Self-care in the UAE is a huge topic, especially with the wide range of options and growing technologies available in the market. To gain a clearer understanding of what’s best for skin care in the UAE, we spoke to Marwan AlHammamy, Senior Brand Manager, Self Care at Kenvue – Gulf, at MEIDAM, the 9th International Congress of Medical Excellence in Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine. He shared some important insights that one must keep in mind.
He highlighted that many people in the UAE struggle with dry skin and scaly scalp. According to Marwan, Aveeno, made from oats, is an excellent solution as it locks in moisture on the skin. “The oats create a mesh-like effect, which helps trap moisture, keeping the skin hydrated,” he explained. He also pointed out that oat oil itself acts as a moisturizer and provides nourishment to the skin. “Oats are what we eat for breakfast, and they bring nourishment to the skin’s prebiotic and healthy flora,” he added.
When asked about the most important skincare element for people in the UAE, Marwan emphasized moisturizing. “We focus on moisturizing in a natural way using oats in Aveeno products,” he said.
AlHammamy also discussed the topic of hair loss, explaining that 80% of hair loss is genetic or hereditary. “Hair loss affects both men and women, and most cases are due to genetics. Hormonal factors play a smaller role,” he noted. For those dealing with hair loss, Marwan recommended Minoxidil, which is the first line of treatment for androgenetic alopecia – the most common type of hair loss: “Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the scalp, revitalizing the hair follicles, and restoring the hair growth cycle.”
Marwan AlHammamy, Senior Brand Manager, Self Care, Kenvue – Gulf
Here are some tips for daily self-care in the UAE:
Acne is a common skin issue that many people face, but what are the factors causing it? According to experts, there are several contributing factors. Hormonal imbalances, particularly during certain stages of life like adolescence, play a significant role. Additionally, issues like oil balance in the skin are also key triggers.
Rodney Smith, Country Director, GCC, Kenvue, explained that self-care is certainly one of the fastest growing categories globally, but also it’s growing significantly faster within GCC.
“I think there are a couple of reasons for this. First, there’s increased awareness among consumers about the rising cost of healthcare. Secondly, more consumers are looking for preventative and proactive solutions when it comes to self-care. At Kenvue, our focus is all about self-care. Our purpose revolves around the extraordinary power of everyday self-care. That’s what we do – we aim to drive daily self-care through all of our brands, helping consumers incorporate it into their everyday lives,” he said.
Explaining why acne is a rising concern, he added, “There are hormonal factors across different stages in your life — for example, what you see in teens. But there are other reasons, such as changes in the environment. In the UAE, approx 80% of the people are expats, so a lot of them are affected because of the habitat change. Sometimes it’s the climate, sometimes hormonal imbalance due to the shift.”
Smith emphasized that maintaining healthy skin requires an everyday skincare routine. “It’s a long-term daily commitment,” he said, adding, “Women are generally more consistent with this, but it’s something we’re encouraging men to adopt as well. Consistent moisturization is key to healthy skin, especially in a harsh climate like the UAE.”
Rodney Smith, Country Director, GCC, Kenvue