Can You Use Face Oil in Summer? A Lightweight Routine for Hot Weather

When temperatures climb past 40°C and humidity rises with the monsoon, the last thing most people want is oil on their face. But hot weather can still leave skin dehydrated, especially with air conditioning, sun, sweat and frequent face washing. The answer isn't to stop using oil; it's to use less, and lighter.

Why skin can feel dehydrated in summer

• Air conditioning dries out indoor air, just like heaters do in winter.
• Washing your face many times a day strips away natural oils.
• Sun exposure can leave skin feeling tight and rough.
• Oil-control products can over-dry, prompting skin to feel uncomfortable.

Skin can be oily on the surface and still feel tight underneath. A small amount of the right oil helps it feel balanced.

Choose the lightest oil

Summer is apricot kernel oil's season. It's the lightest and fastest-absorbing of our three oils, so it softens skin without leaving a heavy layer. Read more about apricot kernel oil for face. Save richer oils like walnut for winter or for very dry areas on the body.

A simple summer routine

Morning

1. Rinse with cool water or a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply a light gel moisturiser, or skip it if your skin feels comfortable.
3. Sunscreen, generously. This is the most important step in summer. Reapply if you're outdoors.

Evening

1. Remove sunscreen and sweat. The oil cleansing method is excellent for this.
2. Apply your moisturiser.
3. Press one or two drops of apricot oil over your cheeks and any dry areas.

Keeping oil to the evening means you get the comfort without the midday shine.

Tips for oil in humid weather

• Use one drop, not three.
• Apply to damp skin so it spreads further and absorbs faster.
• Skip the T-zone if it gets shiny; focus on cheeks.
• Blot, don't wash, if you get shiny during the day.
• Store your oil somewhere cool and out of the sun. Heat speeds up rancidity; see how to store natural oils.

After-sun comfort

After a long day outdoors, skin can feel tight. Take a cool shower, apply a light moisturiser, and press a few drops of oil onto dry areas once skin has cooled. Never apply oil to sunburnt, blistered or broken skin, and see a doctor for severe sunburn.

Body and hair in summer

For the body, a few drops of a light oil after an evening shower are plenty; see body oil after shower. For hair, try a pre-wash oil treatment rather than leaving oil in all day. See how long to leave oil in hair.

Switching back for winter

As the weather cools, you can gradually use more drops, add oil in the morning, or move to a richer oil. Our winter skin care routine shows how.