Okay, if you're dealing with that tight, yet shiny face in the UAE. You must have been searching for “dry skin in UAE” or “dry skin in Dubai” without a conclusive answer. Well, you're not alone! That tight and dry feeling with a face full of oil? It's likely a dehydrated skin cycle, a really common misunderstood issue here in this climate. Don't worry though; it's fixable. We have put together this guide that will give you the dehydrated skin treatment plan to help you tackle the issue head on.
The Core Mix-up: Is Dehydrated Skin the Same as Dry Skin?
Many have asked “what's the deal with that?”. While the answer is that dry skin and dehydrated skin are different. It is important to understand the difference. Understanding brings wisdom and more. Very good keys to helping you fix your skin.
- Dry Skin: This is essentially a skin type and not a skin condition. National Eczema Association defines dry skin as as a fundamental skin type caused by a lack of lipids or oils. This could mean that dry skin is genetic, and it tells you that you naturally don't produce enough oil aka sebum. Your skin often feels flaky, rough, and looks dull consistently.
- Dehydrated Skin: This is a skin condition. A peer reviewed article at Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology establishes that dehydrated skin is temporary because your skin just lacks water, It does not matter if you have oily skin, dry skin, or combination skin. What happens to dehydrated skin is a crisis. It starts to feel tight, looks dull, and fine lines become more obvious. If you have oily skin types, dehydration might cause your skin to produce even more oil to make up for the lack of water, that’s why you get that strange shine.
The bottom line is: Dry skin needs oil, while dehydrated skin needs water.
Why the UAE Climate Makes Your Skin Thirsty
I’ve seen people online asking, how does dehydrated skin look like in the UAE? The UAE's environment can really dry out your skin. For the most part the skin will look confused especially with the fluctuating skin's hydration levels because of:
- Climate Changes: The weather here is hot and going from the hot, dry outdoors with environmental humidity to cool, air-conditioning inside the building which sucks moisture from your skin all day, everyday.
- Water Issues: Maybe you have already heard a few people talking about “Dubai water skin problems” and hair issue. That might stem from the fact that the water is hard. According to Emirates Water and Electricity Company tap water in UAE is desalinated. A process that removes salt from the water. This process may result in mineral imbalance. The imbalanced mineral content in the water may leave residue on your skin or hair. This residue may mess up with the with the skin’s natural PH, and barrier function, making it harder to keep moisture in.
- Other Factors: These may not cause dehydrated skin but contribute to it. Hot showers, skincare products with harsh ingredients and not drinking enough water make dehydrated skin even worse.
The Pinch Test & Other Signs: How to Tell if Your Skin is Dehydrated
If you know about the tight and oily feeling, and wondering how to check dehydrated skin? Beyond these obvious signs of dry and dehydrated skin, here are some things to look out for:
- The Pinch Test: Also known as the skin turgor test. Pinch a small area of your cheek. If the skin is slow to bounce back it probably needs more water. Mayo Clinic’s Dehydration - Symptoms and causes resource lists poor skin turgor as a key symptom of dehydrated skin.
- Other Signs: You will notice dullness, tired-looking skin, and more noticeable fine lines. Your skin might also feel like sensitive skin, itchy, and makeup that used to look smooth might start to look a bit cakey.
For a step-by-step guide on dull skin our best natural remedies for dull skin dives deeper into how to bring you glow back and some product choices.
Break the Cycle: Your Action Plan for How to Fix Dehydrated Skin
So, now that I have done the test and seen the signs, how do I rehydrate my dehydrated skin and get back my glowing skin tone? The idea is to add water back and fix your skin's moisture barrier. Try this definitive skincare for dehydrated skin.
- Step 1: Gentle cleansing: Lose the harsh cleansers with harsh ingredients. Throw away the foam cleansers and the artificially fragranced products. Use gentle cleansers that are creamy, milky or balm cleansers that clean without drying you out and compromising your skin barrier. This step is very important in any dehydrated skin treatment.
