Should I Use a Moisturiser, a Face Oil, or Both?

Should I Use a Moisturiser, a Face Oil, or Both? A Complete Guide for Midlife Skin

If you are in your late thirties or forties and have noticed your skin suddenly feels drier, tighter, or just looks a bit dull, you are not alone. This is exactly what happened to me.

For most of my life, I avoided face oils. I thought they would be too heavy or cause breakouts. But as I hit my late thirties, my usual moisturiser just stopped working. No matter how much I applied, my skin felt thirsty again an hour later.

That frustration was the start of Ané. I realised my changing skin needed something more than a standard cream. I started using a face oil and the difference was so immediate that Glow in a Bottle Face Oil was born.

The Difference Between Hydration and Lipids

To stay healthy and bouncy, your skin needs two distinct things: water (hydration) and oil (lipids).

Most moisturisers are already an emulsion of water and oil. That is how they hold together. The oil phase allows the cream to form and provides a basic lipid seal on the skin. So if you are using a good moisturiser, you are already getting some oil. For many people, that may be enough.

A dedicated face oil is different. A face oil like Glow in a Bottle is made entirely of plant oils, which means it delivers a much higher concentration of fatty acids directly to the skin. These plant-oil fatty acids are the building blocks your skin's lipid barrier needs to function properly. A face oil does not contain water. Its job is to deeply nourish the skin surface, soften the texture, and strengthen the barrier beyond what the oil phase in a moisturiser can do on its own.

Think of it this way: your moisturiser brings the water and a basic oil seal. A plant-oil face oil brings a concentrated dose of the fatty acids that reinforce that seal and feed the barrier directly.

The Science of the Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier is often described as a bricks-and-mortar structure. The skin cells are the bricks and the lipids are the mortar holding them together. This mortar is made of three essential components:

1. Ceramides: These act like the glue that keeps the barrier tight.
2. Cholesterol: This provides fluidity and flexibility so the skin does not crack.
3. Fatty Acids: These are the bulk of the mortar and the fuel for a healthy barrier.

As oestrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, the production of all three of these lipids slows down. When your lipid mortar starts to thin, moisture escapes into the air. This is called Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). You can apply all the water-based serums you want, but if the lipid mortar is full of holes, that water just evaporates.

For a much deeper dive into how the lipid barrier works, what damages it, and a step-by-step plan to repair it, read our full guide: How to Repair and Protect Your Skin's Lipid Barrier.

Why Plant Oils Are Essential Skin Food

This is where the distinction matters. When we talk about a plant-oil face oil, we are really talking about fatty acid content. Plant oils are nature's richest source of essential fatty acids: the Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 that your skin needs to rebuild its mortar.

Your moisturiser already contains oils in its formula, and for some skin those oils may provide enough lipid support. But as the skin changes through perimenopause and menopause, many women find that the oil content in their moisturiser is no longer cutting it. The concentration just is not high enough to replenish the specific fatty acids the skin is no longer making for itself.

A quality face oil fills that gap. By applying one over or mixed into your moisturiser, you are effectively reinforcing the mortar with concentrated fatty acids. This allows the water in your moisturiser to actually stay put, rather than evaporating through a thinning barrier.

How to Choose a Face Oil: Single Oils vs Blends

If you have decided to try a face oil, the next question is: which one? The market is enormous, and it can feel overwhelming. The simplest way to think about it is that face oils fall into two categories: single oils and blends.

Single Oils

A single oil is exactly what it sounds like: one plant oil, on its own, in a bottle. These can work well if you know exactly what your skin needs. Here are some of the most popular options and what they bring to the table:

• Grapeseed Oil. Lightweight, high in linoleic acid (Omega-6), and low on the comedogenic scale. This is one of the most popular base oils for a reason. It absorbs quickly, does not feel heavy, and is well suited to skin that is prone to congestion. A very good starting point if you have never used a face oil before.
• Apricot Kernel Oil. Another popular lightweight base, rich in oleic acid (Omega-9) and vitamin E. It has a lovely, silky texture and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Slightly richer than grapeseed, so a good option if your skin leans more dry than combination.
• Rosehip Seed Oil. High in linoleic acid and also contains a small amount of retinoic acid (a natural form of vitamin A). Popular for improving skin tone and texture. Can feel slightly drying on its own for very dry skin, so it often works better mixed with a richer oil.
• Argan Oil. A good all-rounder, rich in both oleic and linoleic acid plus vitamin E. Absorbs well, feels nourishing without heaviness. Widely available and well tolerated by most skin types.
• Jojoba Oil. Technically a liquid wax rather than an oil. Its structure closely mimics human sebum, which is why it is often recommended for oily or acne-prone skin. Very stable and unlikely to cause irritation, but on its own it does not deliver the same breadth of fatty acids as true plant oils.
• Marula Oil. Rich in oleic acid with good antioxidant content. Absorbs quickly and feels luxurious. A solid choice for dry to normal skin, though its oleic acid dominance means it may not suit congestion-prone skin as well as linoleic-rich oils.

