Recently a friend asked to explain the difference between a face oil, and an oil serum. “Aren’t they the same?” she asked.

The answer is, no. 

The word ‘serum’ is widely used in skincare and means different things to different people. The confusion arises because serums can be gel based, water based, oil based, or an emulsion of both oil & water. 

For our purposes, we will focus on oil-based serums vs face oils as these are the two that are most commonly mixed up.

So what’s the difference? Let’s clarify the confusion.

Understanding face oils and oil serums

Both face oils and oil based serums are prevalent in today’s skincare. This is because botanical oils quickly and easily penetrate into the top layer of the dermis and help strengthen skin barrier function providing instant moisturization and comfort to skin.

But there is one key difference between the two, and that difference lies ultimately in visible results you get from using one versus the other. Let's dive in.

Face oils

Face oils are made of general purpose carrier oils that moisturize the skin by reinforcing its barrier. This makes them ideal for basic, daily hydration. Many face oils are single ingredient oils, like apricot kernel or jojoba oil, with no additional ingredients. While a few may include a modest percentage of high-performance oils, they generally lack the targeted botanical actives found in a facial serum. 

In a nutshell, face oils are:

• Made predominantly with carrier oils like almond, apricot, jojoba, or macerated oils (carrot, marigold, comfrey).
• Include few, if any, aromaceutical ingredients like essential oils.
• Contain no biologically active compounds aside from tocopherol (vitamin E) as an antioxidant.
• Provide basic daily skin moisturizing. 

Serums

Oil serums, on the other hand, are used as concentrated restorative and revitalizing treatments that deliver visible results. 

They contain high-performance biologically active compounds, precious oils, antioxidants, and aromaceuticals. These specialized ingredients not only moisturize and support skin barrier health, they also include restorative essential fatty acids and other phytonutrients that can be metabolized by the skin. 

High performance seed oils like sea buckthorn oil, rosehip seed oil, moringa, camellia seed oil, and dry oils like meadowfoam are prevalent in serums for their deep-penetrating and fast-absorbing qualities.

Unlike face oils, facial serums target specific concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or enlarged pores by using active ingredients that offer visible benefits beyond hydration.

In summary, facial serums:

• Target specific concerns like; spots, fine lines, reactive skin, acne-prone skin, flaky skin, and more.
• Have marked effects on improving the appearance of skin.
• Absorb quickly and penetrate deeply into the skin.
• Are made with high performance botanical oils like sea buckthorn oil, rosehip seed oil, moringa oil, camellia seed oil, and dry oils like meadowfoam.
• Contain concentrated amounts of antioxidants (polyphenols) like flavanals, flavones, and resveratrol, to name a few.
• Contain biologically active compounds.
• Are rich in essential fatty acids, Omegas 3,6,7, and 9.
• Some even Iinclude mood-boosting aromaceuticals like precious essential oils from rose, neroli, and other rare flower essences.

Anatomy of an oil serum

A facial serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum is crafted to smooth fine lines, restoring vibrancy and radiance to depleted skin. It also contains aromatic compounds that uplift mood and boost relaxation. Results are immediately visibible and long lasting.

Key ingredients and their benefits

The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum is a testament to the efficacy of meticulously selected ingredients. 

This serum features:

• Arnica Montana: Known These blooms target puffiness and dark spots.
• High Altitude Sea Buckthorn and Rosehip: These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help restore skin luminosity and tone.
• Nepalese Goji and Acai: promote hydrophilic skin plumping and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

How to use an oil serum

To integrate oil serums into your skincare regime, start with a clean base. For serums like The Alpine, apply one pump or 2-3 drops directly to the face and neck, massaging gently until absorbed. 

Serums can be layered under a moisturizer or sunscreen for daytime use or under a richer cream at night for enhanced benefits.

Why choose TellurideGlow serums?

Our serums are a blend of nature’s best ingredients tailored to nurture and revitalize your skin. They stand out due to their:

• High Concentration of Active Ingredients: Delivering targeted solutions to enhance your skin’s health.
• Rapid Absorption: Ensuring that potent ingredients penetrate deeply without leaving a greasy residue.
• Versatility: Suitable for use in any skincare routine, whether morning or night.

Choosing between a face oil and a serum doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. Depending on your skin’s needs, incorporating both into your skincare routine can provide comprehensive benefits. 

With TellurideGlow’s carefully formulated products, empower your skincare routine with the best of nature and science.

Adaptogens are the new buzzword in skincare but these ingredients that have been used for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years in herbal medicine to restore the body to its natural state.

In skincare, adaptogens work like antioxidants in that their main purpose is to protect the body from external stressors and bring it back to its normal state. They can decrease inflammation, cleanse the skin by killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, decrease oil production, protect, and hydrate while providing potent antioxidants.

Traditionally, adaptogenic herbs have grown in some of the most inhospitable areas of the planet which likely gives them their stress and fatigue-fighting properties. Some adaptogens are considered extremophiles of the plant kindgom.

Bioavailability is key

Adaptogen plants need to be quality-controlled to have bioavailability and proven ability to reach the targeted skin layer. The best way to do this is to leave them in their natural state, undisturbed by heat and processing as we do with our whole-plant ingredients at Telluride Glow. Care and thoughtfulness must be applied at every step, from harvest to formulation, if the skin is to reap the full benefits. 

Adaptogen plants often grow in stressed environments, bestowing potent nutrients as a survival mechanism. For us, that means delivering better skin nutrition. 

TellurideGlow transports raw plant energy from alpine survivalist plants right to your skin. We source worldwide to provide the highest ratios and greatest variety of cytoprotective high-altitude botanicals on the market. 

