Making Summer Skin Sense: Shield, protect, clean, moisturize and keep your skin smiling

Summer in the UAE is a time when skin care takes on a whole different tone. While this is a time to get the right dosage of Vitamin D quite easily, it is also a time when you need to protect your skin as best as you did during winter. Or even better. Because summer is when your skin works the hardest to defend itself.

Dr. Ikramullah Al Nasir
Medical Director and CEO of Derma Care Skin Centre

“Sun and skin have a love–hate relationship,” says Dubai-based Dr. Ikramullah Al Nasir, Medical Director and CEO of Derma Care Skin Centre. “While on the one hand, sunlight supports Vitamin D synthesis and even helps eliminate certain surface bacteria, on the other, it can trigger sunburn, premature ageing, and even abnormal cell changes.”

The secret, then, isn’t to avoid the sun entirely. Instead, it’s to understand it, respect it, and build a skincare ritual that lets your skin thrive despite it.

The first point to keep in mind is that not all skin reacts to the sun in the same way. Dermatologists use something called the Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype scale, which essentially maps how your skin burns or tans.

At one end are lighter skin tones that burn easily and tan poorly; at the other, deeper skin tones that tan more readily and rarely burn. But here’s the nuance many miss: no skin type is immune to sun damage.

“Those at the highest risk are often the ones engaging in prolonged outdoor activities,” says Dr. Ikramullah. “Interestingly, those with lower risk are often more disciplined with sun protection.”

It’s a paradox you’ll spot everywhere from beachgoers basking in midday sun to commuters clutching umbrellas under the harsh glare. The takeaway is simple: awareness, not skin tone, determines protection.

The Summer Tan Myth

In some cultures, a tan is often seen as a symbol of health or vitality. It’s your skin’s distress signal. When exposed to UV radiation, your skin produces more melanin to shield itself. That bronzed look—it’s essentially your body saying this is too much.

Sunburn, the more visible cousin of tanning, is even more direct. It signals acute damage, DNA-level damage, that, when repeated, can escalate into long-term issues including skin cancer. The smarter goal for summer isn’t a tan; it’s balance.

And this is where things get complicated. Sunlight is essential for Vitamin D, a hormone critical to bone health, immunity, and overall wellbeing.

“For adequate Vitamin D synthesis, about 30 minutes of sun exposure, three to four times a week, is usually sufficient,” says Dr. Ikramullah Al Nasir. “At least half the body including face, arms, and legs should be exposed, and sunscreen should not be applied before this short exposure.”

The most effective window is typically between 11am and 3pm—precisely when the sun is strongest.

A second important point to bear in mind is that Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means, those who are taking Vitamin D supplements as oral tablets or capsules must be done along with a fat-rich main meal, and not with fruit salads, smoothies, or plain toast breakfasts.

The Invisible Enemy: Photo-Ageing

While sunburn is immediate, photo-ageing is insidious. Deep within the skin lies the dermis, home to collagen and elastin, which are proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity. UV radiation, especially UVA rays, slowly breaks these down.

“Elastin is particularly vulnerable,” explains Dr. Al Nasir. “Chronic sun exposure leads to disorganised elastic tissue, resulting in loss of firmness and elasticity.”

The result? Skin that appears thickened, leathery, wrinkled, and unevenly toned. It’s the kind of ageing that doesn’t come with time alone but with exposure. Add to that other lifestyle triggers such as smoking, poor sleep, and stress, and summer can quietly accelerate what you see in the mirror.

Humidity: Friend and Foe

If you live in this region, summer isn’t just about heat; it’s about humidity. Humidity can give skin a temporary plumpness, but it also brings a host of challenges: oiliness, clogged pores, fungal infections, and acne flare-ups.

“High humidity increases sebum production, which can clog pores and trigger acne,” says Dr. Ikramullah. “Sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells combine to worsen the problem.”

Then there’s the body’s cooling system. In humid conditions, sweat doesn’t evaporate efficiently, leading to excessive perspiration and conditions like heat rash or prickly heat.

Skincare That Works with the Weather

Summer skincare is less about adding more and more about choosing wisely. Start with cleansing. Twice a day is non-negotiable. Sweat, pollution, and sunscreen build up quickly, and your skin needs a clean slate.

One must opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products that hydrate without clogging pores. Heavy creams might feel indulgent, but in summer, they can suffocate your skin.

“Use oil-free products and avoid heavy makeup,” advises Dr. Ikramullah. “Keep the skin as dry and sweat-free as possible.”

Hydration remains key, but think water-based gels rather than thick lotions. Your skin needs moisture, not heaviness.

Sunscreen: Your Daily Essential

If there is one product that defines summer skincare, it’s sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously 15–20 minutes before stepping out, and reapply every two hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

Don’t forget often-neglected areas: ears, neck, back of the hands, and feet. And remember, sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. It’s for school runs, coffee breaks, and even short walks to the car.

After the heat outside, air-conditioned spaces feel like a blessing. But your skin tells a different story.

“Extended exposure to air conditioning removes moisture from the air,” Dr. Ikramullah notes. “This can lead to dehydration, a weakened skin barrier, and increased sensitivity.” The result? Skin that feels tight, flaky, or unexpectedly irritated.

Combat this with a good hydrating routine: gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and light moisturisers. And drink more water.

DO’S & DON’TS

Cleanser: Use a gentle, foaming cleanser that removes excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

Exfoliate: Less is more. Overdoing it can lead to irritation, especially when combined with sun exposure. Opt for a gentle exfoliator and limit use to 1–2 times a week.

Toner: Choose an alcohol-free toner with soothing ingredients.

Serum: Use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and moisturized. Additionally, incorporating a vitamin C serum can provide antioxidant protection and brighten your skin.

Moisturizer: Look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores.

Sunscreen: The most crucial step in your summer skincare routine is applying sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it every morning, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours if you’re engaging in outdoor activities.

Eye Cream: The skin around your eyes is delicate and can be easily damaged by UV rays. Use an eye cream with SPF during the day and a hydrating formula at night to keep this area protected and moisturized.

Chemical Peels in Summer: Choose lighter peels during the summer to avoid increased sensitivity to the sun. Post-peel sun protection is mandatory.