If you're here, you're probably wondering if your trusty face cream can go on vacation with the rest of your summer wardrobe, leaving room only for the serum. Well, I have news for you: It's not that simple!
It's not often that you chase the perfect skincare routine and rely on the latest trend, the one that promises radiant skin even under the scorching sun. That's why many people promote the idea of doing away with face cream in the summer. In reality, replacing face cream with serum in the summer is a error which many commit.
In this article, I will explain why face cream is still essential even when temperatures rise, we will dispel some myths about summer skincare and I will give you my personalized advice for top skin, without weighing it down. Get ready, it will be a long chat but full of useful advice!
Why Face Cream Is Still Your Friend (Even in 40 Degrees!)
I completely understand your doubt. In summer, the skin tends to become more oily, to sweat more and to feel “suffocated” by creams that are too rich. The idea of lightening the routine with a serum, light and quickly absorbed, seems like the ideal solution. But here's where the deception lies:
- Hydration vs. Deep Hydration: Il face serum It's a powerhouse of active ingredients, great for delivering specific ingredients deep into the skin. Think of it as a powerful moisturizer, antioxidant, or highlighter. But it's usually not enough to provide the hydration you need. happens your skin needs, especially when exposed to the sun, wind and air conditioning. Face cream, on the other hand, creates a protective barrier that prevents water from evaporating and keeps the skin hydrated for longer.
- Skin Barrier Protection: The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, a sort of protective shield that defends it from external aggressions (sun, pollution, bacteria, etc.). In summer, this barrier is particularly stressed. Face cream helps to strengthen it, providing lipids and other essential ingredients. Serum alone may not be enough for this purpose.
- Your Skin's Specific Needs: Every skin is different! If you have dry or mature skin, even in the summer you will need more intense hydration than those with oily skin. Replacing cream completely with serum could dry out your skin excessively, leading to irritation, flaking and, paradoxically, increased sebum production.
Serum vs. Cream: What’s the Difference (and How to Use Them Together)?
To better understand why you shouldn't abandon your face cream in the summer, it's important to clarify the differences between serum and cream:
| Feature | Serum | Face cream |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Light, fluid, quickly absorbed. | Richer, creamier, sometimes fuller-bodied. |
| Main Function | Deliver specific active ingredients deep into the skin (hydrate, illuminate, fight wrinkles, etc.). | Hydrate, nourish, protect the skin barrier, create a protective film. |
| Active principles | High concentration of specific active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, etc.). | It contains active ingredients, but in lower concentrations than serum. It often also contains moisturizing, emollient and protective ingredients. |
| When to Use It | After cleansing and before face cream. | After serum (if you use it) and before sunscreen. |
| Who It Is Suitable For | All skin types, but especially for those who need specific treatment (dehydrated, dull, wrinkled skin, etc.). | All skin types, but it is important to choose the right cream based on your skin type (oily, dry, combination…). |
As you can see, serum and face cream have different but complementary functions. The serum is like a beauty “booster”, while the cream is the fundamental base for healthy and hydrated skin.
My advice? Use both! Apply the serum after cleansing, to convey the active ingredients deeply, and then seal everything with the face cream, to maintain hydration and protect the skin.
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When it is NOT recommended to use serum alone
While serum may seem sufficient during the warmer months, There are situations where relying exclusively on this product is not ideal, and can even compromise the balance and health of the skin.
If you have dry or very dehydrated skin
Serums, by their nature, are light and concentrated formulations which convey functional active ingredients in depth, but they do not create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin. This means that if your skin tends to dehydrate easily, serum alone is not enough: the hydration it provides risks evaporating in a short time. In these cases, it is essential apply over a moisturizer that seals in moisture and protects the skin from external agents.
If the serum contains strong or exfoliating active ingredients
Serums based on retinol, exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, PHA), pure vitamin C or other active ingredients may be irritating or sensitizing, especially with summer sun exposure. Use a soothing cream or barrier after serum serves to reduce the risk of irritation, while enhancing the benefits of the treatment.
