Between intense sun, humidity, air-conditioning, and dust, skincare in the UAE is a whole different game. Yet, despite how advanced the beauty industry is here, so many people still follow outdated beliefs that sabotage their routines.
Let’s debunk the most common myths Emiratis and UAE residents still believe - so you can stop guessing and start caring for your skin properly.
“If My Skin Is Oily, I Don’t Need Moisturizer”
Living in humid weather makes many people think their skin is naturally hydrated. Wrong.
Oil ≠ water.
Skipping moisturizer pushes your skin to produce more oil, which leads to shine and breakouts.
Opt for lightweight, gel-textured moisturizers that hydrate without feeling heavy.
“Sunscreen Is Only for Sunny Days”
This mindset is dangerous, especially in the UAE.
Even when it’s cloudy, UV rays penetrate the skin and cause pigmentation, aging, and damage.
AC, car windows, mall hopping - UV is everywhere.
Daily SPF is non-negotiable. Every. Single. Day.
“Natural Ingredients Are Always Better”
Many in the region assume “natural” equals “safe.” But natural doesn’t mean gentle, and synthetic doesn’t mean harmful.
For example, lemon, cinnamon, and toothpaste - popular DIY ingredients - can burn your skin.
Your skin doesn’t care whether an ingredient grew on a tree; it cares if it works and doesn’t irritate.
“Acne Means You Aren’t Cleansing Enough”
Over-washing strips your skin's barrier and triggers breakouts.
Acne is influenced by hormones, genetics, diet, sweat, cosmetics, and stress - not just dirt.
Cleanse twice a day, not six.
“You Can Shrink Your Pores”
No matter what the beauty influencer says, you cannot permanently change pore size.
You can make pores look smaller with:
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Niacinamide
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Salicylic acid
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Retinoids
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Sunscreen
But shrinking them? Not happening.
“Tanned Skin Looks Healthier”
Common in beach culture here, but tanning equals skin damage.
Whether you tan on the beach, in a tanning bed, or while driving - your skin is literally getting injured.
Bronzers exist for a reason. Your skin doesn’t need UV trauma.
“Expensive Products Work Better”
Luxury doesn’t always mean effective.
Many affordable brands have high-quality formulations supported by science.
What matters most is ingredients, not brand reputation.
“You Can ‘Close’ Your Pores with Ice”
Splashing cold water or rubbing ice only temporarily tightens the skin due to temperature shock.
It doesn’t close pores permanently.
Skincare science > TikTok hacks.
“If It Burns, It’s Working”
There’s a big difference between mild tingling and burning.
Burning = irritation, barrier damage, and future sensitivity.
Skincare shouldn't feel like punishment.
“Drinking More Water Will Fix Dry Skin”
Hydration is important, but dry skin is not only caused by dehydration.
The UAE’s AC-heavy lifestyle strips skin of moisture constantly.
Topical hydration is essential - hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, moisturizers.
Water alone will not repair your skin barrier.
Why These Myths Stick in the UAE
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Harsh climate that makes people assume oil = moisture
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Beauty culture obsessed with quick fixes
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Viral TikTok hacks with zero scientific backing
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Strong preference for traditional remedies
People here want fast, visible results - but true skincare is consistent, not extreme.
How to Build a Smarter Routine
Focus on:
✔ Daily sunscreen
✔ Gentle cleansers
✔ Hydrating moisturizers
✔ Antioxidants
✔ Exfoliation only when needed
Avoid:
✘ Harsh DIY masks
✘ Over-washing
✘ Using every influencer product at once
✘ Skipping moisturizer because “it’s hot outside”
Your skin barrier is your friend - stop attacking it.
Final Thoughts
Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or trendy to work.
It needs to be consistent and suited for the UAE’s lifestyle and climate.
Once you drop these myths, you’ll notice:
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fewer breakouts
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less oiliness
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better texture
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more balanced, calmer skin
Your skin doesn’t need drama - just good, daily care.
