Even in general life, when we think of water and oil- they just do not mix. Yet they are two vital elements necessary for our skin.

Although they are incompatible and do not mix, our skin attracts both and needs them to stay healthy, hydrated, and radiant. Hence, striking a balance is the base for good skin. A proper balance is needed to retain the youthfulness of your skin. This is where the water-oil balance becomes essential for your skin. Hydration and moisturization are the two necessities for healthy skin. They are achieved when the water-oil balance is perfect. Today, let us dive deep and find out how water and oil affect skin texture.

Water: Hydration 

Water is the basis of the hydration of your skin. Though often used interchangeably, hydration and moisturization are not the same. Water hydrates the skin but does not moisturize it. Our body contains 70% water however it cannot produce water voluntarily. We can retain water from external sources, such as humectants, which in turn help to keep our skin supple and youthful.

However, when we grow older, the skin’s ability to retain water gets reduced. Drinking enough water and following a proper diet help to keep the skin hydrated. At the same time, good quality hydrating products for skincare are also essential. The key is to get products that have ingredients known for their water retention ability.

This includes Sodium Hyaluronate and Niacinamide. Niacinamide prevents the skin from losing water to external elements and free radicals. On the other hand, Sodium hyaluronate keeps the skin plump and firm by retaining enough water for a longer period.

Our Foxtale Daily Duet Face Wash contains sodium hyaluronate which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid and penetrates the skin much better. It ensures deeper hydration. Thus, even though it is a face wash, your skin will not dry out at all. You can get the benefits of niacinamide from our Foxtale Cover Up Sunscreen which not only gives optimum sun protection but also prevents water loss from your skin. This is because Niacinamide is one of the primary ingredients in it. Both these products also make up for the perfect AM routine!

Oil: Moisture

Using oils for skincare dates back to ancient times. Natural oils help to strengthen and maintain the lipid barrier of your skin. This in turn protects the inner layers ensuring that your skin remains healthy for a longer time as well as keeps the hydration level of your skin intact.

Oil can soothe sensitive skin and unlike popular belief, the right one won’t clog your pores when used in the right way. Striping your skin of oil makes it even oilier as your skin starts producing excess sebum to meet the deficit.

These days, facial oils are gaining popularity once more and so are many different oil-based products. This is because oil can attract water and hence induce better hydration and also break down pollutants. A few drops of any facial oil or even an occlusive can help retain the water and seal the essential fatty acid to strengthen your skin further. You can get the maximum benefits of oil-based products when they are used together with water-based skincare products as well.

How to keep a balance of water & oil in your skin?

Now that you have a fair idea about how water and oil play an influential role in your skincare, it's time to understand their role in different skin types. Not every skin type requires the same ratio of water and oil. Here is a breakdown of the different skin types so you can make the most of both the elements:

Dry Skin:

Dry skin doesn’t just lack hydration, it does not even produce enough sebum. Moreover, hydration is lost quickly on such skin types. Thus, products with ingredients that can retain water well are particularly suitable. Look for ingredients like niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate (a better version of hyaluronic acid). Such skin also requires intense moisturizing hence, a thick yet lightweight cream or lotion is highly recommended. Try our Foxtale Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer which can keep the skin moisturized for a longer time. 

Oily skin:

As the name suggests, this skin type has excess oil and sebum production which can clog the pores and lead to acne. But the excess oil production also forms a protective barrier that helps retain enough water and keeps the skin moisturized. Such skin type will require more focus on oil control to strike the balance. Gel-based moisturizers and lotions as well as face serums are the best choices. A good option would be the Foxtale C For Yourself Vitamin C Face Serum which is lightweight and helps to control excess oil while keeping the skin hydrated.

One can rightly say, striking the water-oil balance is a lot about understanding your skin type well. When you work out the basics of your skin’s requirements, choosing a suitable product gets easier. Maintaining the balance means choosing a suitable product that is tailor-made for your skin’s requirements and you can do so easily when you understand the individual purpose served by water and oil in skincare.