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Can a Light Moisturizer Really Hydrate Your Skin?

19 Jul 2024

Summer brings its own set of challenges and confusions when it comes to skincare. The contrast between icy air conditioning and the intense heat of the sun can leave anyone puzzled, especially those with oily or combination skin. You might wonder whether to stick with your heavy winter products or switch to lighter alternatives. And what about moisturizer—should it be minimized or skipped altogether? Meanwhile, those with dry skin face the dilemma of whether to continue using rich oils and creams despite the warmer weather.

Jacob Tomás del Rosario, Senior Education Executive at Youth To The People, emphasizes the importance of understanding your skin's unique needs. “The key is to listen to the language your skin speaks, and allow your routine to ebb and flow throughout the year, tailoring it to maintain balance throughout. At YTTP, we define that balance as skin that is an even 50:50 ratio of oil and water.”

Typically, this involves using products that blend oil-based emollients with hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to the skin.
Del Rosario debunks a common myth: “It’s a myth that oily skin types shouldn’t use moisturizer, or should have an oil-free routine, even in the summer,” continues del Rosario, adding that “when your skin is dehydrated, it will produce more oil — leading those with oily skin to think they don’t need the additional hydration a cream can provide.”

In fact, neglecting moisturizer can exacerbate oiliness, much like how licking dry lips can make them drier. The key to effective summer skincare for all skin types includes a thorough cleansing routine, optional targeted treatments like vitamin C or gentle exfoliants, and a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs quickly to prevent any greasy residue.

Del Rosario recommends a simple yet effective duo for the summer: the Superfood Cleanser and Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream. Together, they provide a powerful mix of antioxidants and vitamins, ensuring your skin stays hydrated regardless of the weather or your skin type.

He praises the Air-Whip Moisturizer as an ideal all-year-round day cream, thanks to its bioavailable ingredients like vegan-derived squalane, which is easily accepted by the skin. The moisturizer also features a special cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that enhances its hydrating power, making it capable of retaining significantly more water than standard forms.

This formula not only serves as an excellent base for makeup but also helps control oil production from the start. Del Rosario notes that while it may take a full skin cycle to see lasting changes, you can expect reduced oiliness within four weeks.

For those with dry skin, he suggests adding a few drops of Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil to the routine for an extra hydration boost and immediate relief from skin tightness. And of course, he reminds everyone to finish with SPF to protect against sun damage.

Written by Elsa de Berker for Youth To The People
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