How to Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
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Updated September 2026
Quick answer: Face oil softens skin and seals in moisture by slowing water loss from the surface. It goes last in your nighttime routine, on top of moisturizer, or can be mixed into moisturizer. Dry, mature and dehydrated skin benefit most. Oily skin can use lightweight oils too, since the right oil won't clog pores.
What does face oil do?
Face oils are emollients and occlusives. They fill in gaps between skin cells so skin feels smoother, and they form a light layer that keeps water from evaporating. Many also carry fatty acids, antioxidants and treatment ingredients like bakuchiol.
Face oil vs serum vs moisturizer
| Product | Main job | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Delivers concentrated actives into the skin | After cleanser and toner |
| Moisturizer | Hydrates with water and oil, and protects the barrier | After serum |
| Face oil | Seals in moisture and softens skin | Last at night, over moisturizer |
Face oil doesn't replace moisturizer for most people. It works on top of it. More on oils vs serums.
Who should use a face oil?
- Dry skin that feels tight by bedtime
- Mature skin that looks less plump than it used to
- Anyone in cold, dry weather or heated indoor air
- Oily skin that's dehydrated. Choose a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil.
How do you use face oil?
- Finish your nighttime routine with moisturizer.
- Warm two to four drops between your palms.
- Press it into your face and neck instead of rubbing.
- Or mix one drop into your moisturizer for a lighter feel.
If you use face oil in the morning, keep it to one drop and let it absorb before sunscreen.
Our face oil
Midnight Mend Bakuchiol Night Oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing night oil. It pairs two plant-based retinol alternatives, bakuchiol and rock samphire, to smooth texture and soften the look of fine lines without the harshness of retinol. Phytoceramides help reinforce the barrier, and upcycled plum oil adds glow. See every ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
Do you put face oil before or after moisturizer?
After. Oil seals in the layers underneath it.
Can face oil clog pores?
Some heavy oils can. Lightweight, fast-absorbing oils are much less likely to. Patch test if you're acne-prone.
Can you use face oil every night?
Yes. Most face oils are gentle enough for nightly use.
Can face oil replace moisturizer?
For some very dry skin types, but most people get better results using both.