❗ Concrete example: If you use a serum with glycolic acid to renew your skin, but you don't apply a cream on top, you could cause redness, flaking or excessive sensitivity.
If you live in air-conditioned or arid environments
Whether it's the air conditioning in the office or a dry, windy climate, the environment you live in can dehydrate your skin. Even if you don't have dry skin, you may notice an increased feeling of tightness, flakiness or dullness. In these cases, serum alone is not enough: you need a moisturizing or nourishing cream which acts as a protective shield and maintains the hydrolipidic film stable.
If you are over 35 years old
With age, the natural production of sebum and collagen decreases. The skin becomes thinner, more fragile and tends to dehydrate more easily. Even in summer, therefore, a targeted face cream – perhaps light but rich in emollient active ingredients – is essential to support elasticity and slow down the appearance of signs of aging.
If your skincare routine involves more steps
In a complete skincare routine, the serum is only one of the intermediate steps. After cleansing and toning, the serum is used to enhance the action of the cream, not to replace it. Giving up the cream means Break the chain of effectiveness, because the serum alone cannot guarantee the protection and sealing necessary for a long-term result.
How to Choose the Perfect Face Cream for Summer (and Not Make It a Weigh!)
Ok, we have established that face cream is important even in summer. But how do you choose the right one so you don't feel heavy and "greasy"? Here are some tips:
- Light Texture: Opt for creams with a light texture, in gel or emulsion, which are quickly absorbed and do not leave a greasy residue. Avoid creams that are too rich and buttery, which could clog pores and encourage the appearance of imperfections.
- “Oil-Free” Hydration: Look for moisturizers that are “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic,” which do not contain mineral oils or other occlusive ingredients. These moisturizers hydrate the skin without weighing it down and are perfect for those with oily or combination skin.
- Key Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients! In summer, your skin needs:
- Hyaluronic acid: A powerful moisturizer that locks water into the skin.
- Antioxidants: Like vitamin C, vitamin E and green tea, which protect the skin from free radical damage caused by the sun.
- Niacinamide: A versatile ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, even skin tone and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Aloe vera: A natural soother that calms irritated and sun-red skin.
- Integrated Sun Protection (or almost): If possible, choose a face cream with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. This will simplify your routine and protect your skin from sun damage. Otherwise, always apply a specific sunscreen after your face cream.
- Listen to Your Skin: The most important advice is always the same: listen to your skin! If you feel that your usual face cream is too heavy for the summer, try replacing it with a lighter version or using it only in the evening.
Summer Skincare Myths to Debunk (and Inconvenient Truths)
Now that we've talked about face cream and serum, it's time to address some myths about summer skincare:
- Myth 1: “In summer, there is no need to moisturize your skin because it already sweats enough.” FALSE! Sweat does not hydrate the skin, in fact, it can dehydrate it further. Sweat is composed mainly of water and mineral salts, which evaporate quickly, leaving the skin dry and tight.
- Myth 2: “Sunscreen is more than enough.” FALSE! Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from sun damage, but it is not a substitute for hydration. In fact, some sunscreens can dry out your skin.
- Myth 3: “Oily skin doesn’t need hydration.” FALSE! Even oily skin needs hydration. In fact, oily skin often produces more sebum to compensate for the lack of hydration.
- Inconvenient Truth: “There is no one-size-fits-all skincare routine.” Unfortunately, that's the case! Every skin is different and needs specific care. What works for your friend may not work for you. The important thing is to experiment, listen to your skin and find the right products for your needs.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat – Mattifying summer face cream for oily and shiny skin
La La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat is an oil-free face cream ideal for those with oily skin and who want a long-lasting matte effect. Enriched with Cebulyse, a patented sebum-regulating active ingredient, refines skin texture, tightens dilated pores and reduces shine typical of the T-zone. The fresh, light texture is immediately absorbed, making it perfect as a makeup base.
Format: 40 ml
- Format: Cream
- Brand line: La Roche Posay Oily Skin with Acne
- Products on sale: 20% to 30% off
Bioderma Sébium Mat Control – Light hydration and matte skin for hours
La Bioderma Sébium Mat Control is designed for combination and oily skin that tends to shine easily. Its formula enriched with Zinc gluconate and vitamin B6 helps regulate sebum production, while mattifying micro-polymers ensure a long-lasting matte effect. Perfect in summer also as a make-up base.
