Ramadan Skin Care- Help Your Skin while Fasting
Ramadan the Holy Month of Islam is a time of self-renewal, prayer, reflection, and community. However, with the lack of water intake and withdrawal of fluids in our body, our normal skin might experience dryness, acne flare-ups, rosacea, more apparent wrinkles, and flakiness.
Here are a few tips on how to care for your skin during the month of fasting.
DRY SKIN
Let's first talk about the most common issue that happens to our skin while fasting which is DRYNESS.
YOU NEED 6-8 CUPS OF WATER TO HYDRATE THE BODY
I am very guilty of not drinking enough water during the nights of Ramadan and looking very dry the next day. Although it might be difficult, the aim is to drink at least two liters of water when we break our fast. So how can we do this?
WASH YOUR FACE WITH AHA's (GLYCOLIC ACID) 1-2 times a week
What people tend to forget in their skincare routine is using a chemical (or mechanical) exfoliant during the week. That's the best way to slough off dead skin cells that remain on the surface and remove that top dead layer of skin off of your face.
How does Glycolic work?
Glycolic acid works to break the bonds between the outer layer of skin cells, including dead skin cells, and the next skin cell layer. This creates a peeling effect that can make the skin appear smoother and more even
Glycolic acids are anti-aging, hydrating, and regenerate skin cells for a more youthful look, however, the key to a good glycolic is to use a percentage of 10% or less in your cleansing formula (ideal is between 6-8 %). Use at least 2x a week. If you have sensitive skin use a lower percentage of glycolic acids
WEAR SUNBLOCK- if you start using chemical exfoliants you NEED TO WEAR SUNBLOCK (SPF 30+) Glycolic cleansers tend to make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Look for 10% or less glycolic cleansers and switch up your evening cleanser for the glycolic 1-2x a week.
Here are my favorite Glycolic cleansers with their percentages:
Dermalogica Glycolic Cleanser 3% glycolic - great for sensitive skin (can even use every other day)
Paula's Choice perfecting AHA 8% cleanser
Skinceutical Glycolic Renewal Cleanser 8% glycolic
APPLY MOISTURIZER IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLEANSING/SHOWER
After cleansing your face or taking a shower, don't towel off completely. The trick to hydrating skin is to apply skin lotions or creams to a damp face or body. This will lock in hydration.
LOOK FOR HYDRATING INGREDIENTS IN YOUR MOISTURIZERS
The key to a good moisturizer is having ingredients that keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. Here are a few ingredients to look out for in your moisturizer.
Hyaluronic acid-Glycerin-Ceramides-Peptides-Vitamin C- Vitamin E- Avocado Oil - Jojoba Oil
1. AGAIN the biggest thing is DRINKING WATER When you can.
Acne breakouts are common during Ramadan, as the skin produces more oil in response to dehydration, leading to clogged pores. Drinking at least 6-8 cups of water when you can help flush out toxins (look in the DRY section for how to drink the cups of water)
2. Wash your face with BHAs (Salicylic Acids) 1-2x a week.
Salicylic acid can penetrate and clear out clogged pores. Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds skin cells together. This supports the natural shedding of dead cells, which helps slough away dull or rough skin to reveal a fresh and healthy-looking complexion. It is oil loving chemical and great for skin types that are more oily or acne-prone.
Here are some of my favorites:
Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant
Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash
Image Clear Cell Salicylic Cleanser
3. Avoid Dairy and High Sugar food items during Iftar.
If you notice food sensitivities related to your acne do not TRY those food items during Ramadan. You will break out. I know it's easier said than done because sometimes we are so hungry we want to eat everything in front of our faces but if you are experiencing more breakouts than usual definitely consider reducing the amount of dairy and sugar intake and again drinking enough water.
4. Look for Acne-Fighting ingredients in your products:
Benzoyl Peroxide- Salicylic
5 Acid- Sulfur-Adapalene- Azelaic Acid- Vitamin C- Tea Tree Oil
5. Keep your skin hydrated.
Dry skin can also cause Acne Flare-ups. Use Lightweight moisturizers, makeup, and sunblock.
1. DRINK ENOUGH WATER
Am I repeating myself for all three skin types? YES! I am! WATER IS ESSENTIAL TO HEALING INFLAMMATION. Fasting is known to help inflammation in the body and is beneficial to rosacea skin but sometimes the face can get flare-ups from dehydration.
2. Cleanse your skin with gentle cleansers and with COOL water no more than 2x a day.
Avoid using HOT water when you cleanse (hot water and excessive cleansing can trigger rosacea)
Here are some of my favorite cleansers for Rosacea skin:
Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser (my favorite)
Paula's Choice Softening Cream cleanser
Vanicream Facial Cleanser (affordable)
3. Avoid Dairy, Citrus fruits, Spicy Foods, Chocolate, and Histamine Rich Foods:
During Iftar, we might be eating foods that we don't usually eat. Try to avoid foods that may cause flare-ups in the skin because our skin is extra sensitive during this month
4. Look for Calming Ingredients in your products such as:
Azelaic acid- Niacinamide- Alpha arbutin- Ceramides- Aloe - Bisabolol- Camellia sinensis leaf extract.
5. Use a GENTLE EXFOLIANT one time a week such as:
Gentle exfoliants are key to helping reduce rosacea and redness around the face. Use these cleansers with key ingredients of Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, or Polyhydroxy acids one time a
Ramadan Mubarak and Happy Healing!
This post may contain affiliate links which means that I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase from a link found on my site. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support in allowing this site to continue!
