Skip to content
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $75 to CANADA AND US
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $75 to CANADA AND US

Serums, Moisturizers, Balms | What’s the difference + How to choose the right one for you

We frequently get asked what the difference is between serums, moisturizers and balms. Naturally they are all nourishing to the skin, but these products are quite different in formulation, texture and intention. Contrary to what most would love to believe, there is not a single product that will cure all your skincare woes. Every product in your skincare regime should serve a definite purpose, working on different levels of the skin or addressing different concerns.


Oil Serums penetrate to the dermal layer of your skin, which is essentially your deeper, second layer that starts under the epidermis (visible layer). This is where all the magic happens! Our oil glands, hair follicles, collagen + elastin fibres, and sweat all form in the dermal layer. Nerve endings in the dermis help us feel things - ever experienced pesky pimples that you feel before you see? They start in the dermal layer and take a little while to become visible on the top surface of our skin. Since so much important activity is happening in this deeper layer, it’s beneficial to use skin care products that will penetrate through to this level daily. Oil serums are effective at addressing specific skin concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, dryness, dehydration, anti-aging and more! If you have specific skin concerns you’d like to heal, use an oil serum morning and night for fast powerful healing. Oil serums reveal radiance + a glow to any skin type.

We blend our oil serums in small batches for various skin types and concerns. Our Clear Skin Advanced Face Serum controls oil production, fades scarring and reduces redness.

Our Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum moisturizes and replenishes the skin to reduce fine lines and improve overall tone of the skin.

The secret to applying a pure oil serum is to mix it with water/floral water/floral mist or toner (without witch hazel). After cleansing the skin you may dampen your skin, add a few drops of serum to the palm of your hand and a few drops of water (or spray floral water/toner a few times). Mix the water and oil serum together - this is called emulsifying and creates your own raw cream. Apply your raw cream to your face and neck. The water will help the oil penetrate into the dermal layer of the skin.



Moisturizers sit on the top surface of the skin, your epidermis. The epidermis contains special cells which are part of your immune system and help you stay healthy. This is the layer of our skin that protects our inner world from our outer world. Key word: protects! Your moisturizer will not only moisturize, it will also aid in protecting your skin from free radicals, environmental damage, toxins and all that other gunk you want to keep out of your pores. This will in turn seal in the previous products you’ve applied, and allow them to work more effectively, warding off external disruptions. Moisturizers are generally a water + oil mixture, often containing waxes or butters to amplify lubrication.

If you have oily skin, you can apply a light layer of moisturizer daily, and if you have a dry/sensitive skin type can apply a generous amount morning + night, with a few drops of serum for best results.
Our Nourishing + Revitalizing Moisturizer is antioxidant and phytonutrient rich, with rosehip, carrot, evening primrose, apricot, citrus, and vitamin E all working overtime to repair + protect your radiant skin.


Balms are similar to moisturizers in that they protect the skin, but they are different in formulation and generally do not contain any water. Balms are solid in texture, and will break down when massaged into the skin or upon contact with heat. Balms are quite concentrated and a little goes a long way. You will find you use less of a balm then you would with moisturizers. Balms are ideal for the winter months as they provide an ample barrier against the harsh cold winds. They also work well in the summer to protect against sun damage and heal sunburns or heat rashes.

Our Vital Nutrient Face + Eye Balm is made with organic beeswax and contains Jojoba Oil infused with Calendula flowers, Broccoli seed oil and Seabuckthorn oil.Broccoli oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids which enriches the skin, while Seabuckthorn oil is rich in essential Fatty Acids and carotenoids, making it highly effective for improving the appearance of damaged skin, blemishes, scar tissue and wrinkles.

If you have dry, dehydrated and flaking skin, use a balm daily to heal and prevent further moisture loss. For sensitive skins, use balms when necessary to nourish and repair the skin. For sunburns, apply a thicker layer of balm on freshly cleansed skin as a healing + restorative moisturizing mask (perfect while sleeping!). When travelling, apply a balm to the skin before going on a plane to prevent dehydration and add radiance.

 


You may also like...

Shop Serums, Balms And Moisturizers

  • Clear Skin Advance Face Serum with Press - Province Apothecary

    Clear Skin Advanced Face Serum

    lightweight oil blend for sensitive or acneic skin
    $79.00

    Our advanced formulation of plant-powered oils soothes skin’s appearance for a brighter, more even tone. Why it's special: It balances and tones, ...

    View full details
  • Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum - Province Apothecary

    Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum

    rich phytonutrients that nourish, hydrate and firm
    from $79.00

    Our pure botanical face serum is a daily essential. It absorbs easily into the skin to deliver essential phytonutrients that nourish, hydrate and f...

    View full details
Previous article SPRING REFRESH CLAY MASK RECIPE
Instagram Icon Created with Sketch.

Connect with us @ProvinceApothecary