5 Tips to Moisturize Oily Skin During the Summer

A lot of people have oily skin, especially during the summertime when temperatures are high and you’re sweating more often than usual. And if you have oily skin, you can still moisturize it to protect it and keep it looking healthy. These five tips on how to moisturize oily skin during the summer will help you keep your skin hydrated without causing more breakouts.

1) Keep your makeup light
It’s summer, and you know what that means: The air is humid, you’re sweating, and makeup doesn’t stay on your face. If you have oily skin, it might be even more difficult to keep makeup looking fresh all day—and those oil stains are ugly and harder to get off.

Wearing light or no makeup at all during summer months can help with your complexion. Simply cleanse before bed with a refreshing night cream or face oil instead of applying heavy lotions and creams.

Use a BB cream in your shade of choice; it’s usually lighter than foundation and still provides extra hydration.

If you’re not willing to go barefaced, at least wear water-based foundations and sunscreens that are less likely to clog your pores.

Stick with mineral or powder foundation formulas, which give you light coverage without as much oil buildup. Also, use a primer before applying your foundation for extra hydration and a smoother look.

2) Use matte products
When dealing with oily skin, it’s best to stick with matte products. Matte formulas are less likely to clog pores, and therefore keep oil at bay all day long.

If you’re choosing between two nearly identical products, go for the one that feels a little bit heavier on your skin. That way, you can be sure it won’t just slide off by midday.

Opt for mattifying powders and foundations rather than dewy ones; skip scented products entirely if possible. Wear loose clothing made from natural fibers; and try blotting your face once or twice throughout the day—it will soak up excess oils without removing your makeup entirely.

Staying hydrated is also key when dealing with oily skin. Always make sure to carry a water bottle around with you, avoid dehydration by drinking at least two cups of water (and no, caffeine doesn’t count). And don’t forget to always follow up with sunscreen, even if you think your makeup has it covered. The sun can still cause damage without that SPF—or even cause future breakouts.

3) Start with a lightweight lotion
Overloading on greasy moisturizers will only make your oily skin look and feel worse. Start with a lightweight lotion or gel, which is free of fragrances, colors and dyes. opt for moisturizers made with ingredients like aloe Vera or ceramides that help seal in moisture while controlling shine.

If you want something a little stronger than a lotion, go for products containing salicylic acid—it’s an alpha hydroxy acid that will clear pores and remove dead skin cells. Salicylic acid also helps break down oils so they can’t clog pores and cause more problems. But just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to skip out on sunscreen! Sun protection is important all year round and even if your skin has oil, there are still ways to keep from frying.

Try an oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog pores or leave behind a greasy residue after application. Look for SPF 30+ with broad spectrum coverage (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) so you don’t need to reapply often. You’ll also want to put sunscreen on any exposed areas (hands, neck, feet) as well as areas where skin rubs together or touches clothing (elbows, knees).

4) Look for oil-free options
If you’re looking for a moisturizer that will help combat oily skin in summer, it’s important to know what ingredients will irritate your skin. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances, mineral oil, paraffin or other oils (which can clog pores).

As a general rule of thumb, if it doesn’t sound good for your body (e.g., petroleum jelly), it probably isn’t good for your face. Look for oil-free products designed specifically for oily skin that clear out pores and neutralize free radicals caused by harsh environmental pollutants and UV rays.

Applying lightweight sun protection is also important during the summer months, so make sure to find a sunscreen that won’t break you out as well! Some people recommend using the same moisturizer with SPF at night before bedtime instead of in the morning when skin is more likely to be exposed to harmful UV rays. For daytime use, try applying your favorite facial moisturizer just before leaving the house and then apply an additional layer of sunscreen once outside.

Alternatively, some people recommend applying foundation over their facial moisturizer to protect against sunlight exposure and absorb excess oil from their faces. And don’t forget about lips: most lip balms contain natural waxes that seal moisture into lips which makes them perfect for summer use.

5) Try a facial mist
The best way to add moisture back into oily skin is with a facial mist. Facial mists typically contain ingredients like aloe and other soothing, hydrating ingredients that won’t clog pores or cause acne. They are also much lighter than cream moisturizers, so they absorb quickly and won’t cause any build-up or extra oiliness in your skin.

If you want to have a matte finish without drying your skin, opt for a facial mist. Make sure it’s labeled oil-free because some of them aren’t good for oily skin. Also try cold brew coffee as an alternative: Cold brew coffee contains less caffeine than hot coffee and no sugar (the sugar will exacerbate acne). It can be applied as a toner after cleansing – just place about 2 tablespoons of brewed cold coffee in a fine mesh cloth or paper towel and hold over face until cool. Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse off with warm water.

A mixture of honey and lemon juice can help if you’re more prone to breakouts during summer months. Mix one tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice together in a small bowl. Using cotton pads, apply the mixture all over your face as a cleanser twice per day. You may need to reapply after eating greasy foods or exercising; this means this regimen is too strong for you.