4 Lightweight Moisturizers For Those Hot Summer Days

Summer is right around the corner, and in addition to needing to clean out your closet to make room for new seasonal clothing staples, it’s also time to think about ways to elevate your warm-weather skin care routine. More specifically, we’re talking about how you can switch out your moisturizer for a more heat-friendly formula. 

Since there are about a million and two different moisturizers on the market, we’re here to introduce you to our four best moisturizers for summer that fit the bill. But first, let’s learn why a moisturizer specific for the season is necessary in the first place.

Is Moisturizer Good for Hot Weather?

Similar to the wooly sweaters that you wear in winter, there’s a time and a place for thick, creamy moisturizers. And, like those winter sweaters that you’d never dare wear out in summer, you also shouldn’t apply heavy skin care product formulas when it’s hot and humid outside — but that doesn’t mean you forgo moisturizer altogether.

Much like your body no longer needing the extra warmth during summer from your clothing — your skin doesn’t need such heavy hydration. Instead, you should reach for a lightweight moisturizer formula that will quench your skin’s thirst without making your complexion look shiny or oily.

Now, if you think that it would be easier to just skip moisturizer, you better think again. Regardless of how hot it is outside or how oily your skin might appear it’s very important to always hydrate your skin. Your skin can get dehydrated without it, which causes your pores to produce more oil — leading to an oily complexion and more breakouts. 

Which Moisturizer Is Best for Summer

Now that you know why it’s so important to ease up on the heavy formulas when the hot weather rolls around, it’s time to actually learn which moisturizers are worth adding to your summer skin care routine. Here are our favorite lightweight moisturizers for summer.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30

If you’re worried about accelerated aging during the summer due to sun exposure, this is the perfect moisturizer for you. Formulated with pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, this lotion targets wrinkles and sagging skin for a firm and smooth complexion. It also includes SPF 30, making it great to apply for extra protection before you step out in the summer sun. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 30

This moisturizer contains collagen peptides and niacinamide to hydrate and firm the skin for a bouncy, youthful complexion. It’s also able to protect against UVA/UVB rays with the addition of broad spectrum SPF 30.  

L’Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 35+ Moisturizer 

Using skin care that caters to your maturing skin is important, as there are certain skin problems that come along as we get older. This anti-aging moisturizer was made with those 35 and older in mind, and it includes collagen to strengthen and make the skin more plump. There are also versions for those who are 45 and older, containing retino-peptides and 55 and older, containing calcium, which both have anti-aging and skin strengthening properties.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30

This moisturizer works to brighten the complexion and correct uneven skin tone, being formulated with a combination of glycolic acid, vitamin C, and pro-retinol. It has a lightweight formula and contains broad spectrum SPF 30, making it perfect for the summertime. 

Sun protection should be part of your morning skin care routine all summer long — so remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen over your moisturizer as directed if you’re not using a moisturizer with SPF. 

Take additional sun protection measures, including limiting your amount of time in the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), seeking shade when you’re outside, and covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Next: How to Pick the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

Written by: Shannon Stubbs, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Paul Yem, Photo Assistant: Matt Licari, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist:Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Model: Shann Hitch