UAE beaches offer stunning beauty, but the harsh sunny weather, salty sea water, and high humidity can be brutal on your skin. A relaxing beach outing in Abu Dhabi or Dubai can unfortunately result in breakouts, dehydration, or sunburn if precautions are not taken.
No single skincare routine suits everyone perfectly due to the varying needs of different skin types. It's important to tailor your skincare regimen based on your specific skin type to effectively prep before, safeguard during, and restore after your time spent on the beach. In this guide, we'll share key tips to ensure your skin remains healthy and radiant at UAE beaches:
How To Protect Your Skin at UAE Beaches By Skin Type
Oily Skin or Acne-Prone Skin Type
For individuals with oily skin or acne-prone skin, a day at the beach can bring about certain challenges. The sunscreen applied may feel excessively greasy, while perspiration can further clog pores, often leading to potential breakouts after swimming. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to minimize these issues and protect your radiant skin while enjoying the sun and surf. Here's how you can handle it effectively.
- Before you go to the beach, use a salicylic acid cleanser to clear oil and prevent clogged pores. Then use a matte, oil-free sunscreen like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dry Touch. Finish with dabbing a clay mask on your T-zone as a spot treatment before applying a final layer of SPF 50 sunscreens.
- At the beach, use a stick sunscreen every 90 minutes for sunscreen reapplication. A stick sunscreen helps you to avoid greasiness. Use oil-absorbing sheets to blot sweat from your skin and please don’t dub your skin, just blot.
- After your day at the beach, rinse your sun exposed skin with micellar water which is great for removing salt and residue left by the sunscreen. You can then apply a niacinamide serum to balance excess oil and finish your post beach skin care routine with gel hydrating moisturizer.
Dry Skin or Sensitive Skin Type
The struggle for dry skin or sensitive skin types at the beach is that the saltwater can tighten skin, and wind can cause burns and peeling. To reduce the chances of all this happening consider this beach skincare routine:
- Before going to the beach, use the slugging trick of applying a thin layer of vaseline on your cheeks and nose before applying the sunscreen. You could also use shea butter for this. After slugging, apply a layer of mineral SPF because its less irritating and spray on a hydrating mist. Take the hydrating mist in your beach bag because you’ll need it at the beach.
- At the beach, make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and a UPF scarf for extra barrier protection from UV rays. Now and then, spray your hydrating mist to provide instant relief from heat and sensitivity. You could also use thermal water. Drink plenty of water at the beach to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration or drink coconut water to provide electrolytes
- After your time at the beach, rinse your face with bottled water, because the shower water or tap water would be a little harsh. After this cooling face wash, apply a sheet mask to repair moisture barrier, use a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid and afterwards use a ceramide cream to lock in the moisture. For your body you can use cooling after sun lotion.
For Those with Combination Skin Type
If you have combination skin type, you'll likely experience a unique set of challenges when spending time at the beach. These issues often include an oily T-zone, dry areas on your cheeks, and an overall uneven skin texture. To tackle and mitigate these common struggles, your primary goal should be to find a harmonious balance between controlling excess oil and maintaining adequate moisture levels. Following this specialized beach skincare routine will help you achieve that balance effectively.
- Before the beach, learn the art of double layering, First use light gel sunscreen like Biore UV Aqua Rich on your oily zones. Should be SPF 30 and above. Then add a layer of richer cream sunscreen on drier areas. Then use a setting spray SFP for the final touch. Don’t forget to bring the spray SPF with you along with blotting papers in your beach bag as you will need them at the beach.
- At the Beach, reapply your sunscreen with the spray SPF you brought this will ensure balance of oil and moisture as you enjoy the beach. Avoid touching your face because the sand and sweat could cause breakouts. Use the blotting papers you brought with you as appropriate to avoid sandy skin
- After your nice day at the UAE beach, use an oil cleanser because this will help dissolve the sunscreen and salt remnants, then use a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid, and seal everything with a lightweight moisturizer.
Mature Skin or Aging Skin Type
Mature skin, particularly when exposed to the harsh UAE sun, is highly susceptible to developing sunspots, a crepey texture, and fine lines. However, with the right skincare approach, you can protect your skin and significantly minimize these risks. Here's an effective beach skincare routine tailored for mature skin to help mitigate these concerns:
- Before the beach, Layer vitamin C serum under sunscreen as vitamin C will help to boost your sun protection. Be sure to choose high-UVA sunscreen and wear UV rays filter sunglasses and even scarfs to block aging rays.
