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Read articleOily Skin in Hot Weather: A Simple Routine That Works
In hot, humid weather, oil and sweat glands work harder, so oily skin looks shiny just hours after washing. The answer is not to wash your face many times a day or to use harsh, drying products, as that irritates the skin and can increase oil. A successful routine is simple: a gentle cleanser twice a day, a light moisturiser, a suitable sunscreen and one active ingredient when needed.
Why does oil increase in summer?
Heat makes oil glands more active, and high humidity slows the evaporation of sweat, so sweat mixes with oil on the skin and adds shine and a heavy feeling. This is very noticeable in coastal cities such as Dammam, Al-Khobar and Jubail, where heat and humidity combine in the summer months.
At the same time, many of us spend long hours in air-conditioned spaces, and air-conditioning draws moisture from the skin. So skin can be oily on the surface yet lacking water underneath, showing signs of dehydration such as tightness and light flaking despite the shine.
Does washing your face often reduce oil?
This is one of the most common mistakes. Washing more than twice a day, or using strong soap or products high in alcohol, strips the skin's protective layer, leaving it irritated and dry, and it may become red and spotty.
Washing morning and evening with a gentle gel or foam cleanser is enough. If you sweat a lot after exercise or outdoor work, wash once more with lukewarm water or a light cleanser, then pat dry rather than rubbing.
What is the right morning and evening routine?
A short routine you stick to is better than a long one you abandon after a week:
- Morning: a gentle cleanser, then a light gel moisturiser or an oil-free moisturiser.
- Morning: a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in a fluid, gel or matte-finish texture.
- Evening: a gentle cleanser; if you wore sunscreen or make-up, start with a suitable make-up remover first.
- Evening: one active ingredient when needed, such as salicylic acid, niacinamide or a gentle retinoid.
- Evening: a light moisturiser, especially if you sleep in an air-conditioned room.
Why should you not skip moisturiser and sunscreen?
Many people with oily skin think moisturiser will add shine, but skin deprived of hydration gets irritated easily, especially with air-conditioning and active ingredients like acids and retinoids. What you need is a suitable non-comedogenic moisturiser, not no moisturiser.
Sunscreen is essential in the strong Eastern Province sun, because sun darkens the marks left by spots and weakens the collagen around pores. Choose one labelled non-comedogenic and reapply every two hours when outdoors, such as on Corniche or beach outings.
How do you manage shine during the day?
Some shine during the day is normal in summer, and you can control it without adding heavy layers:
If you work outdoors or on shifts in the heat, carry a light cleanser, a small sunscreen and blotting papers, so you can remove sweat and reapply protection without stressing your skin.
- Use oil-blotting papers with light patting instead of washing your face again and again.
- Choose light, oil-free make-up and avoid thick layers in the heat, especially at long occasions and weddings.
- Clean your phone screen and make-up brushes regularly.
- Drink water throughout the day, as heat increases fluid loss.
- If shine is severe with persistent spots, you may need treatment prescribed by a doctor, not just cosmetic products.
Frequently asked questions
Is HydraFacial good for oily skin in summer?
It may help clear pores and hydrate the skin without heaviness, giving a clearer look for weeks. But it complements the daily routine rather than replacing it, and your doctor will advise whether it suits your skin.
Will eating less fat reduce shine?
Skin oil production is controlled more by hormones and genetics than by food. A balanced diet is good for your general health, but it will not change your skin type.
My skin is oily but flaky. Why?
Skin can be oily and dehydrated at the same time because of air-conditioning, harsh products or over-exfoliating. Cut back on strong products and add a light moisturiser; if flaking persists or redness appears, see a doctor, as it may be seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Can oily skin be cured permanently?
Skin type is largely genetic and does not change completely, but you can control oil and improve appearance with the right routine. In severe cases, a doctor may suggest prescription treatments.
When to see a doctor
See a dermatologist if oiliness comes with persistent inflamed spots, redness and flaking around the nose and eyebrows, or dark marks left by spots, or if you have followed a regular routine for 2 to 3 months without improvement. You can book a consultation at Medical Care Clinics in Al-Shati Al-Gharbi, Dammam, close to Al-Khobar and Dhahran, where our dermatology team will assess your skin and suggest a routine and treatments suited to the summer heat and humidity.
This article is general health education and does not replace a medical examination. Every case needs its own assessment by a doctor.
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