Like it or not, environmental factors are constantly affecting our skin. As the seasons change, they bring a host of new issues that require different needs. During the winter, when the air is cold and thin, your skin is prone to dryness and irritation. For months, it begs for rich, creamy cleansers, occlusive moisturizers, and nourishing face oils. But when the temperatures begin to rise, your skin craves something lighter. Enter water-cream moisturizers. Lightweight, airy, soothing, and hydrating, they're ideal for the warmer months on the horizon. 

If you're new to the category, you're not alone. Despite the many options available, water creams are often overlooked, as oil-based creams are preferred. But with their many benefits, they should be high on your radar. Keep reading to find out why these products have become beloved and a few to try out this season.

What are water-cream moisturizers?

Moisturizers come in several different forms. Though rich creams with nourishing oils are the most popular, water creams are highly favored for their hydrating abilities. These products have a water-based formula and key components that make them great hydrators -- think hydrophilic ingredients that attract water and help your skin retain moisture. In this sense, they have a lighter consistency and tend to moisturize without leaving a greasy residue.

What are the benefits of water-cream moisturizers?

Texture is just one of the many elements that have popularized water-cream moisturizers. Since they are made without oil, they are considered non-comedogenic and a godsend for those prone to acne and blemishes. This also makes them perfect for oily skin types, as they won't clog pores and cause breakouts. 

However, if you happen to have combination or dry skin, you can still reap the benefits of these creams. Many formulas include hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene that draw water into the skin to give it a plump and healthy look. But perhaps the biggest advantage of these creams is their lightweight nature. When hot and humid days become the norm, a water cream moisturizer gets the job done without feeling heavy under layers of SPF and makeup. 

How to Use Water-Cream Moisturizers

Incorporating these creams into your daily routine is pretty straightforward. But if your skin is feeling particularly parched, you may want to add a few other hydrating products. A gel-based face cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum, is a good place to start. Once you've cleansed your skin and applied the serum, finish with one of the water-cream moisturizers below.

Shop Water-Cream Moisturizers

• Bliss Drench & Quench Moisturizer
• Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream 
• Tatcha The Water Cream
• Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer
• Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Water Gel Moisturizer