Ramadan is right around the corner, and so is the time when your skin starts feeling tight, your lips chapped, and there’s a faint dullness settling in. Fasting is a beautiful spiritual practice, but let’s be real: your skin can take a hit if you’re not careful. Hydration drops, sleep schedules shift, and your body has to work harder to maintain balance. And if you already deal with skin issues, the effects can be even more pronounced.
We all remember to visit our GPs and the best neurologists in Dubai to rule out complications during Ramadan, but we hardly focus on what this is doing to our skin.
Hydration isn’t just about drinking water
Yes, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “Drink more water.” But here’s the thing: It’s not just about how much water you drink, but how well your skin retains it. If you’re breaking your fast with salty foods or caffeine, you’re undoing the hydration.
Instead, think of hydration like layering skincare. First, internal hydration: coconut water, watermelon, cucumbers, foods that hydrate from within. Then, external hydration using humectants like hyaluronic acid, which traps moisture in your skin. Try applying a hydrating serum on damp skin right after wudu, which helps lock in water instead of letting it evaporate.
The skin barrier is everything
During Ramadan, your skin’s barrier is under constant stress, from less water intake to longer hours of fasting and potential sun exposure if you’re out and about during the day. The trick? Reinforce it before it gets compromised.
Imagine you’re wearing a thin, delicate fabric that protects you from the elements. That’s your skin barrier. If it gets weak, irritants slip through, leading to dryness, breakouts, and sensitivity. To keep it strong, focus on barrier-repairing ingredients: ceramides, fatty acids, and niacinamide. Swap harsh exfoliants for gentler, hydration-focused skincare. Over-cleansing? That’s a no-go. Instead, use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser once or twice a day.
A friend of mine, who happens to be an ENT in Dubai, once mentioned how skin and sinus health are connected. Harsh skincare can trigger inflammation, which in turn can make your skin feel even drier when fasting. A well-balanced routine that prioritizes hydration can help minimize these effects.
Protection from the sun.
I don’t think I need to spell this one out. We all know how important it is to protect your skin from the sun. But here’s what a lot of us don’t realize: you might think fasting indoors means you can skip sunscreen, but you’d be wrong. UV rays still penetrate windows, and blue light from screens can contribute to hyperpigmentation. The problem? Many people don’t feel like slathering on thick sunscreen while fasting.
It’s important to still use a lightweight sunscreen mist for easy reapplication throughout the day. Opt for formulas with added hydration, and look for SPF products that contain glycerin or squalane to keep your skin from drying out.
And if you’re worried about skipping sunscreen in the morning because of wudu, choose a water-resistant formula. That way, it stays intact for longer.
Food to replenish your skin!
What you eat at Iftar and Suhoor directly affects how your skin behaves. You might be craving fried snacks or sweets (understandable), but too much sugar can trigger breakouts, and excessive salt dehydrates you even more. Think of your meals as skincare from the inside.
Healthy fats, like avocados, for example, are like nature’s moisturizers. Omega-3s (found in salmon or chia seeds) can help with inflammation and keep your skin looking plump. And if you want a natural glow, load up on foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens.
Fasting and hormonal skin changes.
If your skin suddenly starts acting up in Ramadan, hormones could be the culprit. Changes in eating patterns, hydration levels, and sleep schedules can all impact your body’s natural balance. For some people, fasting can trigger breakouts, while others may notice their skin getting unusually dry.
This is where an endocrinologist can provide insight. Hormonal fluctuations play a major role in skin health, and fasting can sometimes exacerbate underlying imbalances. If you struggle with persistent acne, unusual dryness, or unexplained breakouts during Ramadan, it might be worth looking into how fasting affects your hormone levels.
Your skin thrives if you do.
At the end of the day, skincare during fasting isn’t about slathering on more products. It’s about making smart choices that support your skin from the inside out. Your body is doing an incredible job adapting to the fasting schedule, and with extra care, your skin will reflect that.
