Winter is officially here in the UAE, and as the temperature drops, many are noticing changes in their skin texture and scalp. It’s important to take a few steps to ensure the skin is properly hydrated and given the right amount of moisture. We spoke with Maria Doyle Makeup, Founder of Glow And Go Dubai and SO SILK SO SKIN, who shared her expert insights on the best skincare practices for UAE residents.
Why is hydration important?
Hydrated facial skin ensures the lipid barrier remains intact, protecting against pollutants, bacteria, and allergens. This prevents sensitivity, redness, and irritation: “Proper hydration minimizes the appearance of dryness, rough patches, and flaky skin, leaving the face smooth and soft to the touch, enhancing skin texture,” said Maria, adding, “Hydration boosts the skin’s natural glow by improving its ability to reflect light, making your face look fresh, vibrant, and youthful.”
Prevents premature aging
Doyle highlighted that dehydrated facial skin is more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, whereas hydration plumps the skin, reducing visible signs of aging. “Well-hydrated skin provides a smooth base for makeup, helping foundation blend seamlessly and last longer without cracking or settling into dry areas,” she noted.
Regulate sebum production
Several reports suggest that skin in the UAE remains dehydrated, as many don’t feel the need to drink enough water due to the cool temperature. Maria emphasizes that this can trigger the skin to overproduce oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts: “Keeping your face hydrated balances oil levels and helps the skin heal more effectively from acne, scars, or other skin conditions, reducing inflammation and redness.”
How to hydrate facial skin:
- Use hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid.
- Moisturize with products containing ceramides or glycerin.
- Avoid harsh cleansers that strip the skin of moisture. Anything with alcohol, fragrance, or acids will completely strip the skin’s barrier.
- Stay hydrated internally by drinking enough water daily.
Expert recommendations on how to tackle dry skin problems
Maria concluded, “I suggest facials once a quarter to help clean out dry, dead skin and clogged pores. This allows you to apply your products more effectively and helps them penetrate better. For ultimate hydration before bed, I use a method called slugging, which really just means applying a good moisturizer and locking it in with Vaseline; also recommend taking collagen orally to add elasticity to the skin, as the benefits work from within, not topically.”
