If someone markets a product that promises “Glowing Skin in a Bottle”, we’re pretty sure everyone would line up for it. In reality, products that deliver supple, glowing skin are already in the market - it’s just that not everyone knows about them or the benefits they give the skin. Enter serums and oil treatments- skincare products that deserve a spot on your list of skin necessities. 

But what exactly are serums and oil treatments and why should everyone that is dreaming of clear, radiant skin add this to their routine? We’re sharing in this guide the whats and whys of serums and oil treatments, and how you can choose the best product that suits your skin type. 

What You'll Learn In This Blog

• What Are Serums
• What Are Oil Treatments
• Should You Have Both? 
• When To Apply Serums and Oil Treatments
• Serums and Oil Treatments for Oily Skin
• Serums and Oil Treatments for Dry Skin
• Serums and Oil Treatments for Combination Skin
• Serums and Oil Treatments for Sensitive Skin

What are Serums? 

If you really want your skin to drink up on all those healthy vitamins and minerals, generously add serums to your face. Serums feature a lightweight consistency (and smaller molecular build) which makes it easy for the product to seep deeper into your skin. The result? Skin issues are halted from even making an appearances. 

Don’t be fooled by its simple looks - each drop of a serum contains a potent amount of vitamins, minerals, and anti-ageing components like peptides and antioxidants.

Serums are very simplistic - unlike most products that contain multiple ingredients, serums often feature one concentrated product to address a very specific concern. There’s a niacinamide serum for skin brightening; vitamin C serum for skin renewal; retinol serum for anti-aging results; and hyaluronic acid serum for an intense burst of moisture. 

Should you use serums when you’re already using moisturiser? Yes! Think of it this way - serums do the big work of hydration, moisturisation, and repair underneath the skin. Moisturisers, on the other hand, provide a barrier to keep all the goodness in.

What Are Oil Treatments? 

Oil treatments are pretty new, but the use of natural oils in solving skin concerns has been present for centuries. Natural oils like rosehip oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil help make skin look and feel better, but they can be troublesome to prepare. Oil treatments take away the hassle by bottling up all these natural oils so you can have access to healthier skin. 

Oil treatments work for every skin type - yes, including oily skin! 

Should You Have Both Serums and Oil Treatments? 

There’s a very thin line between serums and oil treatments...and for skincare fans, it’s sometimes blurry. 

The quick answer is yes. You need to have serums to address specific issues on a root level, and an oil treatment to deliver that potent ending to your skincare routine (think of oils as a skincare booster). 

When to Apply Serums and Oil Treatments

Serums are meant to do the power work first, and nothing should get in its way. Apply serums before moisturisers and creams so it could penetrate freely into the skin. 

Oils, on the other hand, are very heavy and are meant to be applied last in your routine. Although applying oils early isn’t the worst skincare crime, doing so can prevent other products from doing their job.

Both serums and oils can be used day and night. 

Serums for Different Skin Types

Serums and Oil Treatments for Oily Skin

When it comes to serums and oil treatments for oily skin, ingredients matter. Choose serums that feature active ingredients like Vitamin C (anti-inflammatory and antiseptic), Hyaluronic Acid (mattifying), and Niacinamide (brightening). 

As for oils, choose lighter, cooling ingredients like jojoba, tea tree, squalane, and marula. These ingredients are effective, but they won’t leave your skin greasy.

Serums and Oil Treatments for Dry Skin

The benefits of oils and serums are more than skin deep - a big advantage for anyone dealing with dry, flaky skin. The MVP ingredients you should be looking for includes Vitamin C, Glycerin, and Squalene - they help the skin retain its barrier so you can enjoy plump, moisturised skin for long. 

We Recommend:

Serums and Oil Treatments for Combination Skin

It’s hard to find a serum that’s worth their salt, especially for combination skin. But here’s a quick tip: find serums infused with Vitamins C and E. As for oils, choose products with aloe vera in it!

Serums and Oil Treatments for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, opt for products that are both anti-inflammatory and moisturising. Some of the best ingredients to take note of include aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, and squalene. 

There are certain results that can only be delivered by serums and oil treatments - just one of the major reasons why you shouldn’t exclude these products in your skincare lineup. Whether for moisturisation, hydration, or skin renewal, serums and oil treatments are the power products. 

Need some help putting together the best skincare routine for your skin type? Try our skin quiz!