The advantage of single oils is simplicity. The disadvantage is that no single oil contains the full spectrum of fatty acids your skin barrier needs. Linoleic acid does one job, oleic acid does another, palmitoleic acid does another still. If you are using just one oil, you are getting good coverage in one area but leaving gaps in others.

Blended Oils

A blended face oil combines multiple plant oils into a single product, with each oil chosen for a specific fatty acid or function. The idea is to deliver a broader range of Omegas in one step, rather than relying on whatever a single oil happens to contain.

This is the approach I took with Glow in a Bottle. Rather than choosing one hero oil, I wanted to cover the full spectrum: Omega-6 for barrier repair (Grape Seed, Argan), Omega-7 for elasticity (Macadamia), Omega-9 for nourishment (Argan, Meadowfoam), and a multi-Omega powerhouse for inflammation (Sea Buckthorn). Every oil in the blend has a specific job.

What to Look For

Whether you choose a single oil or a blend, these are the things worth checking:

• Cold-pressed. This means the oil was extracted without heat, so it retains its full fatty acid profile and naturally occurring vitamins. Refined oils are cheaper but much of the beneficial content has been stripped out.
• No filler oils. Some face oils pad their formulas with cheap carrier oils like sunflower or sweet almond to keep costs down. These are not bad oils, but they dilute the concentration of the more active ingredients.
• No added fragrance or essential oils. Fragrance and essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or citrus can irritate a compromised barrier. If your skin is already sensitive or reactive, these are worth avoiding.
• Check the fatty acid profile. A face oil high in linoleic acid is generally better for combination or congestion-prone skin. A face oil higher in oleic acid suits drier skin. If you are not sure, a balanced blend that includes both is the safest option.

What Is Inside Glow in a Bottle?

I formulated Glow in a Bottle to be a concentrated fatty acid replenishment for midlife skin. Every oil in the blend was chosen for its specific fatty acid profile. Here is how the ingredients support your skin barrier:

• The Barrier Builders: Grape Seed Oil and Argan Oil are rich in Linoleic Acid (Omega-6). This is the fatty acid most often lacking in a compromised skin barrier. Importantly, linoleic acid-rich oils are also low on the comedogenic scale, which means they are far less likely to clog pores than oleic acid-dominant oils.
• The Elasticity Boost: Macadamia Seed Oil is a rare source of Palmitoleic Acid (Omega-7), which we produce naturally in our sebum but lose as we age. It gives midlife skin that supple, bouncy feel.
• The "Liquid Gold": Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil contains all four Omegas (3, 6, 7, and 9). It is a powerhouse for calming the inflammation that often comes with hormonal shifts.
• The Sealants: Squalane (olive-derived) and Meadowfoam Seed Oil mimic the skin's natural oils. They provide a high-quality seal to stop water evaporation without feeling greasy.

Glow in a Bottle contains no essential oils, no added fragrance, and no mineral oil. Every ingredient is a functional plant oil chosen for its fatty acid delivery.

What to Avoid When Your Barrier Is Compromised

Replenishing fatty acids is one side of the equation. The other is stopping the damage. If your skin barrier is already struggling, certain habits and products can make things significantly worse:

• Over-exfoliation. Acids (AHAs, BHAs) and physical scrubs strip away the lipid mortar faster than your skin can rebuild it. If your skin feels tight or stings after cleansing, you are exfoliating too much.
• Harsh cleansers. Foaming cleansers with sulphates dissolve the very oils your skin needs. Switch to a gentle, cream-based or oil-based cleanser.
• Too many actives at once. Layering retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and acids all in the same routine can overwhelm a compromised barrier. Simplify first, rebuild, then reintroduce one active at a time.
• Ignoring the environment. Central heating, air conditioning, wind, and hard water all accelerate Trans-Epidermal Water Loss. A face oil acts as a physical shield against these daily assaults.

So, Do You Need a Moisturiser, a Face Oil, or Both?

The honest answer is: it depends on your skin, and your skin will keep changing.

A good moisturiser already contains oils in its emulsion, so for some people, particularly if your skin is still producing enough of its own lipids, a moisturiser on its own may be perfectly sufficient. There is no rule that says you must use a face oil.

