UAE summer skin woes? These 7 Korean skincare tricks actually work in the heat and humidity

Of course, we can't all be Song Hye-kyo, but we can steal a few of her skincare secrets to survive the UAE summer. Throw in some tips from Bae Suzy and even BTS’s V (yes, he masks earnestly), and you’ve got yourself a routine worthy of K-drama close-ups.

Want to look dewy, not drenched, this summer? We’ve got the guide for you. Here are 7 Korean skincare tricks that will actually hold up in the heat.

Humid weather means trapped sweat, sunscreen, and pollution. That sticky film on your face by 3pm is real. Double cleansing, starting with an oil cleanser and following up with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser, breaks it all down without stripping your skin dry.

Why it works: Oil attracts oil. This method removes grime and prevents clogged pores.

Not quite a toner, not quite a serum, essence is the heart of K-beauty, and for good reason. It delivers hydration in a water-light formula that sinks in fast and doesn’t sit on the skin.

Why it works in humidity: Your skin still needs moisture—even when it’s sticky outside. Essences hydrate without heaviness, prepping your face to actually absorb everything else.

In a UAE summer, thick creams are like wrapping your face in cling film. Korean skincare favours gel moisturisers that hydrate without suffocating your pores.

Look for: Ingredients like green tea, centella asiatica, bamboo extract, or snail mucin (yes, really). They calm and hydrate without the slick.

K-beauty fans swear by layering toner or essence up to 7 times for plump, glowing skin. In UAE humidity, 2–3 layers max does the job.

Why it works: You hydrate in layers, letting each absorb before the next. It means you skip the heavy stuff and still get that bouncy, glazed-donut look.

Korean sunscreens are lightweight, hydrating, and leave no white cast. You can reapply without feeling like you're icing a cake.

Why it works: Unlike sticky Western formulas, many K-beauty SPFs double as skincare. Go for gel or essence-type sunscreens with SPF 50+—perfect for UAE sun and sweat.

Your skin barrier takes a beating from extreme AC inside and blazing heat outside. Korean skincare focuses on soothing, repairing ingredients.

What to try: Look for products with cica (centella), panthenol, ceramides, or madecassoside. These calm redness, reduce sensitivity, and stop your skin from freaking out mid-summer.

You don’t need a sheet mask every night—but after a long day in Dubai heat, nothing beats the chill of a cooling aloe or green tea mask fresh out of the fridge.

Hack it: Use them once or twice a week post-shower. Not only is it skincare, it’s a moment of sanity.