Age-old adaptogenic botanicals

Each adaptogenic ingredient in our formulas uniquely supports the skin, bringing overall balance and resilience to the complexion. 

Tremella mushroom (aka snow mushroom)

The polysaccharides (naturally occurring long chains of carbohydrate molecules) found in tremella have immunological properties. They help adjust the immune system to assist the body in fighting off skin stressors. You can find snow mushroom in our Snow Rose Recovery Mask.

Aloe vera

Aloe is known to contain twelve substances that play a role in soothing inflammation. The disinfecting and antimicrobial properties also play a role in fighting harmful bacteria. This wonder plant is perfectly suited to assist the body with defense mechanisms. And it's just one of the many reasons we choose aloe as our first ingredient (as opposed to water) in our best-selling Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. 

Marchmallow root

Stress has been shown to impair the skin barrier, leaving it prone to water loss and dehydration. Marshmallow root helps to fortify the skin barrier and increase skin hydration. The healing, moisturizing, and soothing qualities of marshmallow root make it highly effective for revitalizing stressed skin.

Goji berry

Lycium barbarum (Goji) contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory carotenoids, and flavonoids. Goji berries can help stimulate collagen, improving your skin's elasticity to keep it looking radiant. Goji reduces irritation and minimizes sun damage that leads to wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. 

Moringa

Moringa is an Ayurvedic favorite that is ultra-hydrating and boasts a high antioxidant content that helps protect against pollution. Discover the hydrating powers of moringa for yourself in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum. 

Lavender and chamomile essential oil 

These are aromatic nervines that support the nervous system. They are used to help relieve muscle tension, circular thoughts, wakeful nights, and the occasional worry...or perhaps ongoing worry that many are experiencing during the coronavirus.

Sea buckthorn

A super fruit that contains all of the omegas — not just 3, 6, and 9, but also the ultra-rare 7 — as well as more than 60 antioxidants and at least 20 minerals.

Known as “Holy Fruit” in the Himalayan Mountains where it is grown, it is often used to improve skin health, as it has been linked to healing psoriasis and to slowing aging. Sea Buckthorn is recognized for its outstanding cellular regeneration properties for skin, you can find it in our Purist Delicate Skin Serum.

Do you know what damages skincare nutrients? 

Heat, light, and air.

To keep your products at top efficacy, look for dark containers to keep out light, and avoid products in clear glass, especially those with fragile antioxidants.

Seek out treatment pumps over droppers to keep out air, and choose companies that use cold processing and cold formulating.

Goji berries embody much more than just a tasty addition to your breakfast bowl. These nutrient-rich super-berries, also known as “wolfberries”, serve as a potent source of nutrients for your skin.

Originating from the lush landscapes of Asia, goji berries ( Lycium barbarum) have been revered in traditional medicine for centuries.

Lauded for their disease-preventing and immune-boosting properties, goji berries contain a dense concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients.

Antioxidants galore 

The secret behind goji berries' efficacy in promoting skin health lies in their exceptional antioxidant capacity. These antioxidants shield the skin from oxidative stress, which is a key contributor to premature aging. 

By neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage skin cells—goji berries help maintain the skin's collagen and elastin integrity, ensuring its texture remains firm and youthful.

The rich nutrient profile of goji berries, including carotenoids, vitamin C, oleic acid, and polysaccharides, plays a crucial role in enhancing skin color, texture, and overall resilience.

Let’s take a look at each one of these constituents in detail.

Carotenoids, nature’s answer to the sun's rays

Carotenoids, responsible for goji berries' vibrant red color, are formidable allies against environmental aggressors.

Zeaxanthin and lutein, two prominent carotenoids found in goji berries, help guard against UV-induced damage and pollution, safeguarding the skin's structural components and mitigating inflammation.

Skin vitality trio: beta carotene, vitamin C, and zinc

This powerful trio works synergistically to support skin health.

Beta carotene, a vitamin A precursor, excels in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, helping to preserve the skin's elasticity and promoting collagen synthesis.

Vitamin C, known for its brightening effects, contributes to an even skin tone and smoother texture. Zinc enhances these benefits by supporting fibroblast function, essential for maintaining the skin's strength and resilience.

Anti-inflammatory heroes: polysaccharides and betaine

Goji berries are rich in polysaccharides, which not only hydrate and plump the skin but also soothe it, offering protection against harmful biochemical processes. 

Betaine, another key compound, combats inflammation and helps to preserve collagen and elastin from degradation, particularly from sun exposure, thereby preventing premature aging.

Moisture-locking oleic acid

Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid found in goji berries, reinforces the skin's barrier function, minimizing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and ensuring lasting hydration.

Its anti-inflammatory properties, coupled with its antioxidant benefits, provide comprehensive protection against environmental damage and aging.

Why we use Nepalese goji berries

Nepalse goji berries are particularly beneficial for skin health.

This is because the high altitude, clean air and strong sunlight of the Himalayas contribute to a denser nutrient profile that other goji berry varieties.

The glacial deposits over centuries have enriched the Himalayan soil with minerals, ensuring that the goji berries grown here are packed with a higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for skin vitality. Nepalese goji include significant levels of antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and polysaccharides.

You can find goji berry oil inclueded in our best-selling Alpine Phytonutient Serum.

Goji berries for skin health

The integration of goji berries into skincare formulations and dietary habits stands as a testament to their multifaceted benefits for skin health. By offering protection against oxidative damage, enhancing collagen production, and maintaining hydration, goji berries present a holistic approach to achieving radiant, healthy skin.

Incorporating goji berries into both your skincare routine and diet helps nurture and preserve the skin's natural vitality and beauty. 

Goji berries are a clear favorite for anyone seeking to bolster their skin health through nutrient-rich, natural ingredients.