But here is what I have found, both personally and from the women I work with: as midlife skin changes, the oil content in a moisturiser often stops being enough. The barrier thins, moisture escapes faster, and the skin starts to feel like it needs something more. That is where a face oil comes in, not as a replacement for your moisturiser, but as a way to boost the fatty acid content your skin is receiving.

What I am fairly certain of is that face oil alone is usually not enough. Your skin still needs water-based hydration. Oil seals and nourishes, but it does not hydrate. So if you are going to choose just one, a moisturiser is the safer bet. But if your moisturiser feels like it has stopped working, adding a face oil on top or mixed in can make a remarkable difference.

Midlife skin is on a spectrum, and it shifts. What works beautifully in autumn may not be enough in winter. A week of poor sleep or stress can change everything. The key is to pay attention to your skin and adjust. Some weeks you might only need your moisturiser. Other weeks, your skin will be asking for that extra layer of fatty acid support.

My approach is simple. We are not trying to fix your skin with harsh chemicals. We are replenishing what your body is naturally starting to produce less of, and giving you the flexibility to adjust as your skin needs change.

How to Use Them Together: Your Full Routine

If you have decided your skin could benefit from both, here is the order that works best, morning and evening:

Morning Routine

1. Cleanse with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser.
2. Apply a hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid or similar) to damp skin.
3. Mix a pea-sized amount of moisturiser with one to two drops of Glow in a Bottle in your palm. Press into skin.
4. Apply SPF as the final step. The oil layer beneath will not interfere with your sunscreen. It actually helps it sit more smoothly.

Evening Routine

1. Double cleanse (oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle wash).
2. Apply any treatment serums (retinol or vitamin C, one at a time, not both in the same evening).
3. Apply your night moisturiser.
4. Seal everything in with three to four drops of Glow in a Bottle as the last step. This locks in all your actives and hydration overnight.

This is where I personally notice the biggest difference. When I use face oil as the final step at night, I wake up with noticeably softer, more supple skin the next morning. The overnight seal gives those fatty acids hours to work without any environmental interference.

Face Oil and Makeup

A face oil also makes a surprisingly good makeup base. A drop or two mixed into your moisturiser or primer creates a smooth, hydrated canvas that foundation glides over rather than clinging to dry patches. You can also mix a drop directly into your liquid foundation for a more dewy, skin-like finish. This is a particularly good trick if you find your foundation looks cakey or settles into fine lines by midday.

Beyond the Surface: Lifestyle and Your Lipid Barrier

What you put on your skin matters, but it is not the whole picture. Your lipid barrier is also affected by what happens inside your body:

• Diet: Essential fatty acids must come from food too. Oily fish (salmon, mackerel), avocados, walnuts, flaxseeds, and olive oil all provide the Omegas your skin uses to build its barrier from the inside out.
• Water intake: Hydration starts internally. If you are not drinking enough water, no amount of topical product can fully compensate.
• Sleep: Your skin does most of its repair work overnight. Poor sleep means poor barrier recovery.
• Stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which directly breaks down the lipid barrier. This is why your skin often looks worse during stressful periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use face oil instead of moisturiser?

You can, but for most midlife skin it is not ideal as a long-term strategy. Face oils deliver concentrated plant-based fatty acids but they do not provide water-based hydration. Over time, skin that only receives oil without water-based hydration can still feel dehydrated. A moisturiser gives you both water and a basic oil seal. For the richest results, use both, but if you are only choosing one, a moisturiser is the safer foundation.

Do I apply face oil before or after moisturiser?

Oil is an occlusive, meaning it seals things in. Apply your water-based products first (serums, then moisturiser) and then apply your face oil on top to lock that moisture in. If you prefer a lighter feel for daytime, you can mix one to two drops directly into your moisturiser.

Will face oil cause breakouts on my 40+ skin?

Many women find that the breakouts they experience in their 40s are actually caused by a compromised skin barrier rather than excess oil. Glow in a Bottle is formulated with oils that are high in linoleic acid (Omega-6), which is low on the comedogenic scale and far less likely to clog pores than oleic acid-dominant oils. Repairing the barrier with these fatty acids can actually help balance oil production and reduce breakouts.

How many drops of face oil should I use?

A little goes a long way. For most people, two to three drops is enough for the entire face and neck. If your skin is exceptionally dry, you can increase this to four or five drops. In the morning, one to two drops mixed into moisturiser gives a lighter feel.

Is face oil good for menopausal skin?

