The respective places teem with and offer shimmering skylines, vast engaging desert, and an endless sun beaming sunlight onto every surface and object creating a brilliant, nefarious incandescence: the United Arab Emirates. A unique experience, yes, to experience Dubai, Abu Dhabi or one the other stunning emirates, but the unique conditions—a combination of extreme heat outside and dry, cool, indoor air conditioning—creates a genuine risk to both the health and glow of your skin.
To keep your glow and protect your skin from damaging conditions, you need a unique defence. That’s where SunKiss comes in—not just offering a simple skincare routine, but delivering true skin care for desert travel in the U.A.E.
The Challenge of the UAE Climate
The climate in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area is famously hard on the skin. You must contend with:
- Intense UV Radiation – The sun is incredibly intense year-round. A lot of sun exposure on a daily basis accelerates aging and increases damage risk.
- Heat-induced Dehydration In Dry Air – Hot dry desert air takes moisture from the skin.
- Indoor/Outdoor Shock - Transition from cold weather, then hot outdoors to cold air conditioning, indoors, repels the moisture away, breaks the skin barrier, irritation, & redness.
What is the answer? An easy routine that hits three pillars: maximum defense, lightweight hydration and soothing repair. Here is the definitive guide to the best skincare for hot climates, and the secret to your glowing skin in the UAE.
Pillar 1: Maximum, Non-Negotiable Sun Protection
In the UAE, sunscreen is not optional—it is your most vital piece of desert-proof skincare for GCC. The intensity of the sun means you cannot compromise on your protection level.
Your Desert Shield: SPF 50 Sunscreen for UA
In such situations, a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50 or more is a bare minimum. It should be light enough to wear under makeup but potent enough to cut through all-day wear in sun and heat, whether sun lounging in day beds or dry dune bashing.
For ease on the go and daily wear, we suggest putting the Invisible Sun Shield Cocolime SPF 50 Travel version in your bag. This sunscreen offers sheer, mineral based protection without the heavy, greasy feeling or white cast of others that go higher on sun safety. With its non-comedogenic nature, this one bodes well with the heat, offering to protect against clogged pores while also providing necessary UV defense.
Pro Tip: Reapplying your sunscreen for desert travel every two hours is key. Since you will be sweating, or frequently moving indoors and out, consider a powder or mist formula for easy re-application over your makeup. (Read more about building the perfect sun protection routine for an intense day out.)
Pillar 2: Lightweight Hydration and Barrier Repair
The most common issue experienced in hot and humid climates will always be the incorrect moisturizing regimen. Often, the air is, of course, hot in Dubai and its Emirates, but often the air is incredibly dry, so internal hydration is necessary. You need formulas that hydrate without feeling heavy.
Balancing Act: Serums and Soothing Oils
Instead of using a heavy cream, turn towards lighter serums, filled with humectants like hyaluronic acid and ingredients that help the barrier of the skin.
Our Luminous Face Essentials set is a great example of a good balance of skin care options, perfect for your travel to the UAE. This product aims to provide nourishment and brightness while still being light.
- Luminous Glow Oil: It only takes a few drops of a non-comedogenic oil to store the necessary moisture while maintaining light in the hot environment. Use as the final step for long-lasting plumpness and dewiness.
- Lightweight Moisturizer: Apply a gel-cream or lotion moisturizer that is moisturizing but not oily. (Also pro tip on the best times to apply moisturizer.)
Pillar 3: Post-Sun Repair and Soothing
Even if you’re doing everything “right”, the sun and the dry air can still leave your skin feeling depleted. The goal of the last step is to soothe, cool, and restore.
The Post-Adventure Soothe
After a day of exploring the souks or a day at the beach, your skin will need something soothing right away. Cooling and soothing ingredients will be necessary to avoid lasting damage from the sun and to 'soothe' some sensitivity.
For the ultimate rescue, pack the Beach Day Duo.
- Aloe & Recovery Cream: A great after-sun should have Aloe Vera, the most well-known cooling and anti-inflammatory plant. To fight the adverse effects of the sun, you need to have a recovery cream with antioxidant and soothing properties.
- Cooling Mist: Ensure to carry a facial mist in your purse, not only to refresh your face, but also to cool down your skin and give your skin a bit of moisture whenever you want during the day.
Quick Skincare Tips for Dubai Heat
- Water is Precious: There is no substitute for internal hydration. Make sure to drink lots of water often throughout the day.
- Avoid Retinoids In Hot Sun: If you are someone who usually applies strong active ingredients such as high strength retinoids, then maybe you should avoid applying them in your holiday. Strong active ingredients lead to sun sensitivity, and because strong sun is dangerous, it might end up causing red irritation.
- Gentle Cleanse: After a hot, dusty day, the temptation to rub your face literally clean is strong, but resist! Clean with a gentle non-foaming cleaner that doesn't strip away the skin's natural moisture barrier, already struggling.
- Don't Emphasize Oiliness, Just Emphasize Glow: Utilizing these skincare tips for Dubai heat will, hopefully, help you maintain dewy healthy skin. The focus of high protection, light textures, and soothing ingredients is key when understanding skincare for traveling to the desert in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East.
Ready for Your UAE Adventure?
Don't let your dream trip be spoiled by a little weather. It's the best time to upgrade your beauty kit by introducing effective defense and lightweight, hydrating formulas to keep your skin bright and looking even brighter.
The journey to glowing skin tips to travel to the UAE starts with anticipating a sensible packing list. Visit our Travel Size Collection to put together your ultimate desert proof kit and be ready to step out in the dazzling Middle Eastern sun with confidence.