Format: 30 ml
- Format: Gel Cream
- Products on sale: 30% to 40% off
- BF24: Bioderma40
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap) – Oil-free Korean cream with birch sap
La COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion It is an ultra-light hydrating lotion, formulated with 80% birch sap, known for its soothing, hydrating and rebalancing properties. Ideal for oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin, it is one of the most popular creams in Korean skincare for the summer. It absorbs in a few seconds and leaves the skin fresh and balanced.
Format: 100 ml
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CeraVe Light Moisturizing Face Cream – Light hydration and skin barrier protection
Also perfect for summer, the CeraVe Light Moisturizing Face Cream is formulated with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, essential ingredients to moisturize without weighing down. Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, it is the ideal ally for oily skin that needs balanced hydration.
Format: 50 ml
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – Oil-Free Hydration for Balanced Skin
The Ordinary offers a light but effective cream, formulated with Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) e hyaluronic acid. It is ideal for oily skin that wants targeted hydration but without a greasy effect. Excellent in summer and hot climates, it leaves the skin smooth, nourished and ready to receive other treatments.
Format: 30 ml or 100 ml
- Recharges your skin with hydration without the shine.
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Hydrating – Intense hydration in a fresh sorbet texture
The cream-gel Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel It is perfect for dry skin even in summer: it combines the effectiveness ofAvène Thermal Water with thehydrating action of light lipids and glycerin, keeping skin supple, plump and soothed for hours. Also great as a nighttime hydrating mask.
Format: 50 ml
- Moisturizing face cream day and night
- Intensive hydrating mask by applying a larger amount on the face
- Eye contour cream
Nuxe Crème Fraîche – 48h Hydration with Vegetable Milk and Sweet Almond Oil
With a silky and light texture, this summer cream offers deep hydration up to 48 hours, reduces the sensation of tight skin and strengthens the skin barrier. Ideal for dry skin that wants nourishment without a heavy effect.
Format: 50 ml
- Cream;face;rich;hydrating;plumping;light;non-greasy
Bioderma Sensibio Light – Light moisturizing cream for intolerant skin
La Sensibio Light by Bioderma is designed to hydrate and calm the most sensitive skin, subject to redness or reactions from sudden changes in temperature. Its hypoallergenic formula with Toleridine reduces skin reactivity and provides immediate comfort.
There is also the Rich version for drier and increasingly sensitive skin.
Format: 40 ml
- Active soothing cream that strengthens the skin's natural defenses against...
- Fresh and light texture.
- Rapidly absorbed, non-greasy and non-sticky.
Lierac Supra Radiance Illuminating Detox Gel-Cream – Fights free radicals + light hydration
Ideal for the summer season, this treatment combines the lightness of a gel with the anti-aging action of white horehound extracts and hyaluronic acid. Helps combat the dullness typical of mature skin, providing luminosity and deep hydration.
Format: 50 ml
- Anti-wrinkle radiance renewing cream, for normal to dry skin
- An active texture with an immediate smoothing effect thanks to soft focus powders...
- This cream combines cell-renewing white horehound extract, which...
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Gel Cream Cashmere – Firms and hydrates with resveratrol and hyaluronic acid
With a patented formula that combines Grape resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen booster, this cream-gel is perfect for mature skin looking for tone and comfort without weighing it down. Ideal in summer also as a makeup base.
Format: 50 ml
- Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Cashmere Redensifying Cream 50ml
- Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Cashmere Redensifying Cream 50ml
- Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Cashmere Redensifying Cream 50ml
My Personalized Summer Skincare Routine
Ok, now I'll reveal my summer skincare routine, the one that allows me to have radiant and hydrated skin even in the scorching heat:
- Gentle Cleansing: Morning and night, I cleanse my skin with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that won't dry it out. I always look for products with soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera. Sometimes, I like to use a cleansing oil to remove makeup and impurities. However, my favorite cleansers are creamy and nourishing ones...yes, even in the summer!
