Summer in the UAE isn’t just about enjoying the sun. It's more like tackling the extreme heat, dry winds, blasting AC, sand and those strong UV rays. If you think your skincare is doing fine, it might be time for a refresh.
We looked into local customs, our own experiences, handy science expert tips, and some creative skincare ideas to give you the best summer skincare routine hacks for the UAE, some of which you might never have heard about.
So, whether you’re commuting in Dubai, hitting the beach in Abu Dhabi, or just trying to keep cool in these summer months, these tips will give you that glow.
1. Sand proof Your Skin
Before going outside, apply a thin layer of shea butter on your face and hands. Because shea butter works like a barrier against sand and dust and prevents clogged pores. This light balm keeps your skin hydrated while protecting it from gritty particles. Check out natural shea butter option.
2. AC Proof Mist
Mix rose water with a bit of glycerin in a spray bottle. Use this spray to mist your face every hour when you are indoors. Because AC can dry out your skin, but glycerin helps retain moisture while rosewater calms any irritations, preventing sensitive skin. Discover our rosewater facial toner collection
3. Reverse Cleansing
Massage oil-based cleanser onto dry skin for a minute, then wash it off with water. This is because hard water can strip your skin of oils leaving you with dry skin. This method helps create a proper hydration by providing hydrating layer before rinsing.
4. Sunscreen Over Makeup
Keep a broad spectrum sunscreen stick handy and press it onto your makeup instead of rubbing it. You can also use daily sunscreen mist and sunscreen dabbing powder. Sunscreen must be reapplied every 2 hours for sun protection and pressing as sunscreen stick on, allows you to add SPF without messing up your makeup. This is great for that midday refresh and broad spectrum protection!
5. Nighttime Humidity Trick
After applying your nighttime lightweight moisturizer, place a damp cotton cloth over your face for 20 minutes while you sleep. This helps keep moisture close to your skin, making it easier for your products to soak in and giving you healthy skin.
6. Camel Milk for Redness
Soak a cotton pad in chilled camel milk and put it on your skin for 5 minutes. Camel milk has compounds like Lactoferrin that calm irritated skin and soothes redness, plus it’s like a thumbs up and a nod to ancient Emirati beauty practices for sensitive skin and even skin tone skin concerns.
7. Chilled Spoon for Puffiness
Freeze some spoons with a little aloe vera gel and use them under your eyes for your every morning skincare routine. The cooling effect reduces puffiness and the aloe vera helps to hydrate your skin. You could keep another set frozen with cucumber juice for even more cooling.
8. Date Seed Exfoliation
Grind up date seeds and mix with raw honey for a gentle scrub. Date seeds are packed with antioxidants. This scrub exfoliates while nourishing your skin. It is also great for rectifying dull skin type as sometimes dull skin is a result of dead skin cell pileup.
9. Sweat-Proof Your Skincare
After your serum, press some aloe vera gel into your skin before adding a lightweight moisturizer. Aloe helps lock in the serum while acting as a lightweight skin barrier against sweat.
10. Don’t Forget Car SPF
Apply extra sunscreen on your left arm and cheek before driving. UVA rays can get through car windows, so you might be getting sun damage even when you’re inside your car driving.
Bonus Tips:
- Keep your facial mists in the fridge. A cool spray is refreshing and helps shrink pores.
- Mix sandalwood powder with rosewater for a cooling mask after being outside. These natural ingredients soothes redness and brings down your skin temperature.
Final Thought
In the UAE, your skin faces more than just the sun in the summer months. It’s dealing with sand, seawater, AC, and even scorching car seats! By using these smart beauty summer skincare tips, you can take on the weather, prevent the harsh effects of heat and keep looking good all summer long.
FAQs
How to take care of skin in UAE?
Make sure to drink plenty of water every day as internal hydration is as important as external hydration. Try a cream with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Use a mineral sunscreen with at least SPF 50 to protect skin from UV damage and use overnight masks to help with dryness. Don't forget to reapply your sunscreen every two hours when you're outside!
Is aloe vera lotion good for summer?
Great for summer! Apply chilled pure aloe gel to cool your skin, ease sunburnt skin, and keep it hydrated without feeling greasy. Stay away from gels with alcohol. You can also mix aloe with your moisturizer for a hydration boost during hot summer days!
Why does my skin feel tight and itchy in Dubai?
Maybe because of the humid weather and sweating. Sweating in low humidity can cause prickly heat which usually forms in spots on your body where air doesn't reach well. Also low humidity and air conditioning can really dry out your skin. It loses moisture quicker than it can get it back. To help, try putting a hyaluronic acid serum on slightly damp skin, then seal it in with a ceramide cream.
How often should I exfoliate in hot, dry weather?
Limit exfoliating to once or twice a week. Doing it too much can harm your skin. Give a gentle enzyme mask, like one with papaya, a shot instead of scrubs.
Is SPF 50 enough for UAE summers?
SPF 50 is a good starting point for daily sun protection, but make sure to reapply it every couple of hours when you're outside for adequate protection. A handy tip: try using a tinted mineral sunscreen to also protect against infrared heat!
Why do I break out more in humidity?
Breakout are usually because of clogging pores. Sweat and sunscreen can block your pores. To fix this, wash your face right after sweating and try using active ingredients like niacinamide serum to help manage excess oil.
Can AC cause premature aging?
AC can dry out your skin and cause fine lines. Tip: Keep a small humidifier at your desk and spray some thermal water when needed.
What’s the best moisturizer for desert climates?
Check out barrier repair creams that have squalane or shea butter for good boost of hydration. Stay away from water-based gels since they dry up quickly!
How do I prevent sand from irritating my skin?
Put on a light layer of balm, like Vaseline or Shea butter, before heading to the beach or heading out on a sand and windy day. It helps keep the sand from sticking to you!
What’s the #1 skincare product for UAE summers?
A cleanser that is pH-balanced because harsh soaps and hard water can really mess up your skin. A good option is micellar water for a quick refresh during the day.
Are sheet masks useless in dry heat?
No. You have to seal them in to make them effective! After you mask, put on a sleeping pack to keep the moisture in.
Why does my scalp get flaky in summer?
Hard water plus air conditioning can mess with your scalp's natural balance. To help, try rinsing with a mix of apple cider vinegar and bottled/ filtered water once a week.