Double Cleansing at Night

In a humid climate, sweat, sunscreen, and pollution build up quickly. Starting with an oil cleanser helps remove makeup and surface impurities, while a gentle gel or foam cleanses thoroughly without stripping your skin. Massaging in circular motions and rinsing with lukewarm water makes a huge difference. Some of my favorite picks include Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm and COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.

Hydrating with Toner or Essence

Even in humid weather, your skin can lose moisture. Layering a lightweight toner or essence a couple of times helps keep skin plump without feeling heavy. Gently pat each layer until absorbed before applying the next. I love Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner and Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence for this step they leave my skin feeling refreshed and balanced.

Repairing and Calming with Serums and Sheet Masks

Heat and pollution can stress your skin and trigger sensitivity. Calming serums or sheet masks with centella, niacinamide, or snail mucin help soothe irritation and repair the skin barrier. I often reach for Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Ampoule or Anua Heartleaf Soothing Sheet Mask. Keeping sheet masks in the fridge gives an extra cooling effect that feels amazing after a hot day.

Moisturize with Gel or Barrier-Cream

Even in humidity, locking in hydration is essential. But heavy creams can feel sticky in the heat, so gel or barrier creams are perfect—they absorb quickly and keep your skin smooth. I like Etude House SoonJung Hydro Barrier Cream or Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream. Some nights, if my skin feels hydrated enough, I skip moisturizer and let the serums and essences do their work.

Sun Protection Every Day

UV rays are intense in Dubai, so sunscreen isn’t optional. A lightweight, no-white-cast formula protects your skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy. My go-tos are Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ and Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel. Reapplying every couple of hours is key if you’re outdoors or sweating.

Extra Tips for Humid Days

I’ve found a few simple tricks that make a huge difference. Keeping toners, mists, or sheet masks in the fridge gives instant relief. Blotting papers during the day help control oil without adding layers of powder. Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week keeps your skin clear, and focusing on calming ingredients like centella, niacinamide, ceramides, and panthenol helps your skin feel balanced and radiant.

With these rituals, staying glowing in Dubai’s heat and humidity isn’t just possible it can actually feel effortless.🧴 Sources & Shopping Picks

To help you find the best products for your routine, here are some curated picks from trusted sources:

• Allure's Best Korean Skin-Care Products on Amazon: A comprehensive list of top-rated K-beauty products available on Amazon, including cleansers, essences, serums, and more. Read the full list here.

• Gulf News' Best K-Beauty Skincare Steps to Achieve Glass Skin in UAE: A guide tailored to the UAE climate, focusing on layering techniques and product recommendations for achieving radiant skin. Explore the guide here.

Feel free to explore these resources to enhance your skincare routine and find the perfect products suited to your needs.

About the author

Chinyere Nzeigwe is a Dubai-based beauty creator with a global perspective shaped by years of living across Asia. Having struggled with acne in the harsh Middle Eastern climate, she turned her skincare journey into expertise—working with Kiehl’s and top beauty brands worldwide. Today, through skinsobeautifulofficial.com, she shares culturally rooted rituals and product insights designed to help women, especially those with brown and Black skin, glow with confidence in any climate.

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