Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims, during which they fast from sunrise to sunset. It is important to take care of your skin during Ramadan. Dehydration and changes in diet during fasting can leave it looking duller, tighter and drier.
Here are some tips on how to look after your skin during Ramadan:
Drink plenty of water
It is essential to stay hydrated during the non-fasting hours to keep your skin healthy. Dehydration can cause dryness and dullness of the skin and often makes fine lines and wrinkles more obvious. The NHS recommends drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Eat a healthy diet
A diet that is healthy for your body overall is also good for the skin. During Ramadan, make sure to eat a varied and balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Although there is no need to cut out any food groups, limiting excessively sugary and salty foods is a good idea. Foods which are high in glycaemic index such as sugary foods/drinks and white bread/rice are broken down quickly. This can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels which leads to an increase in the hormones insulin and insulin-like growth factor. This causes an increase in the size of the oil glands in the skin, increased oil production and blockage of the pores. Foods that are high in salt can contribute to dehydration.
Cleanse your skin regularly
Cleansing your skin is essential to remove dirt, sweat, and makeup residue that can clog your pores. It is always a good idea to use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate your skin but during Ramadan, you may also want to switch to a more hydrating, creamy cleanser. This also preps the skin for your moisturiser.
Moisturise your skin
Moisturising your skin is crucial during Ramadan. Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type and use it regularly to keep your skin hydrated. An occlusive moisturiser at night such as Vaseline works well but you will want to use something lighter in the day – alongside your SPF of course. If you need help choosing the right skin care products then click here to book a skin care consultation with our skin care expert Dr Randhawa at our clinics in Harborne and Quinton, Birmingham.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for healthy skin but may be more difficult during Ramadan with the change of schedule. During sleep, the body produces human growth hormone which is crucial for cell regeneration and collagen maintenance. It also makes melatonin which helps to counteract damage to the skin from aggressors such as pollution and UV light. Lack of sleep also increases the stress hormone cortisol which encourages inflammation of the skin and can therefore result in flare ups of skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
Ramadan Mubarak to all those celebrating.
Click here to book a skin care consultation with our skin care expert Dr Randhawa at our clinics in Harborne and Quinton, Birmingham.