Face Oils for Winter Skin | How to Use + Layer

Face oils: a winter-friendly guide to comfortable, glowing skin

By Rebecca Martin

When winter air, indoor heating and wind leave skin feeling tight or a little “off”, face oils can be a gentle way to support comfort and softness — without adding lots of new steps. Used well, oils help seal in moisture, reduce the feeling of roughness, and add that healthy-looking glow we all miss in colder months.

This guide explains how to use face oils in a simple, barrier-friendly way, including where they sit in your routine, how many drops you actually need, and how to pick a texture that feels right. If you’re also working on winter sensitivity, you may like our winter routine guide: Skincare for dry and sensitive skin in winter.

Face oils: what they are and why winter skin loves them

Face oils are concentrated blends of skin-loving lipids (fatty acids) that can help your skin feel more comfortable by supporting the “seal” on the surface. They don’t replace hydration (water) on their own, but they can help reduce the feeling of dryness by limiting moisture loss and adding a cushioned, smooth finish.

In winter, many people notice:

skin feels tight after cleansing
fine flaking around cheeks or mouth
dullness or uneven texture
makeup sitting strangely

A good face oil routine doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is using the right amount, applying it at the right time, and keeping the rest of your routine calm and consistent.

How to use face oil (the simple, non-greasy method)

Simple infographic showing the winter face oil method: hydrate first with a toner/hydrolat spray, apply moisturiser, use 2–3 drops of face oil, then gently press into skin

If you’re new to oils (or you’ve tried one and found it too heavy), technique makes all the difference. This is the most reliable method for comfortable results:

If you’re using moisturiser, apply it before your oil (as shown in the infographic).

Start with damp skin. Apply your hydrating step first (a toner / hydrolat).
Use fewer drops than you think. For most faces, 2–3 drops is plenty. Warm between palms.
Press, don’t rub. Gently press oil into the skin. Rubbing can feel irritating when skin is winter-sensitive.
Keep it consistent for 7–14 days. Comfort and texture changes usually improve with steady use.

If you’re oil-prone, use oils only on drier areas first (often cheeks) and keep the amount very small. If you’re very dry, you can add a little more in the evening when you want that overnight “cushion”.

Face oil before or after moisturiser?

Flat-lay of Conscious Skincare Organic Day Cream and Abyssinian Oil on dark slate, showing face oil as the final step after moisturiser for winter comfort

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is simple:

Most of the time, apply face oil after moisturiser. Moisturiser hydrates and softens; oil seals and adds comfort.
If you’re using an oil as your only step (not ideal for winter dryness), apply it after hydration. Oils seal; they don’t replace water.

Two gentle exceptions:

Mix 1 drop into moisturiser if you prefer a lighter feel and don’t want a separate oil layer.
Spot-seal dry patches by pressing a tiny amount over moisturiser only where you need it (cheeks, around mouth).

Face oil serum: do you need both?

You can absolutely use a serum and an oil together — they do different jobs. A simple way to think about it:

Face serum can add targeted conditioning and a lightweight ‘boost’ step — especially if you choose an oil-based blend. Our facial serums contain a blend of actives, great for boost at night.
Moisturiser supports comfort and barrier feel with a protective layer.
Face oil helps seal and smooth, adding softness and glow. Great for morning and evening use.

If you prefer a ready-made blend rather than a single oil, our facial serums are oil-based blends designed for facial skin — a great option when you want a targeted feel without overthinking your routine: Explore our facial serums.

If your skin is reactive right now, keep it minimal. You don’t need to stack lots of products to get results. A calm routine often works better than “more”.

Face oil for gua sha (optional): what to look for (and how to keep it gentle)

A face oil for gua sha should provide enough slip so you don’t tug the skin. You don’t need a thick layer — just enough for the tool to glide smoothly.

Use a small amount (2–4 drops) and add one more drop only if needed.
Keep pressure light. Think “glide”, not “dig”.
Avoid gua sha if your skin is stinging or actively irritated — prioritise calming first.

