Known for their incredibly moisturizing properties, face oils can work wonders for those with drier skin types, especially during the winter months. That being said, it’s hard to know if you should still be using face oils under the blistering heat of the summer, or if you should opt for something a bit lighter. Below, we’ve covered all the do’s and don’ts when it comes to using face oils during the summer months.
Do use face oil in the evening.
If you’re new to face oils and don’t know exactly where to start, consider adding one into your nightly routine, rather than morning and night. Not all face oils work the same, so make sure to add the best facial oils for your skin type. Adding a face oil at night will help you (and your skin) gradually ease into face oils, which can sometimes feel a bit heavy or greasy for some.
Ideal for nighttime use, the Luna Sleeping Night Oil works throughout the night to deliver visibly youthful, luminous, even-toned skin in the morning. Thanks to the trans-retinoic acid ester complex, this oil will help reduce the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature aging (think fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness). Other rockstar ingredients include blue tansy and German chamomile essential oils, both soothing and calming for an even-toned complexion.
Don’t use heavy face oil.
If you have oilier skin or know that your skin might react to a heavy face oil in the heat, it’s best to avoid heavy, fatty face oils in the summer. If you suffer from oily skin during the summer months, opt for a light facial oil that won’t clog your pores.
If you do have a heavier face oil that you want to use up, consider applying it to other parts of your body during the summer. “[Oils] can be helpful for dry areas like elbows, knees, and even mixed in with lotion for your feet,” says Dr. Deanne Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, CT.
If you know your skin might not react well to facial oils in the hotter months, try the Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence, which is a lightweight essence that uses targeted peptides to help firm the skin, while fermented honey and botanical extracts balance the skin’s natural microbiome and resurface the skin.
Do store your oils properly.
If you want to keep your facial oils as fresh and effective as possible, it’s important to store them the right way. “Many face oils contain antioxidants that become less effective when exposed to light, which is why they are typically found in dark bottles and packaging,” says Dr. Robinson. You want to make sure you store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Don’t use face oils in the summer if you have temperamental skin.
If you deal with breakouts and eczema/dermatitis often, it’s best to use caution when applying facial oils in hot, humid months. “With face oils, it is important to understand that even those who aren’t acne-prone may see breakouts, so be sure you’re using a non-comedogenic face oil if you choose to use one at all,” explains Dr. Robinson.
You want to avoid pore-clogging oils, such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. Instead, “look for oils with accompanying ingredients like tea tree oil and salicylic acid, which will help balance and prevent breakouts,” says Dr. Robinson.
Before applying face oil to your skin, it’s always best to do a patch test to see how your skin reacts. If your skin does react well to facial oils during the summer months, consider trying the Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil, which contains both salicylic acid and tea tree oil to help clear up breakouts while pulling hydration back into the skin, too.
Do use face oils for antioxidant protection.
If you’re using face oil with antioxidants in it, it can help prevent free radical damage. The Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil is the perfect addition to your skincare routine and will help protect against oxidative stress. Thanks to the cold-pressed blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, wild carrot, black cumin, grape, and broccoli seed oils that are rich in nutrients, this facial oil will offer protection while preventing further damage with daily use. And C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil has powerful turmeric that helps improve the appearance of surface redness and skin evenness when applied topically.
For further protection during the day, you can add the C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum and Light Hearted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen to your morning lineup. The serum uses, you guessed it, vitamin C to provide antioxidant support and fight the look of dullness, dark spots, and discolorations at the source while diminishing the signs of premature aging. Plus, the SPF contains antioxidant turmeric and blue-light-blocking xanthophyll to protect and hydrate skin with a velvet finish, for use with or without makeup.
Do use oils on your body.
Dr. Diane Madfes, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, is a big fan of using oils on your body during the summer months. “My only recommendation would be for body oils after a sunburn or a day of water sports,” she says. “Ingredients that are great for soothing include green tea, marula, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E.”
If you’re hesitant to slather oil on your face, consider trying Sunday Riley’s latest launch, the gorgeous Fairy Godmother Shimmering Body Oil Gel. Featuring vitamin C, CoQ10, and gardenia extract, this luxe oil is great to apply post-beach for a soft glow all over your body.
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