It’s summer, finally. And thanks to both humidity and the heat of the sun, most rich and luxurious creams are skin killers. Enter the superhero: gel. Last year, La Mer, the lavish queen of the high-enders, came out with Gel De La Mer. Light, sheer and more easily absorbed, these penetrating and hydrating hybrids are terrific substitutes for those with sensitive and fair skin, as well as those with pores that get easily clogged.
“Gels are aesthetically pleasing and are a terrific alternative to creams and lotions especially because new technology allows them to offer more active ingredients with a quicker delivery system,” said New York-based clinical and aesthetic dermatologist, Dr. Whitney Bowe. “You want a product that evaporates quickly into the skin, and gels, which are mostly water based, are able to do that.”
Launched in May, Origins GinZing Energy-boosting moisturizer, a cooling concoction infused with ginseng and caffeine. ApiClear Facial Moisturizer, created by Manuka Doctor, also released in May, has the consistency of an aloe vera gel and relies on bee venom and manuka honey, not to mention witch hazel and vitamin E. Hailing from South Africa, courtesy of Dr. Des Fernandes, is 20-year-old skin care line Environ’s AVST Gel and Environ Intensive Antioxidant Gel. Both arrived in the U.S. at the end of June and contain antioxidants, vitamins C and E, as well as beta carotene.
For the ‘all-green gals’ Amala, a natural and organic skin care company, offers Purifying Gel Moisturizer, a blend of rice silk powder, ginger and blue lotus which clarifies and conditions the skin while antioxidants such as grape seed and gogi berry protect it from free radical damage and early aging.
And let’s not forget the dark spots. Zensation Brightening Gel eradicates unsightly skin discoloration caused by aging and environmentally induced cell damage. New to enter the marketplace is WEI’s Beauty Bar Hydrating Miracle-1 Minute Magic, which is available in July.
“Gels are a new trend and I wanted to unlock Asian beauty secrets to the West,” said Wei Brian, who added Beauty Bar, her newest line, to her three already existing ones; Wei, Wei East and Wei To Go. “Heat and the sun dry out your skin and make you sweat at the same time so you’re also losing hydration. It includes a three-step tri-molecule blend and lock-in moisture technology. It’s like sorbet for your skin.”