Oil-based serums: tips and application according to your skin type
At La Canopée, most of our serums are applied after or mixed with your moisturizer.
Surprised? Let me reassure you, you aren't the only one astonished by this information! It is THE most recurring topic regarding the correct order of application in a skincare routine at La Canopée 😇
So, to help you understand why the majority of our serums are applied AFTER moisturizers, I invite you to understand the absorption logic of a complete skincare ritual.
To begin, a quick reminder about our dear bodily envelope:
It is our largest and heaviest organ, accounting for an average of 16% of our total body weight.
Our skin has many roles, notably acting as a protective barrier against external events (thermal insulation/shocks/microbes/UV, etc.).
It simply serves as the most intimate link between our internal organism and the outside world.
It is composed of three main layers:
- The hypodermis is the deepest layer, primarily serving for thermal insulation.
- The dermis is the middle layer of our skin; it is a thick, elastic, and fibrous layer. Protection and repair take place in this part.
Finally, the epidermis on the surface. We will focus on this last one because cosmetics mainly play a role in this part.
The epidermis itself is composed of several layers (cornified cells) and its overall balance is fundamental to maintaining healthy skin.
The final line of defense is the hydrolipidic film, composed mainly of water (hydro) from our sweat—which is why our skin has an acidic pH that must be respected during cleansing, in particular—and lipids (fats) from our sebaceous glands.
This fine protective mixture is precious to maintain, as it guarantees cutaneous balance.
To delve a bit further into the subject, the term "serum" can be a source of confusion regarding the order of application.
Indeed, in the world of cosmetics, we hear and use the term serum regularly.
Here is its definition: "a serum is a skincare treatment concentrated in active ingredients, which will help strengthen the action of your cream or your usual product. It will prepare the skin and have a targeted action according to your skin issues".
In the world of conventional cosmetics, serums are most often water-based, and therefore to be applied before creams.
For natural cosmetics, a wide range of options is available to you:
The ingredients and raw materials selected will ultimately define the formulation of the serum.
We therefore find water-based serums ("jelly" textures), such as our Roseraie illuminating serum, and oily serums composed mainly of vegetable oils, to be applied AFTER creams or mixed with them.
Indeed, the skin is a living organ and will capture/absorb products optimally from the smallest molecular weight to the heaviest.
In summary:
1️⃣ I recommend applying a mist as your first step (after cleansing) to hydrate the skin. This step will allow the skin to absorb all subsequent skincare products.
2️⃣ Then, you can apply a water-based serum.
3️⃣ Your moisturizer.
4️⃣ Finish with an oily serum, or you can mix one or two drops directly with your moisturizer if that step is easier for you.
In this way, your skincare routine will be integrated and absorbed according to the logic of nature.
Here are some examples from La Canopée based on your skin needs:
The Essential Purifying Synergy Serum:
This is THE essential serum for skin with blemishes seeking balance. It is composed of virgin jojoba oil, which is simply the oil closest to our own sebum.
No risk of ending up with shiny skin, quite the opposite! One or two drops of this serum mixed with your favorite cream allow the skin to understand that it does not need to produce excess sebum.
The synergy of essential oils present in this formula provides a regulating/cleansing/purifying action and helps with skin healing.
👉 It is THE serum to incorporate into your morning and/or evening routine if you want to restore skin balance and a clear complexion.
2/ The Super Antioxidant Plant Serum:
This serum, with its characteristic green color, is THE protective shield for your skin.
Cécile, our chemical engineer and co-founder of La Canopée, selected macadamia oil for this serum. It is an oil that naturally protects cellular lipids from oxidation, which gives it certain anti-aging properties.
Rosemary and green tea complete the formula to protect the skin from external aggressions and bring radiance to your complexion.
👉 You can apply one or two drops of this serum to your daily skincare to protect and bring suppleness to your skin.
The Ultra-Nourishing Oil-Based Serum:
This is the most nourishing/softening serum in our range.
Rich and precious oils like hazelnut, baobab, sesame, and macadamia work together to intensely nourish your skin.
Calling all skin types in perpetual search of comfort, this is THE product to adopt in your skincare ritual.
👉 If you are a fan of facial massages, this serum will be your ally in making this moment even more pleasant; the combination of the oils mentioned above provides slip to facilitate the movements.
Its highly evocative name makes you dream... And not just because of its name or its color alone!
We are fortunate to be able to offer you a very complete formula:
This serum is composed of choice ingredients, such as argan oil with its firming / softening / regenerating properties.
Also, it contains the famous Buah Merah, which is the most antioxidant fruit in the plant kingdom.
Q10 completes the formula to boost collagen production.
You can understand, then, that this composition provides a comprehensive anti-aging action AND gives a radiant complexion thanks to its lovely sunny color.
I recommend adding one to two drops of this gem to your favorite skincare product.
Immediate "back from a weekend in the sun" effect ☀️
To conclude, the best skincare routine is the one that is adapted to your current skin needs, the one that gives you pleasure with every application, because cosmetics should remain, above all, logical and a moment of daily pleasure.
If you need personalized advice and/or would like to be guided, do not hesitate to book an online appointment for a personalized video consultation.
I will take the time to review your skincare habits and current expectations with you.
Looking forward to advising you soon,
Lucile Reskallah,
La Canopée beauty expert
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