When standing at the skin care aisle of your local market, it’s no doubt that you’re probably vortexed by the plethora of moisturizing options. After browsing through pretty labels and maybe a little sampling, you either end up with an oil or lotion in your cart.
What’s the difference between the two? Aren’t they both going to offer the same moisturizing benefits?
This is yet another “skintroversial” topic.
Both options can be incorporated into a facial and body routine, and each contain their own unique benefits for maintaining beautiful skin.
So, what’s the most suitable moisturizer for your skin type, and which will help you “turn back the clock?”
Lotions
Who doesn’t love a silky body lotion? Luxurious, creamy, buttery and whipped. You name it, they’ve made it.
Lotions are created by blending oil and water together. However, since oil and water do not mix on their own, wax is needed to emulsify them. Depending on the ratio of these three ingredients, the end result ranges from a light textured lotion to a heavy cream.
the problem with lotions
The presence of wax in face and body lotion formulas creates an “occlusive” layer on the skin, which locks in moisture. While this sounds ideal for those with dry skin types, wax can potentially build up on the skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Also, since oil is a more active ingredient, and wax is more or less a “filler” ingredient, this waxy build up may prevent the amazing nutrients from the oil from actually penetrating into the skin.
Another downfall of lotion is that the presence of water in a formula requires some type of preservative to keep mold and bacteria from growing inside the product. Unfortunately, most preservatives on the market today are toxic and not skin-friendly. Truly “natural” preservatives are rare, so checking labels is a must and we encourage you to find the cleanest options! We use Aspen Bark Extract to preserve the integrity of our natural formulas.
Benefits of Using Lotion on Your Skin
- Replenishes moisture in the skin
- Leaves skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated
- Soothes dry, chapped and rough skin texture
- Additional ingredients in lotion formulas include aloe, vitamin E, shea butter, sunflower oil, and extracts, which all have their own beneficial properties
- Lotions help those with sensitive skin
Lotions definitely bring something to the table. But as you go through all of that trouble of lathering on your daily moisturizer of choice, you might want to consider if your skin is would receive more benefits from an oil-based formula?
Oils
If you’re familiar with Annmarie Skin Care, you know we’re a huge fan of oils. They are the primary base for the majority of our products (with a lot of love and herbs infused into them!).
I like to refer to oils as the ‘crème de la crème,' because they are an essential component of your typical lotion or cream, and can also be used alone for superior moisturization. In fact, pure oils have been used for thousands of years in ancient beauty rituals from around the world.
the nourishing effects of oils
Oils have extremely high nutrient and antioxidant levels. They are 100% active and are easily absorbed into the skin since they don’t contain any fillers. As we age, the oil (sebum) that our skin produces starts to deplete, so it only makes sense to replenish the lipid barrier by applying oils that our skin will lovingly soak right up! See, if we don’t lubricate the skin effectively, then fine lines and wrinkles start to show up.
A common skin care myth is that oils will clog pores and make you break out, especially for acne-prone skin types. This is wildly untrue! Oils have the amazing ability to balance the skin. Let’s ditch the oil-free hype because all skin types can benefit tremendously from these gifts of nature. Try our Herbal Facial Oil for Normal and Combination Skin which is in a base of grapeseed oil, a very light-textured oil suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types.
Benefits of Using Oil on Your Skin
- Oils hold in moisture
- Since oils deliver antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids to the skin effectively, they are the optimal choice for an anti-aging moisturizer
- A little oil goes a long way, making them the more cost effective choice (applying to wet skin will increase absorption, providing complete coverage in as little as a few drops)
- No preservative is needed to store an oil (miron glass is recommended for extended shelf life)
- Oils are easily welcomed by the skin and will not clog pores
Do keep in mind that the quality of an oil also reflects its performance on the skin. Look for oils that say “cold-pressed” or “CO2-extracted.” Always choose organic when possible and avoid chemical additives such as fragrances (parfum). Oils are often infused with herbs, so if the ingredient on the label are names of flowers and plants, you’ve likely found a good quality oil. Your skin is just waiting to take in all the juicy benefits!
Next time you need to re-stock your moisturizer, experiment with what responds and works best for your skin type. We recommend organic facical oils because of the amazing benefits, but some people also love using lotion like Radiant Skin Silk on their faces and have great results.
Sources:
http://www.organicgardening.com/living/lotion-or-oil
Winter, Ruth. ‘A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients: Complete Information About the Harmful and Desirable Ingredients in Cosmetics and Cosmeceutical’. Harmony; February 10, 2010.
