From Dubai, With SPF: What It Means to Be Tested in Extreme Heat

Most sunscreens are made for mild climates. The Routine was made for real heat.

There’s a big difference between a product that works in a controlled lab and one that performs under the relentless sun, humidity, and sweat of the Middle East. That’s why we built and tested The Routine in Dubai—a city where SPF isn’t optional, it’s survival.

This blog is about why that matters.

Why Extreme Heat Changes the Game for Sunscreen

When temperatures climb above 35°C and humidity hangs in the air like a wet blanket, your skin behaves differently:

• You sweat more, diluting and removing skincare

• You produce more oil, making everything feel greasy

• You reapply SPF more often, so texture really matters

• You’re constantly moving between outdoor heat and indoor A/C

• And let’s not forget: UV index is off the charts most of the year

The problem? Most sunscreens simply weren’t made for this.

What Makes The Routine Different

We didn’t just develop our formula in Dubai—we tested it in the exact environments where most SPFs fall short. Think:

• Long outdoor shoots

• City commutes

• Salty air and desert sun

• Heatwaves and sweaty workouts

• Constant reapplication, without a mirror

Here’s how The Routine’s SPF 40 Daily Gel holds up:

✅ Water- and Sweat-Resistant

It won’t run into your eyes or streak down your face when you sweat. Ideal for everything from morning workouts to midday meetings.

✅ Matte Gel Finish

Our formula stays fresh and shine-free, even after hours in the heat. It won’t make oily skin oilier or clog pores when the humidity hits.

✅ No White Cast, Ever

Unlike mineral SPFs that streak or build up with sweat, The Routine disappears into all skin tones—even on reapplication.

✅ Quick-Dry, Lightweight Texture

In hot weather, no one wants a heavy cream on their face. The Routine’s gel texture absorbs instantly, so your skin feels protected—not suffocated.

Why It Matters That We Built It Here

We’ve lived through “melting makeup” season. We’ve reapplied sunscreen in the car with one hand. We’ve dealt with the frustration of SPF that doesn’t blend, doesn’t stay, and doesn’t work for darker skin tones.

That’s why we created something that does.

The Routine wasn’t born in a sterile lab—it was stress-tested on real people, in extreme conditions, until we had a product that people didn’t just tolerate, but loved to use daily.

Sun Protection You’ll Actually Want to Wear

SPF is something you should wear every day—but in hot climates, the right SPF makes all the difference. The Routine is more than just sunscreen. It’s:

• A barrier against UV and pollution

• A primer with a matte finish

• A formula that supports all skin tones

• A product designed for life in motion