Enter the month of Ramadan and your skin begins to feel more dehydrated than usual….

For the uninitiated, Ramadan is a month-long holy month observed by Muslims. Ramadan symbolizes dedication and discipline and offers insight into the anguish that millions of people go through in poverty. 

This is a time of reflection and healing for Muslims all over the world, as they abstain from food and water over a duration extending from sunrise to sunset and spend most of their time worshiping and doing charity. 

How is your skin affected in Ramadan?

Spending hours without food and water may take a toll on your skin as it is deprived of the much-needed hydration and nutrients to stay healthy. Many of you don’t pay attention to your skin at this time of personal reflection but it is imperative you take care of your skin which forms the largest organ of your body and may also have an impact on your well-being. 

While there may be some fasting benefits for skin, the disadvantages are more pronounced. You may think that your dermis has been deciphered but you must go beneath the layers and discover how to encourage your natural beauty. 

Daily transitions from heat to the humid air in the warm summer month of Ramadan dries out your skin leaving it dull and gray. This is a result of water and collagen levels going down in your stratum corneum which is the outermost layer of your skin. thus, ultimately causing cracks and fine lines. 

Sometimes the lack of moisture levels in your skin may also trigger the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil, rendering your skin oily and your pores congested. As the body pulls out water from your skin during fasting, these concerns are multiplied. 

Moreover, an interrupted sleep pattern because of daily sahoors, leads to drastic changes in your rest and recovery cycle, potentially compromising your skin health. Your skin barrier becomes weak and parched and chapped lips may be a common sight. 

Tackling Ramadan skincare woes

Buff up your skin

To maintain your glow during Ramadan, use an exfoliator infused with glycolic acid for normal skin and salicylic acid for oily skin types. Your skin is stimulated upon gentle exfoliation to effectively eliminate dead skin cells. Blood circulation is boosted towards your skin surface to reduce water retention and puffiness. It is suggested to rinse your face with cool water to close your pores. 

If you have oily skin you must steer clear of any mineral-based formulas. An exfoliate may be integrated into your skincare once or twice a week for rejuvenating your skin and removing any hard-to-budge pollutants. You must bear in mind not to scrub hard as that will strip your dermis. Doing so will only weaken the protective layer of the skin exposing it to sun damage and environmental toxins. 

Tweak your skincare script

As your diet changes in the month of Ramadan, you may also want to make a few adjustments to your skincare regime. It is important to moisturize your skin after your daily skincare regime. You should go for lightweight hydration serums and lotions for your skin to take a breather. This is because light products do not cause as much clogging as heavy ones. However, if your skin is dry you may want to prevent it from getting drier as you fast so opt for a heavy lotion. Gel-based moisturizers may also serve the purpose of oily skin types. 

Nighttime oiling as you get your Z’s 

Spending all day long in the air conditioner may suck out the moisture from your skin. For this, it is recommended you add an oil to your night routine to prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated as you sleep. You may want to try adding a drop of almond and avocado oil to your night cream to tackle dehydration. Sleeping with the air conditioner on may increase the probability of dehydrating your skin. 

Protect your skin with SPF

Sun exposure is likely to cause damage to your skin's collagen and elastin levels. For this, it is a must to smear some sunscreen to keep your skin protected from harmful UV radiation. Opt for a non-comedogenic sunscreen that has a broad spectrum to avoid sun damage and prevent your pores from being clogged. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended for optimal protection.

Hyaluronic acid: Your code to hydration

Though Ramadan means you will not be drinking water the entire day, that certainly does not mean you cannot stay hydrated. Hyaluronic acid can hold water up to 1000 times, suggesting it can keep your skin well hydrated for long periods. It also comprises ceramides that help to seal your skin barrier. 

Though most people tend to confuse moisturizing and hydration, it is essential to understand that there is a difference. Hydrating ingredients offer hydration to your skin with the supply of water content. On the contrary moisturizing ingredients seal in hydration by preventing water from evaporating from your skin layers. 

Delve in antioxidant-rich meals

Iftar and suhoor are something everybody looks forward to with a variety of delicious meals spread at the table. However, it is best that you do not go overboard when you break your fast. Oily dishes like pakoras, samosa, and rolls are a staple during this holy month, but these contribute to breakouts and skin concerns. 

To increase fasting benefits for skin, you must add meals containing fresh vegetables, protein, and nuts to your iftar to ensure a high intake of antioxidants and healthy fats which are key for healthy skin. whole ingredients like eggs, olives, avocados, and salmon will provide important nutrients as will whipping up on homemade jams and chia seeds to stay energized throughout the day. 

Lip care: Scrub and balm 

Can we apply lipstick while fasting? Many of you wonder during Ramadan. But you hardly pay any attention when it comes to lip care. Just like the rest of your skin your lips also begin to display signs of dryness in the month of Ramadan. It is common to experience peeling, cracking, and flakiness. 

To deal with this it is best you carry a lip balm with you to coat your lips at all times. This will ensure your lips are protected from drying out excessively. If you are having severe issues, you may also want to invest in a lip scrub. Rubbing this on your lips scrapes away all the dead skin leaving the skin of your lips moist. 

