As a woman with oily and acne-prone skin, I stick to water-based skincare solutions. Otherwise, I would risk mixing my skin’s natural oils with other substances that will just morph into a layer that dead skin holds on to. This layer becomes a breeding ground for other problems. It also prevents me from enjoying the benefits of the products I’m using, as it becomes a barrier against my skin.
I keep it simple, starting with a water-based sunscreen. SuperGoop! ZincScreen 100% Mineral Lotion provides protection from the sun’s harmful rays in a lightweight formula. It also has factors that protect from blue light, infrared radiation and environmental pollution. As it does not have a white cast, it can be used on its own or underneath makeup. Throughout the day, I like having a face mist with me. It lifts my spirits when I get crabby in the heat, plus it gives my face a break in the middle of the day. Since you don’t want to expose your skin to a lot of substances, choose something simple like the BioScience Energizing Water. It contains only water and niacinamide so you can help clear your skin of dark spots. It’s also something you can bring with you to the gym for extra hydration between workout sets.
If you must use a moisturizer, reach for something like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream. A light layer provides much hydration sans the greasy feeling. You can tell that it is absorbed fast by the skin. You also get a cooling effect that’s very welcome after a long day in the heat.
Nonsticky
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Cream-Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is my current eye cream because of its fragrance-free and watery consistency. Just a small dot soothes the undereye, fighting off fatigue and free-radical damage. It also contains Vitamin E, plant extracts and licorice extract to help with the skin’s plumpness.
I’m not just talking about face products. In the heat of the dry season, go for items that are less emollient to avoid that sticky feeling. Consider this especially with your deodorant.
It’s a no-brainer, but when it comes to starting your double-cleanse routine, go for a micellar water. Right now, I love the effective but soothing Sephora Collection Triple Action Cleansing Micellar Water. It cleans makeup, even waterproof formulations, without the sting. It leaves no residue and contains aloe vera to calm the skin. This is good if you’re prone to redness!
One Earth Organics surprised me with its Antibac Whitening Deo Spray. I realized I hadn’t used another antiperspirant for months when I saw it was almost empty. The all-natural antiperspirant is odorless and colorless. Made with blackcurrant, apple fruit extract, green tea extract and coconut oil, it neither irritates the skin nor leaves it with a film-like residue. —CONTRIBUTED