- At the beach, stay in the shade from 11 AM to 3 PM because these are the peak photo ageing hours. And remember to keep your UV blocking sunglasses on because they help prevent crow’s feet.
- After the beach day, cleanse your face gently with a rice cleanser. Then apply retinol and then your normal anti aging treatment. Please use retinol 2 times a week at night, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce wrinkles caused by friction.
Hyperpigmented Skin or Blemish-Prone Skin Type
Blemish-prone skin tends to face the issue of dark spots becoming more pronounced under the sun’s intense rays at the beach. Additionally, individuals with this skin type often experience the challenge of achieving an even tan due to existing skin discolorations. Therefore:
- Before heading to the beach, apply a tinted sunscreen that is SPF 50+ and contains zinc oxide, as it effectively helps block triggers for pigment production. Additionally, remember to wear a wide-brimmed hat along with protective clothing to serve as a physical skin barrier against the sun’s harmful rays.
- While enjoying your time at the beach, it is crucial to reapply your sunscreen every hour. This is because the sunlight can intensify by reflecting off the sand and water, increasing your risk of sunburn. Additionally, it's advisable to avoid consuming citrus-based drinks or fruits during your beach visit, as they can lead to photosensitivity, making your skin more prone to sun damage.
- After the beach, rescue your skin by cleansing with a brightening wash to prevent melanin buildup and use a tyrosinase inhibiting serum at night
Important Tips for All Skin Types
- Exfoliate with AmLactin after the beach for smooth heels.
- Apply a hair mask before swimming to prevent salt damage on your hair. Olaplex No. 8 is great for this
- Keep aloe vera gel and hydrocortisone cream in your beach bag. Aloe vera to soothe irritations and sunburns and hydrocortisone for rashes.
Conclusion: The bottom line
The essential UAE beach skincare means knowing your skin, prepping it, maintaining it at the beach and repairing it afterwards. With the right skincare plan, and the best after sun products, you can enjoy the beach and keep your skin glowing all year round despite the harsh sunny weather. These tips work anywhere on the UAE coast whether its Abu Dhabi, Dubai or anywhere else. So send this to your beach buddy.
FAQs: UAE Beach Skincare Guide
How often should I reapply sunscreen again when I'm at the beach in the UAE?
Do it every two hours, or right after you swim or sweat. The sun is strong here, and the sand and water make it even stronger. A water-resistant SPF 50+ stick is easy to reapply.
Should I use body sunscreen on my face?
It's advisable to avoid using body sunscreen on your face. This is because body sunscreens tend to have a thicker consistency, which may lead to clogged pores on your delicate facial skin. Instead, opt for a specially formulated face sunscreen with at least SPF 50+ to effectively protect your skin while minimizing the risk of breakouts.
How can I keep from breaking out after swimming in the ocean?
Saltwater and sunscreen can clog your pores. Rinse your face with clean water right away, then wash it with a salicylic acid wash. After that, use niacinamide serum to help with oily skin.
Is it okay to exfoliate after being at the beach?
Don't use rough scrubs or strong acids to try exfoliate dead skin cells after the beach. Saltwater and sun can make your skin sensitive. So, Try using a gentle PHA toner but only a day or two after being at the beach.
How do I keep my hair safe from damage at the UAE beach?
Before swimming, apply premium quality coconut oil on your hair. After swimming, rinse with apple cider vinegar and water mixed together to get rid of salt. Once a week, use a hair mask that adds moisture.
Why does my skin feel oily but dry after I've been at the beach?
That's from not having enough water in your skin aka dehydration. Saltwater takes away moisture, which makes your skin produce too much oil. Use a hydrating mist and gel moisturizer to fix it.
What's the most important skincare product to use at UAE beaches?
Mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide is essential. It provides excellent protection by blocking harmful sun rays while also soothing any irritation caused by exposure to salt water and sand.
How do I take care of jellyfish stings?
Rinse with vinegar and water. Then, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream if it itches. Don't rub it with sand or a towel.