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.

1. Hit refresh 

With ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND Natural Beauty Aquanature Hyaluronate Creme Sorbet. Aloe vera, botanical hyaluronic acid, and papyrus and marine plant extracts in this light, creamy gel provide dehydrated skin with intensive moisture. Antioxidants, plus jojoba and olive oils, protect skin and improve its capability to regenerate.

2. Get your glow on 

With Derma•E Essentials Illuminating Rosehip & Cranberry Face Oil. This blend of rosehip, cranberry, organic pumpkin seed, sea buckthorn, coconut, and sunflower seed oils hydrates, rejuvenates, and brightens skin. It absorbs quickly and can be used alone or as a base under sunscreen and makeup.

3. Reduce wrinkles while you moisturize your skin 

With Mad Hippie Face Cream. This lightweight hydrator is packed with skin-smoothing peptides and antioxidants, including CoQ10, resveratrol, green tea, pomegranate, and açai berry. Coconut and argan oils moisturize without leaving you shiny.

4. Feed your skin 

With Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion. Moroccan argan oil hydrates and replenishes dry skin, while rosewater evens skin tone and texture, and shea butter locks in moisture and improves elasticity. Vitamins and antioxidants replenish essential skin nutrients and boost defenses for healthy-looking skin.

5. Keep it light 

With EO Hydrating Face Moisturizer. Snow algae, which thrive in extreme environments in the Swiss Alps, have been proven to stimulate collagen production, improve hydration, and smooth wrinkles. Tsubaki oil reduces fine lines and wrinkles, restores skin texture, and evens skin tone. Argan and carrot seed oils and cocoa and mango seed butters heal dry skin.