Moisturizing Showdown: Creams vs. Oils

The great debate is now on:

Should you moisturize with a facial cream or facial oil?

The simple answer is: it depends.

Cream

Pros

• Controlled delivery of ingredients
• Contain most of the pure oils needed for skincare benefits
• Longer shelf life
• Can be formulated with smaller molecule sizes to achieve maximum results
• Easily metabolized by the skin

Cons

• Waxes and carriers can be occlusive on the skin
• Often formulated with unnecessary ingredients such as perfumes and dyes which sensitize the skin
• Often need to be layered with another product to work effectively

RELATED: Bio Oil: BUSTED!

Oil

Pros

• Pure ingredients without synthetics
• Natural NMFs which act as human lipids
• Optimize hydration levels on the skin
• Provide immediate rehydration results
• Easily metabolized by the skin

Cons

• With incorrect distillation can become irritants
• Fragrant oils can cause contact dermatitis
• Overuse can cause photo sensitivity

Overall, the difference is mostly personal choice.  Creams offer a much higher level of safety but oils, with proper use and experience, can offer faster and more long lasting results.

Both will hydrate the skin and both will certainly address multiple skin care concerns.

My advice is choose based on budget (creams are less expensive than oils ml for ml), level of expertise with skin care (be well educated in the use of pure oils) and of course based on your personal texture preferences.