Ramadan skincare, winter skincare, summer skincare—as a beauty journalist my skincare routine and the different needs of my skin at different times of year is always at the forefront of my mind. And that’s no different during Ramadan.
Ramadan, a holy month of the Islamic calendar, marks the revelation of the Quran (Islamic Holy Book). A time of spiritual devotion, charity and reflection, it is also known as a period of fasting—from food and drink from dawn till dusk—and this can majorly impact your skin.
Though hardly spoken about, Ramadan skincare is absolutely a thing. Our skin is hugely temperamental, affected by the slightest change, from the smallest drop in weather to the haircare we use, it all affects our skin. These small changes can help keep it in the best condition during the month of Ramadan.
What happens to your skin during Ramadan?
As someone who engages in fasting during Ramadan, I definitely feel the effects of it on my skin. Not drinking any liquids during daylight hours can result in negative water balance and leave you—and your skin—dehydrated as well as more prone to breakouts.
‘’Fasting affects your blood sugar," explains 111Skin founder Dr Yannis Alexandrides. "When it’s too high it can cause dry skin, which may cause collagen damage. The most important resolution for treating dry skin is to retain the moisture. While in oilier skin, it can also increase the sebum level in the skin and in turn make your skin even more oilier’’.
The major disruption to your sleeping pattern can also offset increased cortisol levels, impairing skin barrier function and resulting in more dehydration, potential breakouts and sensitivity. However, it’s not all bad. ‘’Ramadan fasting is not a continuous or prolonged fasting, rather alternate fasting and feasting," explains Dr Maryam Zamani, oculoplastic surgeon, facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin.
"Caloric restriction without deficiency of essential nutrients is linked to enhancement of lifespan and decreased ageing. It also helps decrease the glycation rate of skin proteins which decreases the rate of ageing. Some studies have even shown that there can be an improvement in some dermatoses (like atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis) with caloric restriction."
Does skincare break your fast?
While skincare during Ramadan plays an integral role, it's "very important to have a nutritious and balanced diet filled with fibre and antioxidants," advises Dr Zamani. Of course, this should be in accordance with the guidelines of Ramadan.
So does skincare break your fast? "Not at all,” assures Dr Zamani. Islamically, the ingestion of any liquids and food, during the daylight hours, will break the fast. The application of topical products unless consumed (which we don't suggest) won’t have any affect on your skin, apart from helping to maintain healthy skin.
How to follow a Ramadan skincare routine
It may be very tempting to throw your whole skincare wardrobe like your best vitamin c serums and best retinols at your skin as a form of protection, but Dr Zamani explains it’s best practice to start slow and simple.
‘’Maintain your skincare regimen," she advises, "but add an antioxidant and then a daily moisturiser with SPF. Skin can also benefit from an extra boost of hydration during the month of Ramadan, so try double layering in the evening."
Here are some of the best products to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy during Ramadan.
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