- Step 2: Hydration and rehydration power: This is what dehydrated skin needs the most. A hydrating serum A Hyaluronic Acid serum is a must.
Dehydrated Skin Hack for the UAE : A study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology points out that the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid depends a lot on the environmental humidity. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant great at drawing in moisture, but it needs humidity to do its job. Studies suggest that in dry air, it might not hydrate your skin as well unless you give a foundation for moisture and use something to lock in that moisture. To make sure hyaluronic acid works for you and not against you, apply a hyaluronic acid serum when your skin is damp, and then quickly add a moisturizer cream to lock in the moisture on your skin. This makes a big difference.
- Step 3: Seal and Repair with Moisturizer: Dehydrated skin products for this step should be able to help fix your skin's barrier. Look for non-comedogenic products that are skin boosters. A moisturizing cream with ingredients like Ceramides and Niacinamide. A good face moisturizer provides good skin hydration and can signal to your skin that it doesn't need to produce so much oil anymore. For those with oily skin type or oily areas, try an oil-control moisturizer for combination skin as it hydrates the skin while helping to balance sebum production for an even skin tone.
- Step 4: Protect with Sunscreen: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recognizes that sun exposure is a cause of dehydration. Use lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. This is a non-negotiable step in how to take care of dehydrated skin daily. Not only does SPF 50 plus help protect from UV rays but also helps prevent further water loss and UV induced discolouration of the skin
Extra Tips: Advanced Dehydrated Skin Hacks
Now that you've got the basics of skin barrier repair, cleansing and moisturizing down, it's time to get more specific with your skincare routine. These skincare tips are about getting the most out of what you're already using to fight the dry air in the UAE Climate. The idea is to focus on how and when you apply products so your skin can really soak up the moisture and stay hydrated. They will help you in taking a proactive approach to skincare, instead of just reacting to dryness for healthy skin.
- Use a Damp Cloth: This is especially great if you suffer from dehydrated skin in the morning. Put a cool, damp cloth on your face for a minute before applying serum. This helps to give your humectants a place to draw moisture from.
- Facial Mist: Keep a facial mist with glycerin in your bag for a quick hydration boost. You can also use thermal water for this especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Body Care: Dehydrated body skin is also common. Use specialized products for the body like hydrating body wash and a body lotion right after showering while your skin is still damp. You can seal in the moisture with a body oil.
Read more about Dehydrated skin in Dubai
The Big Picture: Dehydrated Skin UAE
The journey of how to fixing dehydrated skin means switching from harsh treatments to gentle care. Understand that dehydrates skin is a short-term water deficiency issue. Instead of trying to control oil, focus on adding moisture. Keep in mind that dry skin lacks water, not oil, which changes how you treat it. Use a mild, moisturizing routine, try dehydrated skin hacks for Dubai's weather, and give it time. Be patient and consistent. Your skin will thank you by becoming smooth, balanced, and healthy-looking.
FAQs: Your Dehydrated Skin Questions, Answered
I've fixed my face, but how do I treat dry, dehydrated skin on my body?
The same rules in this article apply to body care! Drink enough water, avoid hot showers, and use a hydrating body lotion with Ceramides or Shea Butter after showering. Don’t forget to seal in the moisture. This is key for tackling dry skin in the UAE from head to toe.
What are the best dehydrated skin products to look for?
Focus on hydrating face serum heroes and rich moisturizers for barrier repair. Use ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Ceramides, Niacinamide, and Squalane.
How long does it take to see results when I fix dehydrated skin?
With patience and a consistent skincare routine that provide all what dehydrated skin needs, you should notice a change in 2 to 4 weeks. Oil balance might take a bit longer because skin barrier repair takes time.
Can I have both dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Yes, experts say that it is possible to have both dehydrated and dry skin. This will be referred to as dehydrated dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association says dry skin means your skin has little oil. Dehydrated skin means your skin lacks water. And you could have both and that means that your skincare should include both hydrating products and richer moisturizers, creams or oils.