Aguino, Kathy. ‘Skin Care Oils: Natural Plant Oils For Your Face, Body, And Hair’. Amazon Digital Services. November 29, 2014.
got eczema n itchy dry skin.tks
Happy to have discovered your website! Just FYI though, I tried to take the quiz to find my “Skin Snapshot,” but the link took me to a blank white page ???? Please let me know if the quiz returns.
Thank you so much!
S.P. Wilds
Hi there!
I’m sorry you weren’t able to take the skin quiz, we’ve been periodically updating it so you might have an older version. Try to delete your browsing history and click the skin quiz again on any of the blog posts 🙂
Great post! Oils have made a huge difference in my skin. I love that they are so concentrated. My own oil production has normalized since using oils on my skin. I used your anti aging oil in the winter and just ordered a sample of the herbal oil, which I also love. Coconut oil is wonderful on my body. I’ve posted reviews of many of your products on my blog. Annmarie Gianni is the first company I have found that makes truly products made with natural ingredients that are also highly effective. Love them!
Wonderful, beautiful article! Aestheticians need to know this information and so do our clients! Most people can’t get that “oil clogs and makes me break out” myth out of their heads.
Thank you for sharing all of your wisdom and creating such a beautiful product line, Annmarie. I absolutely LOVE using oils on my skin, and have only recently, within the last year, discovered their amazing benefits. The only concern is making sure that I’m also protecting my skin from harmful rays, so I use an organic moisturizer with an SPF, during the day and on top of my oils, for protection. How do you feel about that? Do you have a better recommendation for me? I appreciate your advice, and I’m eager to hear from you.
Hi Paula,
We definitely recommend using sun protection! Our natural sun protection product – Sun Love – is also a lotion. So we agree there are times when a lotion is necessary. If you haven’t already, check it out. 🙂 http://shop.annmariegianni.com/Sun-Love–Natural-Sun-Protection_p_234.html
My recommendation for optimizing the oil absorption is to simply spray a toning most of your choice after you apply the oil. Water increases skin permeability, therefore the oil drives into the skin deeper 🙂 this will also dilute the oil a bit, for those who get that “greasy” complexion after applying an oil. Don’t forget to gently massage it into the skin !
I’ve tried a multitude of oils and oil blends on my skin as my moisturizer (incl. your herbal facial oil and anti-aging oil), and they just do NOT work for me despite how MUCH I wanted them to. No matter how little I use, they all just SIT on my skin (even after rubbing in, obviously) making it look downright greasy. Even rosehip oil, which is said to be one of the more drying oils, doesn’t work for me. As a result, I’ve defaulted to using serums (which I quite like) and facial creams/moisturizers. I don’t understand why the oils behave that way on my (facial) skin, though. Has anyone ever encountered that or had a similar experience? Admin, any insights?
Hi Liz,
That’s great that the serum is working so well for you! Aloe absorbs really easily into the skin, and both of our serums do include a bit of oil, so are you are getting the moisturizing benefits as well. My advice for you, if you’d like to use a facial oil, would be to exfoliate first with something like our Dead Sea Scrub. http://shop.annmariegianni.com/Dead-Sea-Scrub-50ml_p_33.html This will help you absorb the oil better.
I’m 85, always looking for the best skin care. I’ve found it in Annmarie.I use the ant-aging products as well as coconut Honey Mask, the exfoliating masks, hand cream and coconut oil. I like the look of moisture rather than cosmetics. When I announce my age, which I’m proud to do, most people say “No way, maybe 70”. So grateful to you and your ethics. Joy
Same! I’ve been using oils for most my life, & thoroughly enjoy the benefits. A lot of people ask me what I do & I tell them OIL !! There’s an oil appropriate for every skin type & I switch them up seasonally too. (Something a little richer for the winter / lighter for the summertime – I’m a greasy gal in the summer!) so if you’re on the fence, don’t be afraid! Take a chance & watch the magic happen. You will fall in love with your skin! If you’re looking for a product to take the leap with Annmarie Gianni’s is a safe bet. Peace Love & Oil
Oh, I mistakenly hit the post too soon & you answered before I could finish!
