When it comes to skin care, it’s important to think not only about what products you’re using, but when you’re using them. Think of your skin care stash like you do your wardrobe — certain things need to be changed out seasonally. Different weather inevitably impacts how your skin behaves and what it needs. So, while there are some tried-and-true year-round staples, there are certain products where a seasonal swap is in order. Case in point: moisturizer.

Cold temps and low humidity levels can leave your skin drier than normal, requiring you to step up your hydration game in order to prevent dryness, flaking, and itchiness. On the flip side, “increased temperatures and humidity cause an increased production of oil in the skin,” explains Devika Icecreamwala, MD, a dermatologist in Berkeley, CA. The bottom line: When warm weather hits, it’s time to switch to a lighter moisturizer. Here’s what to look for in a summer moisturizer, plus some top product picks.

First and foremost, make sure you’re using one

Before we get to the nitty gritty details, it’s important to remember that, no matter how hot it gets, skipping moisturizer entirely isn’t an option. “While many people forego using one in the summer, it’s always important to keep your skin hydrated,” notes Dr. Icecreamwala. While it can be tempting to skip moisturizer when your skin feels greasy and sweaty to begin with, doing so can actually have the opposite effect, throwing your skin into oil production overdrive and ultimately leaving you greasier.

Check the ingredients

Moisturizing ingredients are generally split into two categories: occlusives, which sit on top of your skin to lock in hydration, and humectants, which work by attracting moisture to the skin. Summertime means it’s time to ditch the former. Look at it this way — you wouldn’t wear a chunky wool sweater in the middle of July, would you? Commonly used occlusive ingredients include heavy and rich butters and oils, along with things such as petrolatum and dimethicone. Instead, make humectants the MVPs of your summer moisturizer. They effectively hydrate while still feeling incredibly light; top ones to look for include glycerin and the derm-favorite hyaluronic acid, which has the added benefits of softening and plumping skin, notes Dr. Icecreamwala. A no-frills, non-greasy option: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($8; sephora.com).

When in doubt, go for gel

Reading the ingredient label and seeking out humectants instead occlusive agents is a good move, as is searching for formulas labeled oil-free (self-explanatory) and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), notes Dr. Icecreamwala. But if you’re not sure or are in a rush, grab a gel moisturizer. “These are a great option because they’re water-based, lightweight, and most often contain hyaluronic acid,” she says. Not to mention that because they’re water-based, they innately feel cooling and refreshing (up the ante by stashing yours in the fridge).

Dr. Icecreamwala is a fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($23; ulta.com), since it’s both affordable and effective. Also nice as a summer moisturizer: The new Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Hydra Burst Gel Lotion ($68; ulta.com), which helps reduce redness, choice after a day spent in the sun. Any product called a water cream or with “water” in the name is another good option. We like Tatcha The Water Cream ($68; Sephora.com), since it has the added benefit of controlling excess oil and purifying the skin, too.