You may want to consider investing in a lip balm by Pinksoul. The Hello Hydrating lip balm is infused with the goodness of cocoa butter, shea butter, essential oils, and vitamin E to provide ultimate hydration to your cracked lips.  

Face mist for some refreshment

You clearly cannot feed your skin internally as you fast. In this case, it is best to moisturize your skin directly with the help of a face mist. This will not only ensure your skin is cooled in the hot summer months of Ramadan but also that it is drenched in the sensorial experience of a light shower. This will boost the hydration levels of your skin. 

Our favorite pick is the What a Glow Face Mist by Pinksoul. Formulated with the magical ingredients of glycerin and sandalwood, this product effectively provides hydration to refresh your skin, fade dark spots, and offer a 1000-watt glow. Just spritz it on your face and feel the difference!

Mask up hydration

A similar logic of staying hydrated applies here. If you can't offer your skin the much-needed moisture via consuming food items, you may have to integrate additional resources for healthy skin. For this, you may want to invest in a hydrating mask that ensures your skin retains moisture all through the day. You can either apply the mask at night before you sleep or if you stay awake all night and sleep after school, you can apply it in the morning before hitting the day. 

Detoxify with wonders of water

Taking in lots of water is key to staying hydrated. However, in Ramadan, you may have to go long hours without being able to drink water. So, it is recommended you take plenty of water after you break your fast and at sahoor time to flush out toxins from your skin. this way you will add on to the fasting benefits for skin. But also, be careful not to chug down too much of it as it may disturb you through the night. 

At the same time avoid drinking carbonated and sugary drinks like sodas and caffeine as these may be dehydrating for your skin. You can also add lemon, mint leaves, and fresh fruits to plain water to boost your immune system while you stay calorie-free at iftar time. Taking these drinks in Ramadan only adds to the fasting benefits for skin. Some great combinations you can infuse in your water are:

Lemon, mint, and cucumber

Blueberries, raspberries, and mint

Orange, lime, and lemon. 

Mint, ginger, and strawberries

Sip smart: Magical concoction of lemon, manuka and water

Many of you might not be familiar with this, but breaking your fast with manuka honey in a glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon or apple cider vinegar cleanses your body from the inside, triggering your metabolism. This may serve as one of the fasting benefits for skin you must be familiar with. The lime/vinaigrette aids the liver giving way to a clear and bright complexion. You may follow up with a bowl of fresh vegetables, salads with olive oil and lemon dressing, or chicken broth. 

Be gentle with your skin

How you cleanse your face and remove your makeup at the end of a busy day is vital. It is recommended to avoid the use of harsh products that strip off the natural oils of your skin. instead utilize a double cleansing method that is gentle on your skin. An acid-based cleanser is also a great idea to keep your skin looking healthy.

Over-washing is a sin

Since your skin is dehydrated because of fasting, you may tend to over-wash it. However, this will only cause it to become either excessively dry or oily. 

Supplements for your well-being

Some of you may lack some nutrients in your skin and body due to fasting. For this, you need to invest in vitamins and supplements to enhance your well-being. Vitamins that are recommended include vitamins A, C, D, and E. Selenium and zinc must also be used. You must take the recommended doses for each twice a day. 

Indulge in the silky eye cream

Though your fast won't allow you to have your morning cup of coffee you can still get it by applying an under-eye cream. The silky serum by Pinksoul by the name of Bye-bye Dark Circles Serum delivers instant hydration to your under eyes. The blend of coffee oils and other magical ingredients works to bring down the puffiness and dark circles that may form due to the changed sleeping pattern. You can apply it at night before you sleep and also smear it on before applying makeup in the day. The caffeine will not only wake you up but also take away the side effects of a lack of sleep. 

Keep it natural

While some may wonder can you wear makeup during Ramadan, others may be tempted to wear heavy makeup to hide all the dullness and weariness from their face during Ramadan. But it's best to let your skin breathe by skipping it altogether. If you can simply not do without makeup, you may opt for lighter alternatives. For instance, replace your foundation with a BB cream. Flawless tinted sunblock by Pinksoul offers adequate coverage while also protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. It has a matte finish and comes in two shades suitable for various skin types. 

Go for a tinted lip balm instead of heavy lipstick. You may also apply some lip tint to your cheeks and lips at the same time. Our favorite is the Mastani lip and cheek tint by Pinksoul. It is cruelty-free and very safe for your skin as it's completely organic. What’s more? It offers a pleasant natural flush to your skin helping you look radiant. 

The final verdict

It won't take you long before you realize how your countenance is turning dry and dull by abstaining from food and drink over an extended period. With the lack of water running through your system coupled with a disturbed sleep pattern, you may notice a drastic change in your complexion. Should you be entering this holy month yourself, these skin concerns may perhaps be no stranger to you. Hence it is imperative you follow all the skincare tips listed above to keep your skin radiant and glowing all through the fasting season.