Cream or oil: which moisturises more?

It protects the skin from external aggressors such as dryness or sunburn, while improving its look and feel... Yes, we are talking about hydration and its benefits for the skin.

We will never tire of saying it: it is incredibly important to keep our skin hydrated all year round, whether it is cold or hot, whether we live in temperatures below freezing or spend all day out in the sun.

Why? Because hydration protects our skin from external aggressors, such as dryness caused by low temperatures or sunburn, preventing water loss and helping to protect it from skin ageing...

Differences between moisturising cream and oil

When we talk about hydrating the skin, we are referring to dermocosmetic treatments in cream or oil format.

Although they differ in several ways, one of the main ones is this: on the one hand, cream is formulated with a water base and oils, which means it forms a film over the skin whilst penetrating the deeper layers.

Meanwhile, oil is made up solely of different oils, which penetrate the most superficial layer of the skin. Important: before buying a moisturising cream, we should check the ingredients carefully and make sure it does not contain alcohol, as this can dry the skin out even more.

Another difference between the two is how they are applied. In the case of cream, it is best applied to dry skin, after getting out of the shower, for example.

Oil, on the other hand, should be applied to damp skin so that it absorbs better and more quickly. Once it has been applied, we can dry ourselves with a towel.

That way, we also avoid the sticky feeling that often comes with using oil, and it will not stain our clothes either. Cream, on the other hand, hydrates deeply by adding water to the skin.

What oil does, thanks to its formulation, is create a protective barrier that helps prevent water loss.

Which moisturises more?

Now that you know the differences, you are probably wondering: cream or oil, which moisturises more? In terms of hydration, cream offers more moisture. But that does not mean oil does not work or that it is worse.

In the end, choosing one product or the other also depends a lot on texture preferences, what the skin needs and the formula...

Oils to hydrate the skin

The formula of an oil is usually made up of natural ingredients, meaning essential and vegetable oils. So we will leave that choice up to you. For example, in summer we recommend the Huile Prodigieuse Or dry oil because its luminous finish adds extra radiance to the skin whilst enhancing your tan.

Moisturising creams for the skin

And in winter, Cerave moisturising cream is perfect for controlling dryness caused by changes in temperature, deeply hydrating and restoring the skin.

And you, do you prefer cream or oil?

Bibliography:

• Draelos, Z. D. (2018). Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Miteva, M., & Tosti, A. (2012). "Skin hydration and topical treatments". Dermatology Reviews.
• Housman, J., & Lee, S. (2019). "Moisturisation and its role in dermatology". Journal of Clinical Dermatology.