The best skincare for hot weather (tips + tricks)
Learn how to look after your skin in the UAE climate
Living in the UAE means enjoying year-round sunshine, but your skin doesn’t always feel as glowing as the weather looks. The sweltering heat, intense humidity and constant exposure to UV rays can wreak havoc on your skin causing issues like dehydration, excess oil, breakouts and sun damage.
It may feel tempting to pile on products, but keeping your skin happy in this climate is more about being smart with a select few. Adding the right ingredients to your routine – and making a few tweaks – can make all the difference.
So, whether you’re prepping your complexion for a scorching beach day or the blast of air-conditioning indoors, keep reading for advice on the best skincare for hot weather.
The best skincare for hot weather
When the temperature climbs and the humidity rises, your skin has its own way of protesting in the form of flakiness, oily T-zones and sunburn sneaking up on you (to name a few). But the secret to surviving the UAE’s heat? It’s all about simple yet targeted skincare that keeps your complexion balanced and thriving.
Tip 1: Hydrate inside and out
Your water bottle is your first defense against dehydration in this heat (yes, drinking the entire contents of your Stanley Cup positively impacts your skin). In addition, your skincare should work just as hard. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw moisture into the skin, keeping it supple and plump no matter how dry the air feels.
Pro (unexpected) tip: Apply products to damp skin to supercharge hydration.
Tip 2: Prioritise lightweight formulas
Heavy creams are a no-go in this weather, but that doesn’t mean skipping hydration. Gel-based moisturizers or water-light serums are your best bet – they absorb quickly and don’t sit heavy on the skin. Natural ingredients like aloe vera not only hydrate but also soothe redness and calm irritation, making them a UAE skincare staple.
Tip 3: Always, always wear SPF
Let’s be honest, the UAE sun is relentless. For this reason, a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is non-negotiable. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to shield your skin without clogging pores. Bonus points for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that disappear into your skin and play well with makeup. Reapply every two hours because, yes, it really makes a difference.
Tip 4: Double cleanse in the evening
Even the best SPF and lightweight makeup can clog your pores after a long, sweaty day. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen, makeup and grime. Then follow up with a gentle, water-based formula to refresh your skin without stripping its natural moisture.
Tip 5: Incorporate antioxidants
The UAE’s pollution and UV exposure create a cocktail of free radicals that age your skin faster. Serums with vitamin C brighten and protect, while niacinamide calms redness and strengthens your barrier. For a soothing alternative, green tea extract neutralizes oxidative stress and reduces inflammation. Layer these in the morning to boost your sunscreen’s protective power.
Tip 6: Exfoliate wisely
Exfoliation is a summer essential, but overdoing it in hot weather can backfire. Stick to gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or PHA, which clear dead skin without irritation. Use them 1–2 times a week to avoid over-stripping, and always follow up with SPF – you don’t want to leave freshly exfoliated skin vulnerable to the sun.
Tip 7: Use calming ingredients
Hot weather can leave your skin feeling angry and inflamed. Ingredients like cica (centella asiatica) and calendula are lifesavers for soothing redness and irritation after a long day in the sun. Lightweight gels or cooling sprays infused with these botanicals can provide instant relief and a refreshing pick-me-up.
Tip 8: Skip heavy makeup
Thick foundations and humid weather? A recipe for clogged pores. Swap them out for a lightweight tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF for breathable coverage. This keeps your skin looking even without suffocating it, reducing the risk of breakouts and midday shine.
Tip 9: Don’t forget after-sun care
After a day under the sun, your skin needs some serious TLC. Look for soothing products with aloe vera to calm inflammation or panthenol to replenish hydration. Skip anything alcohol-based – these products can dry out and irritate already-stressed skin. Treat your after-sun routine like a reset, giving your skin the care it craves.
Tip 10: Adjust for humidity
When the air feels like a sauna, turn to mattifying products with kaolin clay or witch hazel to control shine and absorb excess oil. Keep blotting papers handy for quick fixes throughout the day – your T-zone will appreciate it. These small adjustments make all the difference in keeping your skin fresh and balanced.
Stay cool, stay glowing
The UAE heat may be intense, but your skin can still thrive. Focus on hydration that lasts, sun protection that works overtime and lightweight products that don’t weigh you down. Explore Face Republic’s essentials, designed to keep your skin balanced and radiant in any weather.
