SUMMER GLOW 101: SERUMS, OILS & MOISTURIZERS
DENIZ AKKAYA
With the sun shining and temperatures rising, it’s time to adjust our skincare routines for summer…
In the summer, our bodies sweat more, which causes the skin to naturally produce more oil. A balance between hydration and oil production is very important because the excess oil production we experience during these months can lead to acne or other skin irritations. Adequate skin hydration is important for many reasons besides the glassy skin effect, such as plumping fine lines, preventing acne and irritation, and ensuring your moisture barrier can flush out toxins and transport nutrients into cells. In other words, every essential function of your skin requires you to keep it hydrated.
You should replace your oil-based, heavy moisturizers with water-based, light formula creams in summer. Go for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin; Since both are moisturizing, they help draw water back into your skin.
For acne-prone skin, you can add an exfoliating moisturizer such as salicylic acid to your summer routine; This way you keep acne away while balancing your oil production. However, you should also be careful not to add too many exfoliants to your routine. Exfoliating the skin more than necessary can trigger your skin to produce more oil.
If your skin type falls right into the “dry” category, you can try a feather-light facial oil. No oil with the right formulation will make your skin oily. Plus, the oil you apply over a cream locks in moisture to prevent dehydration – a big bonus for dry skin.
Here are the serums, creams, and oils you should add to your summer routine that will provide deep hydration while making your skin glow:
Creams
Drunk Elephant – Protini Polypeptide Cream:
Protini™ restores younger-, revived-looking skin. Lines, wrinkles, and sun damage appear reduced and skin feels strengthened and moisturized. Think of Protini™ like adding protein to your smoothie. Abundant with proteins and nutrients, it replenishes and restores skin to a visibly strong, healthy state.
Cosrx – Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
The lotion is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving any greasy residue, which makes it perfect for anyone with oily and combination skin. For dry skin, COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion can be a simple everyday staple as well since birch sap is effective in restoring moisture and maintaining hydration level.
BELIF – The True Cream Aqua Bomb:
This cult-favorite gel-cream is designed to ‘burst’ when applied, releasing explosive hydration. The lightweight, hydrating formula absorbs quickly so combination and oily skin types can hydrate for smoother-looking skin without heaviness and greasiness.
Oils&Serums
YOUTH TO PEOPLE – Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil:
This fast-absorbing facial oil instantly moisturizes the skin, providing silky softness and radiance. A blend of Squalene, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils and antioxidant-rich superfruit instantly brightens and rejuvenates dehydrated skin.
Klairs – Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Serum:
Not only is Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop a favorite among Korean beauty circles, it fits perfectly with the summer profile we’re looking for here: light, easily absorbed, and highly effective. This serum takes its power from vitamin C, fades acne scars and prevents breakouts. It is also suitable for sensitive skin types, as the concentration of vitamin C is not high in the formulation.
Missha – Time Revolution First Treatment Essence:
The beloved Missha Time Revolution series is great from start to finish and we can say that this product is a must-have for the summer routine. Contains three powerful ingredients: AHA to help you shed dead skin cells; BHA that softens the skin; and fermented yeast extract that brightens and deeply moisturizes your skin.
