21-07-2025
Summer skin 101
With dramatic temperature shifts from desert heat to blasted AC in Dubai Mall, summer in Dubai is all about layering. But layering is not only reserved for fashion. Our skin needs it too.
Today's skin routines go far beyond serums and SPF. Boosting skin quality requires skincare 'stacks'. Yup, that means layering topical products with ingestible support.
Cosmopolitan Middle East asked skin experts to weigh in on exactly how to design your summer skin stack.
Hassan Galadari, Dermatologist & Aesthetic doctor
Cosmo ME: What are skin routines for surviving summer in Dubai?
Hassan: Summer skincare in Dubai needs more than just SPF and a serum. You want to think about barrier repair, deep hydration, and calming inflammation. I always recommend double cleansing in the evening to properly remove SPF, sweat, and pollution. Weekly enzyme masks can gently exfoliate without stripping the skin, while LED light therapy is brilliant for calming redness and boosting healing. Treatments like Lumecca Peak are also ideal in summer – it's a powerful IPL that targets sun-induced pigmentation and uneven tone without damaging surrounding skin, helping to reverse the visible signs of heat and UV exposure.
Cosmo ME: Any go-to products?
Hassan: Look for a good barrier-supporting moisturiser with ceramides or squalane, and layer it over a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid. A mineral SPF is a must – ideally with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as it's less likely to clog pores. I also love misting with thermal water throughout the day and using a probiotic-rich essence or serum to support the skin microbiome. If you're struggling with pigmentation, medical-grade pigment correctors like SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense or ZO Skin Health Brightalive can be game-changers when combined with the right in-clinic treatments.
Cosmo ME: What are skin routines for surviving summer in Dubai?
Dr. Hanieh: Serums and SPF are a great start, but in Dubai's climate, you need to go further. Think of your summer routine as 'skin rehab' – it's about defending the skin barrier, staying hydrated, and keeping inflammation down. I recommend switching to gentle, hydrating cleansers and adding in a weekly mask with soothing ingredients like oat or aloe. In-clinic, Viscoderm and Profhilo skin boosters are fantastic at this time of year – they flood the skin with hyaluronic acid, improve elasticity, and help maintain that dewy, plumped-up look even in dry heat and air-con.
Cosmo ME: Any go-to products?
Dr. Hanieh: I love products that multitask. A lightweight gel moisturiser with niacinamide can help regulate oil and calm redness, while a spritz of thermal water mid-day keeps skin refreshed. For pigmentation or dullness, I often suggest tranexamic acid-based serums – they're effective but less harsh than traditional brightening actives. And never underestimate the importance of a proper cleanse at night – even something as simple as a fragrance-free cleansing balm followed by a gentle foaming wash can make a big difference to your skin's resilience.
Cosmo ME: What are skin routines for surviving summer in Dubai?
Dr. Patricia: In-clinic, we see a rise in inflammation, congestion, and dehydration during the hotter months. Your routine needs to focus on stability – protecting the skin barrier and avoiding anything that could trigger flare-ups. I often recommend switching to a non-foaming cleanser, using lightweight moisturisers with ceramides, and keeping exfoliation minimal. For patients prone to pigmentation or redness, I might suggest mesotherapy or injectable skin boosters – they deeply hydrate and help reinforce the skin's structure, which is particularly useful when the skin is stressed by heat and sun exposure.
Cosmo ME: Any go-to products?
Dr. Patricia: For summer, I usually advise medical-grade products that are designed to support the skin's natural defences. Obagi's Hydrate is a great moisturiser that works for most skin types, and I'm a fan of mineral-based SPFs with zinc oxide – they're gentler and offer strong protection. If you're tackling pigmentation, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is a great antioxidant serum that can be used under sunscreen to reduce sun-induced dark spots over time. And for evening use, a low-strength retinoid a few nights a week can help keep cell turnover active without irritating the skin – provided barrier support is in place.
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