Summer in the UAE is no joke. Rising temperatures, extreme humidity, and relentless air conditioning (AC) are all part of daily life. While most of us remember to slap on sunscreen before heading out, what often gets overlooked is how these environmental stressors dehydrate our skin. Whether you're spending the day outdoors or tucked away in indoor spaces, your skin is losing moisture more rapidly than you think.
Hydration isn’t just about drinking water, though that’s essential. It’s also about maintaining the delicate balance of moisture in your skin from the inside out. Dryness, dullness, flaking, and breakouts are all signs your skin is crying out for more support.
Whether you’re navigating oily skin in the heat or struggling with dryness from indoor cooling, this guide tells you how you can beat the summer skin blues, and glow through it all.
Why Skin Hydration Is Important
From blazing sun to icy AC, your skin is under constant pressure. Here's why hydration is non-negotiable this season:
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Sun exposure and Ultraviolet rays compromise your skin barrier, leading to moisture loss.
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High heat and sweating strip away natural oils, making skin feel dry or irritated.
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AC further zaps moisture, especially if you’re indoors for long hours.
So, how do you keep your skin from drying out? The key lies in understanding what your skin needs and what to avoid.
Hydration Mistakes You Might Be Making
According to Dr. Sara Iakovou, Dermatologist at Al Quttainah Specialised Hospital (QSH), many of us unknowingly sabotage our skin by making simple mistakes, including:
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Using the wrong moisturiser: Choose products tailored to your skin type. Oily skin needs lightweight hydration, while dry skin needs more nourishing ingredients. Also avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals.
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Over-applying products: More isn’t always better. Excessive use can clog pores and cause breakouts.
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Direct exposure to sun: Avoid direct exposure to sun between 10am and 4pm to avoid harmful rays.
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Skipping delicate areas: Don’t forget to moisturise your lips, eye area, and neck. These are the first areas to show dehydration.
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Rough application: Always pat products in gently. Rubbing can irritate the skin.
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Layering incorrectly: Apply skincare in the right order. Lighter, water-based products go first, followed by thicker creams or oils.
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Neglecting hydration from within: Simply put, not drinking enough water or eating hydrating foods, is a top culprit.
Smart Skincare Swaps For Summer
Dr. Karima Arroud, Functional Medicine Practitioner at Wellth Clinic, recommends rethinking your product shelf as temperatures rise. Some of the top tips include:
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Go light: Switch to water-based moisturisers or gel textures. They hydrate without feeling heavy and will be perfect for humid conditions and oily skin.
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Hydrating sunscreen: Choose sunscreens with added ingredients like glycerine or aloe vera to protect and hydrate in one step.
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Spritz throughout the day: Keep a hydrating mist or essence on hand if you're spending hours in AC. It refreshes your skin without ruining your makeup.
Key Steps To Take
According to both experts, there are several steps that one can take to ensure that their skin is hydrated throughout the summer. Here are some of them:
- Apply an appropriate amount of sunscreen and reapply it every two hours and after sweating or swimming.
- Moisturise the skin twice daily, in the morning and evening, and after sun exposure and bathing, as Dr.Sara Iakovou from QHS recommends.
Look for ingredients that will support skin hydration, which falls into three categories:
- Humectants like glycerine, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), polyglutamic acid, and aloe vera attract water into the skin. These are excellent for plumping and hydrating at a deeper level, according to Dr. Karima Arroud from Wellth Clinic.
- Emollients like squalane, jojoba oil, and fatty alcohols help soften the skin, perfect for dry skin.
- Occlusives like ceramides, shea butter, or dimethicone, helps prevent loss of moisture.
- Cleanse the skin twice daily using a gentle cleanser to remove oils and impurities, and exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells.
- Watch your diet. Eat hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, celery, and citrus fruits. Foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, rich in omega-3, help support your skin’s natural barrier.
- Drink sufficient amounts of water daily and also, electrolyte balance matters. Minerals like potassium, magnesium, and sodium play a key role in cellular hydration. As Dr. Karima Arroud from Wellth reminds us, "A well-hydrated body supports well-hydrated skin".
Keeping your skin hydrated in the UAE summer requires more than a splash of moisturiser. It’s about smart skincare choices, daily habits, and tuning into what your skin truly needs. From switching up your products to nourishing your body from the inside, these small changes can make a big difference.
And the best part? Healthy, hydrated skin not only looks better. It feels better too.