For many people dealing with excess shine and breakouts during the hot and humid weather, finding a face cream for oily skin in the summer tends to be life changing. Unlike heavy winter moisturizers, creams for acne and oily skin require a lighter and more gentle approach. The latter must have a water base and oil-reducing ingredients that moisturize and hydrate the skin. With summer comes an increase in heat and humidity, which causes pore openings and acne cyst formation. Most face moisturizers for oily skin and acne actively control these issues while still retaining essential oils. The same cream for oily skin and acne also works as a barrier by adding salicylic acid or niacinamide to fight inflammation, control acne, and reduce irritation.
In this guide, we’ll research the top cream moisturizers designed to fight oil and acne, which are perfect for summer.
1. Overcoming Breakouts in the Heat of Summer
High summer temperatures and intense humidity could turn your oily skin into an oil rig. This combination leads to your skin overheating and perspiring more than it should, all the while producing an excess of sebum. The correct summer face cream for oily skin types should moisturize and balance sebum production without over-clogging the pores. There is a misconception that people with oily skin don’t require moisturizer, but missing out on hydration causes the skin to become dehydrated, which compensates by producing even more sebum. At a bare minimum, a good face cream for oily skin and pimples should have niacinamide. The increased sweating during summer, along with external dirt and pollution, predisposes acne-prone skin to more frequent breakouts. The best summer face cream for oily skin will nourish without overly hydrating or weighing down the skin. The gel-type hydrators absorb quickly and provide deep hydration, leaving no greasy residue on the skin’s surface. Go for products made for oily and combination skin types, so they will not cause further aggravation to the oily skin.
- Non-comedogenic, Oil-free formula
- Contains sebum-regulating niacinamide
- Water-based, Lightweight consistency
- Includes mattifying ingredients
- Essential hydration is provided
- Prevention of pore clogging
2. Best Ingredients for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin in Summer
The best products for oily skin in the summer include scientifically proven ingredients that target many concerns in one face cream. Utilizing Hyaluronic acid is vital to properly hydrate the skin without adding extra weight, while oil control and inflammation reduction can be achieved through Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). Salicylic acid works as a gentle exfoliant within the pores (0.5-2%) and prevents blackhead and acne progression, making it essential for creams designed for oily skin. Zinc PCA has natural antibacterial functions while simultaneously controlling excess shine, and tea tree extract adds anti-acne action without excessive drying. Squalane is an example of an ideal summer ingredient: lightweight moisturizers that mimic skin oils without clogging pores. Avoid heavy occlusives, such as shea butter or mineral oil, as they can feel constricting in humid conditions. Instead, look for fast-absorbing, light, and breathable formulas that do not contribute to a noontime shine.
- To help retain moisture, use Hyaluronic acid.
- For oil control, use Niacinamide.
- To prevent acne, use Salicylic acid.
- Zinc PCA is used to control the secretion of oil.
- For antibacterial properties, use Tea tree extract.
- For moisture, use Squalane.
3. Best Summer Face Creams for Oily Skin
In the search for face creams for oily skin, some products stand out and work best for all. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel offers refreshing hydration through hyaluronic acid, which is oil-free and provides hydration. La Roche-Posay Effa Clar Mat microspheres contain oil-soaking components and perlite to provide shine control for 8 hours. For sun protection, Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection without oiliness. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion excels with 4% Niacinamide, which hydrates the skin and soothes acne breakouts for a face cream for pimples and oily skin. Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer includes protective antioxidants to guard against the damaging effects of the environment while keeping an oil-free glow. These products are best because they are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and do not cause acne while providing the required hydration in summer.
- Keeps shine under control for more than 8 hours
- Rapidly absorbs without a greasy after feeling
- No comedogenic ingredients
- Helps prevent new acne lesions
- Includes sunblock
- Tested by a dermatologist
Best Methods for Applying Face Cream
Best practices for applying your summer face cream for oily skin will ensure maximum results on hot, humid days. Start with a gentle foaming cleanser that removes impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin. Next, use an alcohol-free toner with witch hazel or niacinamide to help restore skin pH. If you use face cream for oily skin and pimples, warm a pea-sized amount between your fingertips and gently press (do not rub) it onto the skin. This method allows one to apply the product and ensure dry skin without overactive oil glands and retain even distribution. After using the cream, wait until it is completely soaked before applying sunscreen or makeup. In the evening, feel free to be more liberal with the amount applied; skin actively repairs itself during rest. During summer, refrigerating the cream increases pore-tightening effects due to the temperature.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to skip moisturizer when I have oily skin?
No, not applying moisturizer will make oiliness much worse. An appropriate summer face cream for oily skin will properly moisturize and avoid triggering excess oil production.
2. What is better for oily skin: an el or lotion?
Gel face creams for oily skin and acne are the lightest and most easily absorbed, perfect during the warm summer.
3. How often should I apply face cream during summer?
Use summer face cream for oily skin every morning and night. If you are outside, apply SPF every two hours over your moisturizer.
4. Will moisturizer make my acne worse?
Face cream for oily skin and pimples should contain non-comedogenic ingredients. If so, it will not worsen breakouts and may help improve them by controlling skin balance.
5. Can I use the same cream throughout the year?
Yes, you can use oil-free products all year round, but you may need to adjust your usage depending on the season—a little more in winter and less during humid summer months.
Face Fresh Matte-Control Summer Serum transforms the face serum for the oily skin category with its proprietary formulation that integrates advanced oil control and ultra-lightweight hydration. Our lightweight formula features a patented Tri-Active Complex™ containing willow bark extract (natural salicylic acid), zinc PCA, and microencapsulated niacinamide, which assists in excess oil control to enhance moisture balance. Unlike traditional mattifying products that dry the skin, our summer face serum for oily skin utilizes temperature-controlled hyaluronic acid that adapts to your skin’s needs, delivering extra hydration in air-conditioned environments while providing stronger oil control in heat and humidity. Results tested by dermatologists showed an 89% reduction in slacking shine and 63% fewer breakouts after 4 weeks of use, all while comfortably hydrating the skin with a natural matte finish. The water-gel texture provides a dual benefit; upon application, it cools the skin and, at the same time, forms a non-comedogenic oil-absorbing barrier that withstands 12-hour periods without interfering with makeup or clogging pores. Ideal for hot summers, Face Fresh offers professional-grade oil control, sparing the dryness and irritation associated with traditional acne treatment products—balanced skin should feel fresh, never tight or greasy.
