When the weather is hot, humid and sunny, it’s understandable to want to switch up your existing skin care routine to products that are more lightweight. This is because, according to the experts in skin, you’re more likely to develop acne in the summer months when your body is most likely producing more sweat.
″[Lightweight moisturizers] provide hydration without adding extra oil, overwhelming the skin or leaving a heavy greasy residue, feeling more breathable especially in warmer, more humid climates,” said California-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi.
According to her, the lighter texture allows for faster absorption making it more suitable for layering with other skincare products, like the year-round essential, sunscreen.
“They are also less likely to clog pores by providing optimal hydration without excessive oil [and] can also help regulate oil production,” Shirazi added.
Even those who don’t have acne-prone or oily skin may benefit from the upcoming lineup of lightweight moisturizers that have been suggested by Shirazi and other dermatologists (plus one famed cosmetic chemist). The breathable and airy selection includes a drugstore gel cream that has been mentioned an overwhelming number of times, undetectable sunscreens perfect for SPF haters and popular ceramide lotions that repair while they hydrate.
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Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick — along with tons of skin experts throughout our extensive beauty coverage —suggested this popular drugstore moisturizer that is delivered in the form of a gel cream. According to her, this type of delivery combines the benefits of a lightweight gel moisturizer (as it absorbs easily) and a cream (as it maintains long-lasting hydration). It contains two beloved humectants, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which work to draw moisture into the skin.
CeraVe's ultra-light moisturizing gel was suggested by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shiraz who explained that this weightless and "water-based moisturizer is formulated with three essential ceramides to support the skin barrier, niacinamide to help calm the skin and regulate oil production, and hyaluronic acid for immediate and long-lasting hydration." According to her, it feels refreshing on the skin, absorbs quickly and is the perfect consistency for layering with other skin care or beauty products.
"This moisturizer contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help support the skin barrier and draw moisture in," Garshick said.
Shirazi previously suggested the mattifying gel version of the popular Toleriane Double Repair moisturizer by La Roche-Posay specifically for those who have oily skin types and want to reduce shine and prevent clogged pores. According to her, "it has a light matte finish thanks to the micro-exfoliating lips-hydroxy acid to absorb sebum. Its lightweight formula also helps strengthen the skin barrier."
Similar to the original formula, this moisturizer features the brand's signature prebiotic thermal spring water, which is rich in antioxidants, three ceramides essential for strengthening the skin's barrier, and niacinamide, a popular ingredient for oil control.
"This product contains glycerin and is free from synthetic colorants and fragrances," she said.
She points to inclusion of ingredients like ultra-moisturizing squalane and ceramides to help support the skin barrier making it great for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin.
In addition to the biopeptide complex, it contains redness-reducing and oil-controlling niacinamide as well as, what the brand calls a "water locking technology" that helps to trap and retain moisture.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aimee Paik previously recommended this soothing moisturizer from beloved French pharmacy staple brand La Roche-Posay for those with dry and irritated acne-prone skin. "It has a light feel but is quite moisturizing and does not clog pores,” she said.
The reparative formula uses key ingredients shea butter, antioxidant-rich thermal spring water and neurosensine to moisturize and support sensitive skin, relieving irritation and promoting healing.
If it's an SPF-based moisturizer you're after, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp previously suggested this sunscreen lotion by Supergoop for anyone who dislikes the feeling of heavy sunscreen on their skin. This is extremely lightweight, has a silky smooth finish and contains antioxidant-rich ingredients like vitamins E and B5 to help reduce the visible effects of free radicals.
We previously chatted with TikTok star and cosmetic chemist Javon Ford to find out what skin care products he thought were worth purchasing. He said that he enjoys this pore-minimizing and nutrient-rich water cream by Tatcha for its unique texture that's achieved by using an inverted silicone emulsion. Ford explained that most moisturizers are oil dispersed in water, whereas this one is water dispersed in silicone, giving a light moisture boost with a silky feel and blurring effect thanks to the silicone elastomers in the formula.
Looking to battle warm-weather acne? Check out these effective products that dermatologists actually recommend.
Shirazi recommends exfoliating with products that contain salicylic acid like this CeraVe Renewing SA cleanser two to three times a week to start, and then you can adjust the cadence depending on how your skin tolerates it. "Be sure to listen to your skin," she says, as "over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation and breakouts."
Our pick is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel, which Camp has previously recommended. This moisturizer is oil-free, non-comedogenic and has a fast-absorbing gel formula. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid.
This spray is highly rated on Amazon, with a 4.6-star average across over 6,000 reviews. It also happens to be way more affordable than many other hypochlorous acid sprays on the market.
Camp adds that retinoids can increase photosensitivity — you don't have to avoid them entirely during the summertime, but just make sure you're using them responsibly. "It is important to limit use when on particularly sunny vacation and always apply an SPF moisturizer in the morning and throughout the day when outside for extended periods."
Our pick is the Blume Buds Power Patches for Acne. The patches contain both hydrocolloid and salicylic acid. According to the brand, they're clinically proven to reduce the look of acne in six hours. They also promise to reduce the redness or scars you might be dealing with because of acne. Reviewers say they're especially good for overnight use because they don't slide off.