Facial Oils vs Moisturisers: Which Is Better During Winter?

As the weather cools, it's common to notice your skin feeling tighter, drier and more sensitive than usual. Cold air, indoor heating and lower humidity can all strip moisture from the skin, leaving your complexion looking dull and feeling uncomfortable.

If you've found yourself wondering whether you should reach for a facial oil or a moisturiser during winter, you're not alone. The truth is, both have an important role to play—but they work in different ways.

Understanding how each product supports your skin can help you build a winter routine that keeps your complexion hydrated, healthy and glowing all season long.

Why Does Skin Feel Drier in Winter?

During winter, your skin naturally loses more moisture. Lower humidity means there's less water in the air, while heaters and hot showers can further weaken your skin's protective barrier.

This often leads to:

• Tightness after cleansing

• Dry or flaky patches

• Increased sensitivity

• A dull complexion

• Makeup sitting unevenly on the skin

If you're experiencing dry skin in winter, your skincare routine may need a few seasonal adjustments to replenish hydration and protect against moisture loss.

What Do Moisturisers Actually Do?

A moisturiser is designed to hydrate the skin while helping prevent water from escaping throughout the day.

Most quality Moisturisers contain a combination of humectants, emollients and occlusive ingredients that work together to attract, soften and lock in moisture.

A good moisturiser helps:

• Replenish hydration

• Smooth rough texture

• Improve skin comfort

• Strengthen the skin's natural barrier

• Keep skin feeling soft throughout the day

During winter, many people benefit from switching to a richer cream with nourishing botanical ingredients that provide extra comfort without feeling heavy.

What Do Facial Oils Do?

Unlike moisturisers, Facial Oils don't typically add water to the skin. Instead, they're packed with nutrient-rich plant oils that help seal in hydration while delivering essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins.

A quality facial oil can help:

• Reduce moisture loss

• Nourish dry skin

• Leave skin feeling soft and supple

• Support a healthy-looking glow

• Protect against environmental stress

Many facial oils also contain ingredients that help calm irritation, making them an excellent addition to a winter skincare routine.

Which Is Better for Winter?

The answer isn't facial oils or moisturisers—it's often facial oils and moisturisers.

They perform different jobs and complement each other beautifully.

Think of your moisturiser as the product that hydrates the skin, while a facial oil helps lock that hydration in and provides an extra layer of nourishment.

If your skin feels particularly dry during winter, layering the two products can make a noticeable difference.

A simple routine might look like this:

1. Cleanse your skin.

2. Apply your serum.

3. Massage in your moisturiser.

4. Finish with a few drops of facial oil to help seal everything in.

This combination helps your skin stay hydrated for longer while leaving it feeling comfortable throughout the day or overnight.

Supporting Skin Barrier Repair

One of the biggest skincare priorities during winter should be skin barrier repair.

Your skin barrier is your body's natural protective shield. When it's compromised, moisture escapes more easily and irritants can penetrate the skin more readily, leading to dryness, redness and sensitivity.

Supporting your skin barrier involves choosing products that nourish rather than strip the skin.

Look for moisturisers and facial oils containing ingredients such as:

• Ceramides

• Squalane

• Jojoba oil

• Rosehip oil

• Vitamin E

• Botanical seed oils

These ingredients help replenish the skin while supporting a healthier, more resilient complexion over time.

How to Choose the Right Product for Your Skin

If your skin feels dehydrated

Reach for a nourishing Moisturiser to replenish water content and keep your complexion comfortable.

If your skin feels dry, rough or flaky

Add a Facial Oil after moisturising to help reduce moisture loss and soften dry areas.

If your skin is sensitive during winter

Choose fragrance-conscious formulas with calming botanical ingredients that support the skin barrier without causing unnecessary irritation.

If your skin is combination

You don't necessarily need to avoid facial oils. Lightweight botanical oils can still provide nourishment without leaving the skin feeling greasy, particularly when used in the evening.

Winter Skincare Tips for Healthy, Comfortable Skin

Small changes to your routine can make a big difference throughout winter.

Try to:

• Use lukewarm rather than hot water when cleansing.

• Apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp.

• Layer a facial oil over your moisturiser at night.

• Avoid over-exfoliating when your skin feels sensitive.

• Stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Protect your skin daily with SPF, even during winter.

Consistency is often more important than using lots of products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use a facial oil instead of a moisturiser?

Generally, no. Moisturisers hydrate the skin, while facial oils help seal in that hydration and provide additional nourishment. Most people benefit from using both together, particularly during winter.

Are facial oils suitable for oily skin?

Yes. Many lightweight plant oils help nourish the skin without feeling heavy. Choosing the right oil for your skin type is more important than avoiding oils altogether.

What helps dry skin during winter?

Using richer moisturisers, avoiding overly hot showers and supporting your skin barrier with nourishing skincare can all help relieve dry skin in winter.

How can I support skin barrier repair?

Focus on gentle cleansing, avoid over-exfoliating and use products rich in barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, squalane and nourishing botanical oils.

The Best Winter Routine Starts with Nourishment

When winter arrives, your skin needs more than just hydration—it needs protection too.

Rather than choosing between Facial Oils and Moisturisers, think of them as the perfect pair. Together, they help replenish hydration, support skin barrier repair, and keep dry skin in winter feeling soft, healthy and comfortable.

Explore Loyal Crush's curated collection of facial oils, moisturisers and nourishing skincare to create a winter routine that works with your skin, not against it.