I have tried both & love the Honey Mask! The Anti-Ageing Serum, is a bit too strong in Rose scent,( sorry my aversion to rose ), that is why the Citrus Stem Cell Serum is best for me☆Keep me posted in the future. Will the new “Orange” product be for moisture? Thanks♡
If you plan to develop any other deep moisture products, for we dry wisdom wise fairies, I will gladly give it…. trial flight~* Thank you for all you do for us in the AG Family~♡~ Becca
Annmarie & Abby,
I absolutely adore each new AG product I try , knowing I am applying organic & pure health to my face! Being blessed to be the Mama of 4 , & Grandmama to sweet 2yr old Nolan James, at 57yrs I need to FEEL more moisture! I have small pores & have always had dry skin even as a teen! Before reading this article, I use Aloe Cleanser, Neroli Mist, Repair Oil is my favorite, added the Radiant Silk & Coconut Oil on top 2x per day. In 5-10 mins it soaks in & I feel smooth. My skin is like a sponge, however still wanting more! After reading this I wondered if , I am
expecting a plumper feeling of moisture, is just because I am so used to feeling all that wax filler? Lr what else do you recommend? I love all oils & healthy lotions & creams!
Hi Becca!
For extra moisture, try our Coconut Honey Mask. (http://shop.annmariegianni.com/Coconut-Honey-Mask-50ml_p_24.html) The honey helps bind the coconut oil to your skin!
For more plumpness, try our Anti-Aging Serum (http://shop.annmariegianni.com/Anti-Aging-Serum-15ml_p_19.html) Hyaluronic acid in this formula helps the skin retain more water, making it more plump and firm.
I have tried various oils on my body, however in the winter when the skin tends to dry out… with even the natural oils, my skin wildly itches and flakes, whereas if I use a lotion that does not happen. Any comments about that?
I had the same problem with really dry, itchy skin in the winter … and even lotion could not tame it after a few months, even after trying several different “intensive” brands.
I solved the problem by changing my soap, which was drying my skin out too much and stripping off too much of my skin’s natural oils. I researched and found by experimenting that using a hydrating and moisturizing body wash, followed by applying a light body oil right after the shower while still wet got rid of the dry itchy skin. (FYI – I found even toweling off removed too much of the moisture my skin needed to not itch and applying the oil right then locked the water into my skin and meant I only needed a small amount of oil so I wasn’t greasy all day.)
There’s a recent article here at AG about the need for both hydrating (with water) and moisturizing (with oil) to keep your skin happy. Hope this helps!
PS – I use either St Ives Body Wash Creamy Coconut Triple Butters or Aveeno’s Skin Relief Body Wash, followed by Neutrogena’s Fragrance Free Light Sesame Oil (AG’s coconut oil, rosehip, or argan oils work well too).
Hi there, thanks for your input. Here’s the link to the article you mentioned: https://www.annmariegianni.com/dry-vs-dehydrated-skin/
I love ALL the Annmarie skin care line, my favorite being the eye cream and Rosemary Toning Mist. I also use Annmarie’s other toners, serums and oils. Usually I have excellent results with all her products however this has been a particularly cold, dry winter in the East(I live in Vermont). I don’t find the oils are absorbing into my skin the way they do in the summer. So I have complimented my skin care regime with a moisturizer from Tata Harper’s line ( Repairative Moisturizer). Tata Harper has a farm in Vermont where she grows many of the herbs used in her products. I love that both these ladies make wonderful products. Thank you!!
Hi Lisetta! One trick you might use is exfoliating before you put on your moisturizer so your skin really absorbs it.
I am in my 60’s and use your anti aging serum, the anti aging oil as well as your sun screen. I wait a few minutes before I layer each product, but still my face stays very shiny long after application. I love the feel of your products and would like to continue using them. Please let me know what I am doing wrong, or do I need to add powders to hide the shine.
Hi Marit,
If your face is looking shiny when you do this routine, I would recommend skipping the Anti-Aging Facial Oil in the morning. You can use it at night, since you won’t be using your Sun Love at night. I hope this works!
I am rather new to using the AnneMarie oils. Is it ok to mix it up? Use my old lotion (until I run out) say in the morning and use my AM Oil in the evening?
I have been using argan oil, how do you feel about that?
I absolutely love the oils!. Anti-aging serum and anti-aging facial oil are my go-tos. I have not had any dry or flaky skin since starting with Annmarie’s products.
We also love the Coconut body oil, as well as the Radiant Skin Silk . I got the Radiant Silk first, and while I love it, I am using the Coconut oil more, as is my husband – his hands and fingers can get super dry, and crack. No cracks this year!
I am currently using a mixture of coconut oil and bonus oils such as grapeseed, almond, or jojoba. I am expecting a sample kit from you soon and I am happy to see you favor oils to lotion.