If you're wondering whether an oil or a cream is better for your face, we're not going to tell you oil is the best choice, simply because we are a business that enjoys the benefits of oils. The truth? It really depends on your skin type and how you feel about it, especially if you have very oily skin, though some people have solved their oily skin concerns with oils (for example, Jojoba and Meadowfoam Seed are popular sebum-balancing oils). Yet, for others, an oil may not work.
Feel: People who are more sensitive to certain product textures may not like the feel of an oil on their skin or face, others may not like the thickness or the feel of cream on their body or face. Still, there are others who feel that all oils are greasy and all creams are sticky, or "cakey" feeling. I know people who can only use water and soap on their skin. So, it all just depends on what you and your skin are able to handle. We recommend trying both and comparing the two to find out which one you like best!
How you use it: Believe it or not, whether or not a product works for you also depends on how you're using it and what you are using it with. Too many products can actually overwhelm the skin and disturb the skin's moisture barrier. Using too much of the same ingredient from different products can also have adverse effects.
Every person's skin is different and reacts to products differently, however, I can tell you why we at Dollhouse Botanicals are natural skincare lovers who stand behind natural oils:
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Creams contain water, which acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, microbial, and fungal growth, giving them the perfect environment to thrive and multiply, while most botanicals oils are anhydrous, meaning that they are without water, do not need water to work, and have natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties
- Creams containing healing oils often need to use binders to combine oil with water, and not all binders are healthy-some kill or decrease the effectiveness of the active ingredient (which tends to be the botanicals elements combined). Natural oils are often the effective ingredient in the cream.
- Most creams sit on top of the skin and are primarily used to moisturize the skin's surface as they cannot carry concentrated actives into the skin, while oils penetrate, working below the surface to attack skin and scalp issues and begin restoration, cell regeneration, and turnover
- The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial effects of oils naturally help to heal acne (anti-acne), soothe eczema, psoriasis and other skin concerns (anti-inflammatory)
- The most effective creams tend to be prescription, while the most effective oils tend to be "true oils" (non-synthetic, active natural oils,)
- Creams are generally better designed for moisturizing dry skin, while oils are more often equipped to both hydrate the skin and stimulate healing
- Creams can often sit on top of the hair, making it softer and giving it a moisturized feel, while oils actually penetrate, nourish, and moisturize the follicles and the scalp, creating a healthier scalp environment for hair to grow
- Natural oils have been used in beauty and medicine for centuries, and the footprint is heavier and larger than that of creams
- Oils more easily bring radiancy, and a more youthful, healthy glow to skin and hair.
If you're new to natural skincare oils, we recommend looking for gentle non-comedogenic ingredients such as rosehip seed, meadowfoam seed, jojoba, argan, or grapeseed to start out with and see where that takes you.
Remember, always do a patch test before using natural skincare, especially if you are allergic to certain plants, nuts, etc.