Water first, then oil: the rule that will transform your skincare routine

In the beauty world, one question keeps coming up: what’s better - water-based or oil-based products? The answer? Both are great - as long as you know when, how and why to use them.

Water-based products are light, quick to absorb and perfect for hydration. Oil-based products, on the other hand, nourish the skin and help lock that hydration in. Once you understand how they work together, your skincare routine becomes a whole lot simpler.

The key is the order. If you apply oil first, it creates a barrier that stops water-based products from penetrating the skin. That’s why you should always start with water - think serum, essence or a light emulsion - and only then follow with oil. The water hydrates; the oil seals it in.

It’s a small shift, but it can make all the difference between a routine that works and one that just sits on your skin.

Of course, every skin type is different. Oily, dry, sensitive - they all react in their own way. And ingredients matter too, not just the base.

But once you get the golden rule - water first, oil second - you’re already one step closer to a routine that really works for your skin.