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Our skincare shelf is in desperate need of an overhaul as we head into summer. Many of our trusty moisturizers and face oils that worked wonders for our dry winter skin now leave us feeling uncomfortably sticky. As temperatures and humidity levels continue to rise, finding the right moisturizer that keeps our skin cool and glowing—but never greasy—is now a top priority. If you have similar concerns, allow us to introduce you to our new favorite moisturizer of the season: the new Medik8 Total Moisture Day Face Cream.
This light cream claims to restore moisture levels in your skin’s barrier in just one hour, according to results from a two-week clinical study. The product is meant to give your skin a much-needed drink of water — without overwhelming it or clogging your pores (more on exactly how this can be achieved, below).
Two of our editors tried this moisturizer during a heatwave and have showered it with unequivocal praise. We made a small description of what exactly made us so impressed. We’ve also enlisted dermatologists to break down some of the key ingredients and skincare benefits to help you better understand why it’s such a highly rated product.
Medik8 Total Moisture Day Face Cream, $49
Is this Medik8 moisturizer any good?
I am very picky when it comes to moisturizers. I have combination skin, so I get pretty oily along the T-zone. Heavier creams are too much for me in the summer, but my cheeks and jawline get dry and itchy when I wear a product that isn’t moisturizing enough. This Medik8 Moisturizer scored high on alleviating both concerns.
The texture is so weightless and just there, it glides and melts into my skin instantly. There’s no slippage, overwhelming feeling, or fear that it might clog my pores, and yet my skin remains cushiony and bouncy all day. Even when I’m out in the heat, I don’t have that sweat-product mix caked on my upper lip and forehead compared to some of the heavier moisturizers I’ve tried in the past.
Jacqueline Kililita, Associate Beauty Director of Refinery29, says the watery texture is a dream. “I’ve said that it would take something very special to replace the moisturizer I’ve been using non-stop since last December (The Inkey List’s Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing + Plumping Moisturizer, in case you were wondering). But they sold me this Medik8 cream after a single move. It instantly removes any tightness after cleansing and makes my skin look even,” she says. “It’s light enough that I can put SPF on top and not feel suffocated, and makeup glides over the top effortlessly.”
This moisturizer it’s the kind of product you go through quickly: we’re already halfway through our tubs and we’re mourning the day it ends. The formula feels so good on my skin that I also apply it to the most dehydrated parts of my body, like my elbows.
We’ve been blown away by the cloud-like texture and impressive effectiveness, but it’s all down to the dream group of ingredients: prebiotic peptides, multi-weight hyaluronic acid, various ceramides and lipids. Read on to find out why they’re so great for your skin.
What are prebiotic peptides and why are they good for the skin?
The key ingredient in this moisturizer is prebiotic peptides. You may already be familiar with peptide skin care and how it can boost collagen production and encourage skin regeneration. But according to the dermatologists I spoke to, prebiotic peptides are the next level above that. “Regular peptides help with structural skin improvements, while prebiotic peptides also help improve the skin’s microbiome,” she says. Dr. Ellie Rashidconsultant dermatologist and professional medical director for the personalized skincare brand Widow. Without taking you back to biology class, the microbiome is basically an array of “friendly” bacteria on your skin that keep it healthy and happy. In other words, these peptides help them flourish.
It’s not just that. “Probiotic peptides signal the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, enhancing skin firmness and elasticity, and support beneficial microorganisms in the skin, strengthening the skin’s microbiome,” she adds. “A well-balanced skin microbiome can protect against environmental stressors and help improve inflammatory and sensitive skin conditions like rosacea.” In other words, your skin barrier will be much more durable after use this moisturizer.
What is multi-weight hyaluronic acid and why is it good for the skin?
Hyaluronic acid is also nothing new in skin care, but in this moisturizer, the ingredient comes in multiple molecular weights. “Hyaluronic acid molecules vary [weights and] sizes will penetrate multiple layers of the skin, meaning there’s deeper hydration and more comprehensive moisture retention,” says the consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips. “This is different from normal hyaluronic acid, which usually has a uniform molecular weight and mainly hydrates the surface of the skin.” If your skin tends to feel tight after cleansing, an ingredient like this will transport moisture back quickly, relieving that uncomfortable pulling sensation almost immediately.
What are tiles and why are they good for the skin?
Along with prebiotic peptides and hyaluronic acid, you’ll find ceramides. They are found naturally in the skin, but over time, our levels can become depleted and tend to need replenishing. Dermis play a vital role in maintaining your skin’s protective barrier, which keeps the “good” stuff in (like moisture) and the “bad” stuff out (like pollution and bacteria).
“These lipid molecules are found naturally in the skin,” says Dr. Rashid. “They strengthen the skin’s barrier, lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors, which can lead to smoother, more hydrated skin.”
Think of the tiles as the glue that holds your skin together. Without them, the skin can become dry and uncomfortable. This is a non-negotiable ingredient for Kilikita: “Personally, I won’t buy a moisturizer without this ingredient, because I like the plumping, moisturizing effect on my skin,” she says.
What is squalane and why is it good for the skin?
Then there’s squalane, which is a light, non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin’s natural sebum (oil). According to Dr Rashid, this is an ingredient suitable for all skin types due to its ability to hydrate and balance oil production. Its antioxidant properties also help protect against free radicals, which are unstable molecules in the environment emitted by pollution and UV radiation, and can damage the skin over time.
What is vitamin F and why is it good for the skin?
Linoleic acid, also known as vitamin F, is the last ingredient to round out the list. “Vitamin F is an omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oils,” says Dr. Phillips. “It helps balance fatty acids in sebum and integrates into the skin’s lipid barrier, promoting hydration and reducing clogged pores. It also plays a role in regulating the body’s inflammatory processes,” — reducing redness.
Our final thoughts
After diving deep into the ingredient list, it’s not hard to see why this product has received the seal of approval from dermatologists and publishers. The weightless formula is packed with ingredients that pull double shifts in hydration, and the texture makes it a dream to apply. We say it now: This Medik8 moisturizing cream it will be a summer beauty essential that you will use again and again.
Shop our favorite Medik8 products
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