Find Your Moisturiser Too Heavy in the Summer? It May Be Time to Switch to a Gel

If you've got a skincare routine, you will know without moisturiser, it's like eating a burger without the bun. It is the one step which will seal in all the other ingredients and ensure skin remains nourished, healthy and appears plumper too. However, if like me, you find during the warmer summer months your regular cream moisturiser can feel too thick and heavy for your skin then it may be time to switch to a gel formula. This lightweight formula has all the same skin-loving benefits of a cream, but it tends to be water or oil-free meaning it can quickly absorb into skin — ideal when your skin can feel hot and sticky as the mercury rises. It's no wonder that google has seen an increase in searches for gel moisturisers over the last month and why more and more brands are offering gel formulas as part of their skincare offerings.

I spoke to holistic therapist and skin expert, Adele O'Donoghue to explain the difference and why it may be worth investing in a gel moisturiser now — as well as selecting some of the best gel moisturiser available right now, depending on your skin's need and budget.

Adele O'Donoghue is an educator at SBC Skincare and holistic therapist.

"Simply put, gels and creams are very different textures," says O'Donoghue. "While gels are thinner in texture, and feel more lightweight on the skin, creams are thicker and richer in texture, and are 'heavier' on the skin. The reason why their textures differ so massively? Gels are usually water-based and oil-free, while creams generally have an oil as their 'base' ingredient."

The word oil may spark an interest too especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin, "The truth is, one isn't inherently better than the other, however you may favour one texture over the other for many reasons," says O'Donoghue. "Maybe it suits your skin better, or it fits your personal preferences more. One factor I will mention is that gel formulas are very multi-functional, which does make them favourable for some."

Although they may tend to appeal to those who have oily or combination skin this doesn't mean those with dry skin should avoid them altogether. "If you aren't a fan of the sticky, heavy feeling of skincare products, gels are for you," explains O'Donoghue. "They are fast-absorbing and provide intense hydration, but are equipped with a watery, light texture which doesn't feel sticky. They are typically better suited to oily and acne-prone skin types, as they are (usually) non-comedogenic, however they are suitable for all skin types."

However, this doesn't mean ditching your cream forever. "In contrast, creams are thicker and heavier, but provide intense nourishment to the skin over a longer period of time," says O'Donoghue. "They work by forming a protective barrier over the skin to shield it from aggressors, and they're formulated with oils which prevent the skin's moisture from evaporating quickly. Creams are usually best suited to dry skin types, as they're generally rich in emollients which work to soothe, hydrate and nourish the skin."