Moving to Dubai as an expat is an exciting adventure, with a vibrant culture, luxurious lifestyle, and plenty of opportunities for new experiences. However, the intense heat, humidity, and sun can be quite a shock to your skin. Dubai’s climate is drastically different from many other parts of the world, and your skincare routine will need some adjustments to keep your skin looking healthy, glowing, and protected.
Whether you’re new to the desert heat or just looking to fine-tune your skincare, here’s everything you need to know about adjusting your skincare routine after moving to Dubai.
1. Understand Dubai’s Climate and How It Affects Your Skin
Skincare Treatment in Dubai is known for its scorching heat, high humidity, and strong UV rays, which can take a toll on your skin if you’re not careful. Here’s a breakdown of the climate factors that impact your skincare:
Hot, Dry Summers
With temperatures often soaring above 40°C (104°F), the heat can dry out your skin, causing it to lose moisture. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and premature aging.
High Humidity
While the summer is extremely hot, the humidity level can also increase during certain months, making it feel even hotter. High humidity can clog pores and lead to excess oil production, potentially resulting in breakouts or acne.
Strong UV Radiation
Dubai’s UV index is consistently high, meaning prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. It’s essential to have a good sun protection routine in place.
2. Hydration is Key
Given the dry desert climate, your skin is more prone to dehydration in Dubai. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your skin is still losing moisture from the environment, which can lead to a dull, flaky complexion.
What to do:
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Increase hydration: Opt for hydrating serums and moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful ingredient that draws moisture into the skin. Look for a product that works well with Dubai’s climate, providing moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
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Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from within. The heat and humidity can cause dehydration faster than you realize, so make sure to keep a water bottle with you throughout the day.
Recommended Products:
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (Hyaluronic acid)
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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (for dry skin)
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La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water (to refresh and hydrate)
3. Adapt Your Sunscreen Routine
One of the most important adjustments you need to make is your sunscreen routine. The sun in Dubai can be harsh, with UVA and UVB rays that penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage such as sunspots, wrinkles, and premature aging.
What to do:
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Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 every day, even if you’re indoors. UV rays can still penetrate windows and cause damage.
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Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you’re spending time outdoors, and more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
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Opt for non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formulas if you’re prone to acne or have oily skin.
Recommended Products:
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EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (great for sensitive or acne-prone skin)
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60 (water-resistant)
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (for a lightweight, invisible finish)
4. Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes healthy skin turnover, but it’s important not to overdo it—especially in Dubai’s heat. Over-exfoliating can leave your skin vulnerable to sunburn, dryness, and irritation.
What to do:
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Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin smooth.
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Choose gentle chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) over physical scrubs, as they are less abrasive and won’t irritate sensitive skin.
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Always apply sunscreen after exfoliating, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays.
Recommended Products:
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The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (gentle AHA exfoliant)
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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (great for acne-prone skin)
5. Consider Oil-Free or Lightweight Skincare Products
Given the humidity and heat in Dubai, heavy creams or oil-based products can feel suffocating on your skin, especially if you’re prone to oily skin or acne.
What to do:
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Opt for oil-free or mattifying products that won’t clog your pores or cause excessive shine.
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For your moisturizer, look for gel-based formulas that provide hydration without feeling heavy.
Recommended Products:
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Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly (lightweight, oil-free)
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Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 55 (for acne-prone skin)
6. Take Extra Care for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, the combination of sun exposure, heat, and humidity can easily trigger irritation or inflammation. It’s important to be gentle with your skincare routine.
What to do:
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Stick to fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of irritation.
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Use products containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, or niacinamide to calm any redness or inflammation.
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Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants that could exacerbate sensitivity.
Recommended Products:
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Avene Skin Recovery Cream (for sensitive skin)
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La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (soothing and healing)
7. Don’t Forget About Your Eyes and Lips
The skin around your eyes and on your lips is much more delicate than the rest of your face, and it can be even more susceptible to the sun’s damaging rays.
What to do:
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Use a sunscreen specifically designed for the eyes, as it will protect this sensitive area without causing irritation.
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Hydrate your lips regularly with a lip balm that contains SPF and nourishing ingredients.
Recommended Products:
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Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer SPF 20 (for the eye area)
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Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 (for the lips)
Final Thoughts
Adjusting your skincare routine to Dubai’s hot, humid climate is essential to keeping your skin healthy and glowing. With the right products and a few smart adjustments, you can protect your skin from the intense heat, sun, and humidity while keeping it hydrated, smooth, and free from irritation.
Key Tips to Remember:
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Always wear high-SPF sunscreen daily.
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Keep your skin hydrated with lightweight, moisturizing products.
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Exfoliate gently and avoid over-exfoliation.
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Hydrate from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your skin stays happy, healthy, and glowing, no matter how hot the sun gets in Dubai
