, nourishing coconut oil, and luxurious cocoa absolute. Featuring a blend of exquisite ingredients that evoke the warm, bright and enchanting fireside memories of winter, this cream is a treat for your skin and senses.
Dreamsicle Hand Oil
This euphoric blend of pure essential oils protects the skin with ultra-moisturizing ingredients such as calendula herbal oil, sweet orange, rosewood and vanilla. Sweet almond oil is high in Omega-3 fatty acids which helps promote nail growth while preventing abrasions and breakage. Massage a few drops into the fingertips, hands and nails following Winter’s Eve Hand Cream. Ideal after bathing, being out in the elements, or applying just before bed.
BODY
Cocoa & Rose Body Lotion
Massage this decadent lotion into cleansed skin in the morning and evening, from neck to toe, focusing on your dry areas, such as elbows, knees and feet. Apply to slightly damp skin to help it absorb and seal in moisture. Hydrate and replenish your skin with this gourmand, nutrient-dense, skin-softening formula featuring a blend of luxurious French cocoa absolute and lavender, euphoric vanilla, herbaceous rose geranium and vitamin- rich prickly pear oils.
Cocoa & Rose Body Oil
Layer on top of the Cocoa & Rose Body Lotion to seal in moisture and to experience numerous aromatherapy benefits. Exquisite, concentrated and rare cocoa absolute, has a sensual and mouthwatering aroma. Rose geranium is known as the ultimate essential oil for women, as it aids in balancing energy and helps to repair and strengthen skin, due to dryness. Soothing calendula herbal oil, and French lavender, work together for revitalized and smooth-looking skin. A few drops of this oil can also be added to your bath water for a skin-soothing soak.
Massage this decadent lotion into cleansed skin in the morning and evening, from neck to toe, focusing on your dry areas, such as elbows, knees and feet. Apply to slightly damp skin to help it absorb and seal in moisture. Hydrate and replenish your skin with this gourmand, nutrient-dense, skin-softening formula featuring a blend of luxurious French cocoa absolute and lavender, euphoric vanilla, herbaceous rose geranium and vitamin- rich prickly pear oils.
Cocoa & Rose Body Oil
Layer on top of the Cocoa & Rose Body Lotion to seal in moisture and to experience numerous aromatherapy benefits. Exquisite, concentrated and rare cocoa absolute, has a sensual and mouthwatering aroma. Rose geranium is known as the ultimate essential oil for women, as it aids in balancing energy and helps to repair and strengthen skin, due to dryness. Soothing calendula herbal oil, and French lavender, work together for revitalized and smooth-looking skin. A few drops of this oil can also be added to your bath water for a skin-soothing soak.