- Tonic and Essence: A must-have in my skincare routine. Even in the summer I prefer milky products for my dry skin. These toners refresh and plump my skin making it look fresher during the day.
- Hydrating and Antioxidant Serum: After cleansing and toning, I apply a serum with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin, while vitamins and antioxidants protect it from free radical damage.
- Face cream: I choose it based on the needs my skin has at that moment. Generally a good anti-aging with antioxidant active ingredients could be right for me.
- Light Face Cream with SPF: In the morning, I apply a light face cream with SPF 30 or higher. I always look for a cream that is oil-free and non-comedogenic, to avoid clogging my pores. I generally like Korean sunscreens that are light and great for layering on the skin.
- Moisturizing Face Cream (Without SPF) in the Evening: In the evening, after the serum, I apply a hydrating face cream, but without SPF. I prefer a richer and more nourishing cream, to compensate for the loss of hydration during the day.
- Hydrating Mask (1-2 Times a Week): Once or twice a week, I treat myself to a hydrating mask, to give my skin an extra boost of hydration. I like sheet masks, which are practical and quick to use.
- Eye Contour: I never forget my eye contour! I apply a moisturizing and anti-aging eye contour, morning and night, to prevent wrinkles and bags under my eyes.
Example of products you might use on skin that tends to be combination to oily:
- Detergent: Cerave Hydrating Cleanser (affordable and super effective!)
- Toned physique: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic (hydrates and plumps like a serum!)
- Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (great value for money)
- Day Face Cream: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat (for combination and oily skin)
- Night Face Cream: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (a timeless classic)
- Sun protection: Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (light and invisible)
Remember, this is just a routine idea! Find the products that work best for you and your skin's needs. And don't be afraid to experiment!
Extra Tips for Radiant Skin in Summer (and Beyond!)
In addition to your skincare routine, there are other small measures you can adopt to have radiant skin in the summer (and throughout the year):
- Drink Lots of Water: Hydration starts from the inside! Drink at least 2 liters of water a day, to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
- Eat Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are good for your skin. In summer, take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Avoid exposing your skin to the sun during the hottest hours: Try to avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours, between 11am and 00pm, when UV rays are at their strongest.
- Wear a Hat and Sunglasses: Protect your skin and eyes from sun damage by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Do a Gentle Exfoliation (1-2 Times a Week): Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, making it brighter and smoother. Opt for a gentle exfoliation, with a scrub or an enzymatic exfoliant.
- Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is essential for healthy skin. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night to allow your skin to regenerate.
- Reduce Stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your skin, causing acne, eczema and other problems. Try to reduce stress by practicing yoga, meditation or other relaxing activities.
- Consult a Dermatologist: If you have specific skin problems, such as acne, eczema, or rosacea, consult a dermatologist. A professional can help you find the right skincare routine for you and treat your skin concerns.
Interactive: Discover Your Summer Skin Type!
Discover Your Summer Skin Type!
Conclusions: Don't Abandon Your Face Cream!
I hope this article has helped you understand why you shouldn't replace your face cream with serum in the summer. Remember, face cream is a fundamental part of your skincare routine, even when the temperatures rise. Choose a light, hydrating cream with SPF, and don't be afraid to experiment to find the right products for your skin.
And you, what's your favorite face cream for summer? Let me know in the comments!
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I agree, face cream should never be missing. The important thing is to choose the right one for your skin type in relation to the season.
Yes indeed, face cream is always very important in skincare! Many people ignore it, giving priority to the serum which is certainly the “hero” product in skincare…but if you know how to choose the right cream with the right active ingredients, you will definitely notice the difference!
I agree, I hear a lot of people say you can skip the cream. I tried it myself for a while because I really wanted to see the difference. I'd never done it before, but I noticed my skin getting worse, appearing much drier and with less elasticity. Never again will I be without cream, both face and body. It's very helpful for the skin. I don't understand why they say you should skip it... if you find it heavy, you can also choose a lighter version. There are also gel creams that are very refreshing and don't weigh you down.