Summer Skin Myth-Busting: Should You Skip Moisturizer in Hot Weather?
You don’t need moisturizer in hot weather.” Maybe you've heard your friend say it, or maybe it’s something you’re guilty of doing yourself; ditching your moisturizer once the summer season hits. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Most of us have been there. However, what most of us also don’t know is, that this is one of the biggest skincare myths floating around.
And today, we’re going to bust this myth; and give you the answer once and for all. So, should you skip your moisturizer in hot weather? Read on to find out the real answer.
Why Do People Skip Moisturizers During Summer?
When the summer heat turns up, your skin doesn’t just feel sticky – it transforms into an oily, greasy mess. And especially for those blessed with oily skin, we’re talking countries-may-invade-me-for-oil level greasy. In that case, when you might feel like your face is already an oil factory, slathering on more moisturizer sounds like the last thing you would want to do, right? Well, not right.
Here’s what many people believe:
- “My skin already feels sticky and oily, I don’t need a moisturizer.”
- “Moisturizer will make me sweat more.”
- “My pores will be clogged.”
- “I’ll get breakouts if I moisturize in summer.”
- “My skin’s natural oils will hydrate my face”
Sounds logical... but does it really? Because this is one of the most common summer skincare myths!
You see, skipping moisturizer in the summer might seem like you're doing your skin a favor, but in reality, you're just setting it up for failure.
Hydration is A Year-Round Need
Hydration is not seasonal, it’s essential. Your skin is made up of cells, and these cells need water to function properly. Would you drink water only in winter and avoid it in summer? That would be crazy. The same goes for your skin. Whether it’s dry, combination, normal, sensitive, or oily, you NEED added hydration to maintain your skin’e natural moisture barrier. Yes, we said oily.
Contrary to what many may believe, oily skin hydration is super important. Sometimes, when your skin is dehydrated, it goes into overdrive and produces even more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture in the skin. So what you thought was “too much oil” could just be your skin making up for the lost moisture.
And then there’s the risk of premature ageing. Dehydrated skin ages faster as fine lines and wrinkles show up more prominent when your skin is dry. Keeping your skin hydrated will help retain moisture and in turn will keep your skin looking youthful. Isn’t that the ultimate goal?
Moisturizing During Summers
During hot weather, your body sweats more. And when you sweat, your skin loses water. Pair that with sun exposure or drying air conditioners, and you’re left with skin as dehydrated as a drought-stricken, parched land. So while your skin might look shiny and oily, chances are that underneath that surface layer, it could be dehydrated.
That’s why you need a good moisturizer in summer. It gives your skin the hydration it needs, without making it look and feel greasy. But not just any moisturizer. You need one that’s:
- Light
- Non-greasy
- Quick-absorbing
- Oil-free (if you’re an oily skinned person)
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores)
Basically, you need a lightweight moisturizer to provide your skin with just the best of both worlds – the right amount of hydration, but also that non-greasy feel.
How to Moisturize Properly During Summers
Mastering the art of proper moisturizing is a must if you want your moisturizer to deliver the maximum benefits. You cannot just slap on a layer of it and call it a day. As easy and plain as it may sound to use a moisturizer, keep these simple points in mind.
· Less is more: You don’t always need a thick layer. For most moisturizers, just a little goes a long way. Use a pea-sized amount, dot it all over your face and gently massage it in.
· YMMV: As it is with everything, your mileage may vary. Start with a little amount of the moisturizer. If your skin feels dry or tight, you can always apply another layer of it.
· Apply on damp skin: This is the key to long-lasting hydration. Apply your moisturizer right after you wash your face, while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps spread the moisturizer evenly, and also locks in the hydration beautifully.
P.S: Don’t forget to finish your AM routine with your trusty sunscreen lotion if you’re going out in the morning, for protection against sun damage.
Wrapping up
So, should you skip moisturizer in hot weather? Absolutely not! Your skin needs hydration just as much in summer as it does in winter, if not more. In fact, skipping it could do more harm than good – more oiliness, dullness, premature ageing, and a weakened skin barrier. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, a lightweight moisturizer in summer is simply non-negotiable.
