A Water-Based Skin Care Routine for Summer

Ah, the scorching days of summer. What could be more refreshing than drinking a cold glass of water when it’s super-hot outside? Well, how about giving your skin the same treatment? Go ahead and give your skin a treat by adding a few water-based products to your skin care routine this summer. Here, find the right water-based cleanser and water-based moisturizer for your skin type in order to create a simple, two-step cleansing and moisturizing routine.

STEP 1: WATER-BASED CLEANSER

Thanks to the humidity, you may notice your skin looks extra-shiny after a day spent in sticky weather, which will send you straight to your cleanser. Of course, cleansing twice a day is also important to help rid the surface of your skin of dirt, excess oils, and makeup residue—regardless of the weather. To remove sweat and oil from your skin, we’re recommending micellar water. This French-favorite cleanser requires no rinsing, making it an ideal travel companion. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift, dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from your skin. And interestingly enough, despite this being a water-based routine, there's no water from the sink involved. As we mentioned, you don't need to rinse, and water also isn't necessary to lather up your cleanser or get your face wet. The micellar water will do all the work for you.

Now it’s time to find your micellar water match! Pick from one of the following three: The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – Normal to Dry Skin hydrates and soothes, the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies, and the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types intensely purifies. To use, saturate a cotton pad with your micellar water of choice, then wipe the pad across your face. That’s all there is to it! All three of these micellar waters are free of oil, soap, and alcohol and can be used on your face, eyes, and lips.

STEP 2: WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER

Once you’re finished cleansing, moisturizing should be the next step in your skin care routine. This summer, reach for a lightweight water-based moisturizer. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care line is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. Pick from one of the three options below, choosing whichever suits your skin type.

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin: Normal to dry skin faces external factors such as pollution and UV rays that can damage the skin’s moisture barrier, increasing loss of moisture and causing it to become drier. As a result, skin surfaces lose their glow, becoming dull-looking. This water-based moisturizer envelops skin with moisture, improving the look of skin’s radiance.

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin: In normal to oily skin, external factors such as pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can damage skin’s moisture barrier, causing loss of moisture and an increase in oil production. As a result, your complexion can start to look overly shiny. This water-based moisturizer helps reduce the appearance of excess shine and has a matte finish.

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin: Your skin has a very fragile moisture barrier that can be easily damaged by external factors such as pollution and UV rays. Skin consequently loses its ability to retain moisture, becoming easily dehydrated, feeling tight and uncomfortable. This water-based moisturizer envelops skin with moisture, providing comfort.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WATER-BASED SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect water-based cleanser and water-based moisturizer for your skin, put them to good use. For starters, cleanse with micellar water morning and night. Sleeping in your makeup? That’s a skin care no-no! If you do that, your makeup can mix with the dirt and oil on your skin, leading to clogged pores, which can cause breakouts. Keep a bottle of micellar water and a few cotton pads on your nightstand for easy access on those nights that you’re exhausted. You can also pack it in your gym bag so that you can cleanse on the go.

Once your skin is completely clean—no rinsing or harsh rubbing necessary—apply your water-based moisturizer. Looking to up your hydration game? Try this tip: Apply your moisturizer to damp skin. Even though you won’t need water to cleanse, you can splash a bit on your face and follow up with moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Ready for more summer skin care recs? Here are 11 Summer Skin Care Hacks.