Facial Oil: The Essential Step in Cold-Weather Nighttime Skincare Routines

I had never been particularly consistent with facial oils. I liked how they left the skin, but between serum and cream I always wondered if I really needed to add another step. Three weeks ago I decided to reserve one exclusively for the night and to be consistent with it. The first thing I noticed wasn’t a spectacular change in the mirror, but something much more everyday: upon waking, the skin feels more comfortable and less tight.

I’ve also learned that using an oil isn’t about coating the face with product. A few drops can be sufficient, especially if the formula has a rich texture, and it’s wise to adapt it to how our own skin responds. Some are designed as the final step to complement the routine, while others can be used alone at night. Reading the product’s instructions matters more than always applying the oil in the same way.

Another thing I was quite confused about was the relationship between oil and hydration. Oils provide lipids and can help soften the skin and reduce water loss, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they replace all moisturizing steps. Therefore, if the skin is dehydrated, it may make more sense to combine them with a routine that adds water and reserve the oil for the end. And if our skin is combination or oily, starting slowly allows us to check whether that texture really suits us.

After these three weeks, what I value most is having learned to observe my skin rather than waiting for impossible results. I wouldn’t say that an oil has erased wrinkles or transformed the face, but I do notice a skin that is softer, more comfortable and pleasant upon waking. Now that it’s starting to cool down, it’s probably when I’ll be most grateful to maintain this gesture. And if one night the skin doesn’t need it, there’s nothing wrong with leaving the bottle on the shelf.

Midnight Glow by Glowery is designed specifically to be incorporated into the nightly routine, especially when the skin starts to feel dry or dehydrated. Its formula combines phytosqualane, ceramides, vitamin E and jojoba oil to provide nourishment and care for the skin barrier. Although it is an oil, its texture is light and it aims to leave comfort without an excessively greasy finish.

Lumina Glow-E Face Oil by Unicskin focuses on nutrition, radiance and skin-barrier care. It incorporates vitamin E together with various oils and antioxidant actives, in a formula designed also for the first visible signs of aging. It can be used in the morning or at night, though it is especially easy to reserve it as the final nighttime step to seal the routine.

Magic Oil by Veralab is an interesting option for those who still look at facial oils with a certain fear due to their texture. It is ultralight and incorporates hyaluronic acid microbeads, aiming to combine nourishment and hydration with a velvety finish. It can be used directly on the face both day and night or mix a few drops with the usual cream.

Rosehip Seed Oil by Arganour forgoes complex formulas in favor of a pure vegetable oil. Naturally rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it is aimed at nourishing the skin and improving its comfort, and is commonly used on marks and scars. It is a simple alternative for those who prefer to introduce a single oil into their nighttime routine.

The Ordinary Rosehip Seed Oil is made with pure, organic oil obtained by cold pressing. This method preserves components such as linoleic acid and provitamin A, which are sensitive to heat during the extraction process. A minimalist formula that fits especially well if we are looking for a facial oil without a long list of added ingredients.

Excellage by Esthederm is designed as a complete nighttime treatment, so it does not need to be accompanied by serum or cream. Its formula aims to intensely nourish the skin while we sleep and to work on aspects such as luminosity, density and signs of aging. It is applied to the face, neck and décolletage, turning the oil into the protagonist of the entire nighttime routine.