How to Repair Dull Skin Caused by AC Overuse in UAE Homes & Offices

The scorching desert climate in UAE makes air conditioning (AC) a must-have for all but the most modest homes, both private and public. And while we all are thankful for the cooling impressions air-conditioning offers (especially during those blistering hot days of summer), it’s not without a less-than-welcome side effect in dull, dry and irritated skin. For those of us living and working in the UAE, it’s easy to go from one refrigerated environment to another as we move through our day – with air conditioning becoming almost an obsession for many. And while this may be a great way to cool off in 40+ degree heat ‘’cooling’ doesn’t necessarily mean good when it comes to our skin health which can often end up looking dull, flaky and feeling tight.

If you’ve started to notice your skin is looking a little tired and dehydrated, despite following your best skincare regime, it might just be all down to the AC. But don’t fret — there are many experts to help you repair dull skin thanks to air conditioning overuse. Let’s discuss this issue and  find the solution for how to revive your skin, by making a few easy tweaks to your skincare. 

The Issue: AC Makes Your Skin Look Dull

Before we get into solutions, let’s first look at why AC can wreak havoc on your skin in the UAE’s climate. Air conditioning dehumidifies, and that’s why you get dryness indoors. The skin loses its natural hydration in this absence of moisture, which can lead to dehydration, lacklustre complexion and even irritation.

Unfair, but dehydrated skin can no longer reflect the light, so it looks tired and dull. In addition, the dry air can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier and result in an increase of fine lines, redness and rough texture. If you’re indoors with air-conditioning a lot, it could be contributing to all of this moisture loss.

So, what can you do to fight this and bring back that healthy shine on your skin? Here are some effective tips.

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
  

When your skin is exposed to dry air, water is its friend. Hydration is key for skin from the inside out.

How to hydrate internally:

Stay hydrated throughout the day. Hydrating your body from within is as important as anything you use topically on skin. Make it a priority to drink 8 or more glasses of water daily and stay properly hydrated.

How to hydrate externally:

Get a good moisturize that is right for your skin type. Choose skincare products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, which help trap moisture in the skin and repair the skin’s natural barrier. For an extra shot of hydration, get a hydrating face mask that you can use once a week to really quench your skin's thirst.

• Use a Humidifier

Because dry air sucks the moisture out of your skin (lol) when you’re indoors, at work or at home, it’s a great way to counteract that a little bit by putting some moisture back in the air. A humidifier is amazing for giving you back some of the humidity that gets zapped from an air conditioned room.

Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom, office or any other location where you spend time, especially at night or if you are working late. This may help prevent your skin from drying out, creating a plumper and dewier complexion.

• Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

AC-dried skin can be quite tender, so don’t reach for harsh cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt instead for a gentle and hydrating cleanser to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance. Opt for products that have soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile to help soothe any irritation caused by the dryness.

You should also clean your skin two times a day (morning and night) for the same reason. Over washing can in turn dry out the skin, exacerbating dehydration.

• Incorporate Vitamin C and Antioxidants

When that skin is exposed to AC, not only it’s losing moisture but its natural glow, too. To fight this, simply make sure you’re working antioxidant-packed ingredients into your skincare rotation. Vitamin C, in particular is famous for its brightening qualities and can help your skin get back a healthy glow.

Vitamin C serums or creams help induce collagen production and protect you against those free radicals (read: potential for early aging) while also fading pigmentation from sun exposure or any skin damage. Its best if you use it in the morning.

• Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly (But Not Too Much!)

Exfoliation can remove dead skin cells and make your complexion look brighter and smoother. But over-exfoliating can overdry the skin and make dryness worse. Try to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with an exfoliator that is not too harsh, or with an AHA toner (that includes alpha hydroxy acids).

If you’re unsure of the right product for your skin, choose something very gentle — like a mild scrub or an exfoliant that won’t upset sensitive complexions. Frequent exfoliation can reveal new, radiant skin under the dullness.

• Shield Your Skin from the Sun

Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, UV rays are still able to penetrate through windows and lead to skin damage. You should also be taking care to shield your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even in airconditioned environments.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every handful of hours when outdoors or transitioning between environs. Not only does this protect your skin from even more damage, but it also keeps your skin moisturized and safe from environmental factors.

• Choose a Skincare Regime that’s Bespoke to Your Skin Requirements

All that A.C. exposure could leave your skin needing a little more TLC. Think about adding a richer moisturizer for night or even an overnight mask to hydrate your skin as you sleep. Consider topping your regular moisturizer with a facial oil to seal in moisture, if you prefer.

Opt for products designed for dry or thirsty skin. Lightweight, hydrating gels or serums can work wonders (without feeling heavy) if you have oily skin.

• Air Out Your Space Regularly

Although A/C cools you down, it can also make the indoors smell stale. Occasionally, open your windows to allow fresh air in and to avoid the accumulation of dust and pollutants. This can improve the air quality and prevent dryness in your home, which is friendlier to skin.

• Get Enough Sleep

Your skin works hard while you’re sleeping to repair and regenerate itself. You also need your beauty sleep to allow your skin to glow. And be sure to keep your AC on at a comfortable (cool) setting so that you don’t wake up with dry, pesky, irritating skin. Toss a silk pillowcase into your nighttime routine, as it fights against friction that might worsen dryness or skin irritation.

Conclusion

AC is a godsend when it comes to the UAE’s searing temperatures, but all that artificial comfort can leave your skin feeling worse for wear. The good news is, by following these tips to hydrate and protect your skin from the air conditioned environment, you can have a healthy glowing skin. The right products, regular care and a little extra attention to what your skin needs are going to go a long way in that radiance. So, the next time you're indoors, pamper your skin with some hydration!

Frequently Asked Questions for Repairing Dull Skin Caused by AC overuse:

Question. Why AC Overuse Causes Dull Skin?

Answer. Air in a/c is cooler, but it sucks the humidity from the air — which your skin craves. When the humidity levels falls, your skin loses hydration faster than it can absorb moisture.

Here's what AC overuse is doing to your skin:

• Dehydration: Air conditioning draws moisture from the air, causing tightness and dryness.
  
• Skin Barrier Dysfunction: A dry air can make your skin barrier weak.
  
• Diminished Oil Formation: Your skin might produce less of its natural oils making your complexion look lifeless.
  
• Heightened Sensitivity: Dry skin is more susceptible to redness, irritation and itching.
  
• Ageing Attracts Early: Dehydration over time fast tracks fine lines and pre-ageing.
  

Question 2. How long to heal dull/skin caused by AC?

Answer. With the appropriate skin care — hydration, moisturizers, barrier repair — for most people this issue should begin to clear up in 1–2 weeks. Serious dryness can take a month or longer to heal.

Question 3. Can we simply drink more water to combat AC-induced dullness?

Answer. So the idea of drinking water is a good one, but it’s not an idea that works all by itself. Your skin similarly requires topical hydration, moisturizers and a little more humidity. Internal hydration is best combined with external hydration.

Question 4. If I see my skin is flaky, is it okay to exfoliate frequently?

Answer. No, regular exfoliation could simply damage your skin barrier more. Keep to the mild exfoliation once or twice a week, and concentrate on hydration and barrier-repair ingredients such as ceramides.

Question 5. How can I best protect my skin from the AC all day?

Answer. So, say hello to a hydrating mist or two, do the twice-a-day moisturizer routine, make sure you’re drinking enough water and try not to sit right under the vent. And a small desk humidifier can also make a big difference.