Yes. During menopause, oestrogen levels drop and skin becomes significantly drier and thinner because the body produces fewer of the fatty acids that make up the lipid barrier. A plant-oil face oil replenishes those essential fatty acids directly, helping the skin hold onto moisture and maintain its resilience.

Can I use face oil in the morning?

Yes. If you are worried about looking too shiny, simply mix one or two drops into your daytime moisturiser or foundation. This provides a subtle glow and extra protection against environmental dryness. Apply your SPF as the final step over the top.

What are the best fatty acids for ageing skin?

Look for oils rich in Linoleic Acid (Omega-6), Oleic Acid (Omega-9), and Palmitoleic Acid (Omega-7). These are found in ingredients like Argan Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, and Sea Buckthorn. Together, they rebuild the lipid mortar, improve elasticity, and calm inflammation.

Does face oil help with wrinkles?

Face oils help plump the skin by strengthening the lipid barrier, which improves the skin's ability to hold water. While they do not erase deep wrinkles, they significantly improve skin texture and elasticity, making fine lines far less noticeable. A well-hydrated, properly sealed skin surface always looks smoother.

Can I use face oil if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, but choose carefully. Look for plant-based oils that are rich in anti-inflammatory Omegas and free from essential oils or added fragrance. Glow in a Bottle is formulated without fragrance or essential oils for exactly this reason. Repairing the lipid barrier with a quality face oil often makes sensitive skin much more resilient and less reactive over time.

Why does my skin still feel dry after using moisturiser?

This usually means your skin barrier is "leaky." Your moisturiser does contain oils, but the concentration may not be enough to seal a barrier that is thinning due to hormonal changes. The water in your moisturiser is evaporating because you do not have enough lipids (fatty acids) to hold it in. Adding a face oil provides a much stronger seal to stop this evaporation. It is the single most common reason women in their 40s feel their moisturiser "stopped working." The moisturiser itself has not changed, but your skin's needs have.

Can I use face oil with retinol or prescription retinoids?

Yes, and it is actually a very good combination for midlife skin. Retinoids can be drying and may compromise the skin barrier, especially in the early weeks of use. Applying a face oil like Glow in a Bottle over the top of your retinoid (after it has absorbed) helps seal in the treatment while replenishing the fatty acids that retinoids can deplete. If your skin is particularly sensitive to retinol, you can also try "buffering" by applying moisturiser, then retinol, then oil.

Can I use face oil under sunscreen?

Yes. Apply your face oil before your SPF. The oil layer does not interfere with sunscreen efficacy. It actually helps the sunscreen sit more smoothly and reduces that dry, chalky feel some SPFs leave behind. Allow a minute for the oil to absorb before applying sunscreen.

What is the difference between a face oil and a facial serum?

A facial serum is typically water-based and delivers active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or niacinamide. A face oil is lipid-based and delivers fatty acids. They do completely different jobs: the serum hydrates or treats, and the oil seals and replenishes lipids. They work best together, with serum applied first and oil on top.

How long does it take to see results from using a face oil?

Most people notice an immediate improvement in how their skin feels: softer, less tight, more comfortable. Visible improvements to texture, glow, and fine lines typically become noticeable within two to four weeks of consistent use. Barrier repair is a gradual process, and results build over time.

Can I use face oil around my eyes?

Yes. The skin around the eyes is thinner and often the first area to show dryness and fine lines. A gentle plant-oil face oil can be lightly patted around the orbital bone. Use just one drop between both ring fingers and tap gently. Never drag.

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive face oils?

Yes, and it matters. Cold-pressed, unrefined plant oils retain their full fatty acid profile and naturally occurring vitamins. Cheaper oils are often refined using heat or chemicals, which strips out many of the beneficial compounds. The source, extraction method, and freshness of the oils all affect how well they perform on your skin. Every oil in Glow in a Bottle is cold-pressed and carefully sourced for maximum fatty acid delivery.

Should I use a single oil or a blended face oil?

Both can work, but they do different things. A single oil like grapeseed or argan gives you a good dose of one or two fatty acids. A blended face oil combines multiple plant oils to deliver a broader range of Omegas in one step. If your barrier needs are straightforward, a single oil may be enough. If your skin is changing and you want fuller coverage across Omega-6, 7, and 9, a well-formulated blend will give you more. Glow in a Bottle is a blend designed to cover the full fatty acid spectrum for midlife skin.

Ready to try it?

Glow in a Bottle Face Oil is a concentrated blend of cold-pressed plant oils, formulated specifically for midlife skin that needs its fatty acids replenished.

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