Summer Skin Hydration

Moisturizing is an essential daily skincare step for every skin type all year round. Believe or not, the warm, moist air of summer can be just as damaging to skin as cold, drying winter winds.

A few drops of facial oil containing argan, rosehip seed, jojoba, or coconut oils will soak into dry or combination skin and leave no residue. These oils help balance your skin’s own oil production and let pores breathe. Oils have the ability to penetrate the skin like a serum, instead of sitting on top like a moisturizer. They trap moisture and help block dirt and pollution that clog pores.

“Beauty oils not only heal and nourish the skin, they leave a light, reflective glow, which is the ‘in’ look,” says Rose-Marie Swift, makeup artist and founder of the nontoxic and nutritive cosmetics line, RMS Beauty, who recently presented a clean beauty seminar at Colur Studios in Charleston, S.C. “Most oils in their pure form are antibacterial, which is a great benefit when the weather is warm,” she says.

Dry or combination skin that needs a boost of nutrition will also benefit from a light lotion. Although gels have the highest water content, and oils are usually rich in vitamin E, lotions tend to have the most corrective benefits, especially if they have added UV protection.

Oily and acne-prone skin won’t clog up with gel moisturizers. These water- or aloe-based hydrators absorb quickly, feel refreshing, and lock in moisture so your pores won’t suffocate even on the most humid days.

Written by sherrie-strausfogel for Better Nutrition and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.