Oil goes last for winter sealing

For maximum sealing in winter, apply facial oil after your moisturizer.

Oil is occlusive — it sits on top of the skin and creates a physical barrier. Moisturizer brings hydration in; oil locks it in. If you put oil first, your moisturizer has to fight through that barrier to reach your skin, which defeats the purpose of sealing.

Winter air is dry. Your skin loses water faster. You want the heaviest, most occlusive layer on top. That’s oil (or a thick balm). Moisturizer is lighter and works best when it’s against your skin, not floating on oil.

Some people with very dry skin do oil before and after, but that’s an advanced move. For most of us: moisturize, let it sink in for a minute, then oil. Done.

Your moisturizer works harder when the oil is on top.