During July, I used up a lot of products or it seems like I have. Some of them were full size skincare products that I have been using for the past few months. In deciding what to use next, I am making my decisions based on the weather. It has been hot and humid in Massachusetts, and that weather should last into September. I didn’t realize how much wearing a mask as well as a sun hat could affect my skin. The three blemishes I’ve gotten over the past 2 weeks require that I make smarter decisions in choosing skincare since the mask and hat wearing aren’t things that I can give up.
So when I am not testing out skincare products for review, this is what I am and will be using during the hot, humid weather.
Cleansers
For much of the year, I use cream cleansers. I had been using creamy but lotiony Glyderm Gentle Face Cleanser with 0.2% Glycolic Acid. I love that seriously gentle cleanser, but I decided to switch to gel cleansers for the summer. I’m finishing up the bottle of Theraderm Cleansing Wash, a clear gel that cleans my skin without stripping. And I am also using City Beauty Youth Rejuvenating Cleanser with exfoliating Dragon’s Blood Superfruit.
Post-Cleansing
After cleansing, I have been using Theraderm Fruit Acid Exfoliant that I apply with their excellent exfoliating Theraderm Gentle Action Application Pads. It has a rather strong natural herbal scent so it’s not for the fragrance averse, but it does a great job leaving my skin feeling really clean.
At night, I use Specific Beauty Advanced Dark Spot Corrector Pads. I love using remoistened pads on my skin. Easy peasy and extra benefits.
Serum
I had been using oil serums, but I felt that I had to stop pressing even a few drops of oil into my face when the weather turned so incredibly hot and sticky. Instead, I switched to lightweight serums. The one I am reaching for most often is Mudmasky After Mask Vitamin Serum. Though this unusual serum is meant to be applied after a mask and on its own without moisturizer, I sometimes use it with some moisturizer or sunscreen on top. But on a hot night when I’m not using the A/C in the house, Mudmasky Vitamin Serum on its own is all I need because it is lightweight but seriously hydrating.
Moisturizers
I had wanted to finish up a moisturizer that I was using during the winter that I just loved. It was rich and pink and truly emollient, but it was way too heavy to use in the summer. Fortunately, it’s finished and I can move on to more summer appropriate choices.
Last fall or winter, I blind bought a product during a sale that makeup artists in a Facebook group I belong to were raving about for use as a moisturizer/primer in one, Sonia Rosselli Water Balm Skin Prep. For cool or colder weather, this fluffy super lightweight balm is not hydrating enough for my usually desert-dry skin, so I ended up putting it aside. Now was the perfect time to take it out again. It’s like a drink of water for my skin. It sinks in without a trace leaving behind smooth, hydrated skin.
Two other lightweight moisturizers in pump bottles that I’ve been using are:
- belif Milky Moisturizer Hydro Balancing contains a humectant and is formulated for Normal/Combination skin. It’s perfect for me during the summer.
- Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer feels similar to the belif Milky Moisturizer. A pump or two and I’m done.
Sunscreens
I have a lot of sunscreens that I choose from, but on the hottest, most humid days, I have to go with the lightest weight sunscreens that don’t feel like I have added anything else to my skin. My two favorites are ones I have mentioned on several occasions:
- Paula’s Choice Youth Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 with antioxidants and plant extracts
- Coola Sun Silk Drops SPF 30, a lotion that disappears into my skin.
So those are the facial skincare products I reach for most often on these sticky, hot days and nights. What are your favorite hot weather skincare products?
Hi Allison, Hope you’re holding up amid this crazy,humid world. I absolutely LOVE Mudmasky and I never would have tried it if you hadn’t reviewed it. I also thought at first glance it was another mud mask which I have a ton of and honestly don’t use. After reading your review I dug it out and started using it and haven’t looked back since. I’m still experimenting with different moisturizers and serums for this humidity and will be checking my Paula’s Choice stash. I have been keeping up with your blog and will try to comment more. Take care hon. xo
Laura, I’m so glad to hear from you especially in this weird pandemic time when I always wonder how all my friends from afar are doing! I thought the same thing as you about the Mudmasky serum. I looked at it in my Ipsy Plus box and said, oh no. But because I was writing about the box for my blog, I decided I should actually check it out. What a great surprise! It’s so perfect as a serum + moisturizer during this hot, sticky weather. Yes, check your Paula’s Choice stash especially to see if you have the Youth-Extending Moisturizer SPF 50 – in the winter, it is not heavy and hydrating enough for me on its own, but during this weather, it’s great. And it is one of the few SPF 50s that I have. Take care and looking forward to hearing from you when you have time xo
What fantastic picks, Allison! I am also using a lot of exfoliating pads. I used my entire box of M-61 exfoliating pads, and am now using my Dr. Dennis Gross peel. It makes such a huge difference, and I can really see the difference since I am being so consistent with use. I am going todo the same thing in August as well. Of course I will be vigilant about sunscreen, when I am out in the garden. I really need to get this COOLA sunscreen that you love!
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I think you’d like the Coola sunscreen and the Paula’s Choice sunscreen too because they are so lightweight. I have mineral sunscreens that I like, but they are so darn heavy that I have to save them for cooler weather.
That walter balm sounds wonderful. Im going to need to look into that one!
The Sonia Rosselli Water Balm is perfect for hot weather, and great for those with normal and combo skin!
I’m not outside that much so very little has changed for me. But I using lighter versions of moisturizers and serums. You’ve got some great choices. The Coola is something I need to get.
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