If you want a lightweight option that glides without heaviness, oils like jojoba or abyssinian often feel especially comfortable for facial massage.

Close-up of fingertips holding a small amount of golden face oil to show the 2–3 drop amount for a non-greasy winter routine

Face oil for dry skin: winter comfort without heaviness

If you’re using face oil for dry skin in winter, aim to build comfort in layers rather than relying on oil alone. The most winter-friendly approach is:

Hydrate first (on damp skin)
Moisturise second (to support softness)
Oil last (to seal and smooth)

This gives you that “plump, comfortable” feel without the greasy finish that can happen when oil is applied to dry skin with no hydration underneath.

Meet our cold-pressed face oils (by feel and finish)

All of our oils are simple, cold-pressed and designed to fit into a calm routine. If you’re not sure where to start, choose by feel rather than chasing a complicated “perfect match”. Patch test any new product and introduce one change at a time.

Featherlight: fast-absorbing and silky

Abyssinian Oil — lightweight and silky, ideal if you want a smooth finish without heaviness: Abyssinian Oil
Jojoba Oil — a light, balanced feel that works well as an optional “seal” step: Jojoba Oil

Cushioning: soft, comfortable and winter-friendly

Organic Argan Oil — a comforting oil for when cheeks feel tight and you want a richer finish: Organic Argan Oil
Sweet Almond Oil — classic, gentle conditioning for soft, comfortable skin: Sweet Almond Oil

Glow-focused: a “night oil” feel

Organic Rosehip Oil (Cold Pressed) — a popular evening oil choice when skin looks dull and you want a healthy glow: Organic Rosehip Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil — softening and lightweight-cushioned, especially loved when skin feels dry: Apricot Kernel Oil

Comfort for easily stressed skin

Evening Primrose Oil — a supportive option in a calm, consistent routine when skin feels easily unsettled: Evening Primrose Oil
Hemp Oil — a lightweight, nurturing oil that feels especially comfortable in winter routines: Hemp Oil

Overnight “reset” feel

Cold Pressed Bakuchiol Oil — a concentrated, evening-step oil for those who enjoy an overnight routine (introduce slowly and patch test): Cold Pressed Bakuchiol Oil

bakuchiol oil — cold-pressed babchi (bakuchi) seed oil in 100ml aluminium bottle; gentle retinol alternative

Two quick winter routines using face oils

These routines are designed to be simple, realistic, and easy to stick with during winter.

Overnight reset (comfort-first)

Cleanse gently (especially if skin feels tight).
Hydrate on slightly damp skin.
Apply moisturiser as your comfort base.
Press 2–3 drops of face oil over the top.

If your skin is feeling reactive, keep the rest of your routine steady and avoid changing multiple products at once.

Morning comfort (light and non-greasy)

Rinse or cleanse very gently.
Hydrate on damp skin.
Moisturise lightly.
If needed, press 1 drop of oil onto drier areas only (often cheeks).

On mornings when your skin feels comfortable, you may not need oil at all — it can be an optional step rather than a daily requirement.

Woman gently pressing face oil into cheeks with eyes closed, calm winter skincare routine showing “press, don’t rub” technique

FAQs: face oils in winter

Will face oils feel greasy?

They don’t have to. Use fewer drops than you think (often 2–3), apply on damp skin, and press rather than rub. If you still feel greasy, switch to a lighter texture or use oil only in the evening.

Can oily or combination skin use face oils?

Yes — but start slowly. Try using oil on drier areas only, or use a single drop mixed into moisturiser. The goal is comfort and balance, not heaviness. Hemp oil is a great choice.

Do I need moisturiser if I use face oil?

In winter, most people find moisturiser helpful because it supports hydration and comfort. Face oil is usually best as the finishing step to seal and smooth.

How often should I use face oil?

Some people love oils daily; others prefer a few evenings per week. Start with 2–3 nights a week and adjust based on how your skin feels.

What if products sting?

Stinging can be a sign your skin barrier is under strain. If that happens, simplify your routine for a week, pause strong actives, and focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and moisturising. Patch test any new product and reintroduce changes one at a time.