The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and prayer practiced by millions of Muslims around the world. It is also a good time to break bad habits and for new beginnings. For some this might mean getting on track for a healthier lifestyle such as cutting out caffeine, sugar and smoking, and for others this might mean picking up new habits such as reading or reflecting on spirituality. When it comes to taking care of your body, it’s important not to leave out your biggest organ, our skin.
This year, Ramadan has arrived in one of the hottest months of summer, so we need to prepare and adapt our self-care routines to ensure our skin doesn’t suffer. The change in our diet and lower water intake can cause our skin to lose moisture and appear dull and dry. A proper skincare routine is therefore essential for those of us who want to maintain elasticity whilst avoiding breakouts and dryness, all of which often stem from with dehydration.
Drink tons of water
Water really is the holy grail when it comes to skincare. Make sure you drink plenty of water and natural fresh juices as your break your fast. Your skin and body will need some extra help to stay hydrated and supple and increasing your water intake will brighten, heal and prevent breakouts. Water-rich foods like watermelon, grapefruit, celery and cucumber are also a good idea, as is avoiding carbonated or sugary beverages like soda, artificial sugary juices and caffeine.
Try a sheet mask a day
You can sheet mask anytime - you can even carry sheet masks in your purse and mask on the go! Masks are a great way to get your daily dose of moisture and nourishment for healthy, glowing skin with superb hydrating properties.
Introduce Hyaluronic Acid
In addition to drinking less water, we are subject to more air-conditioning, leaving our skin feeling like the Sahara. You can give your skin a hydrating boost with Hyaluronic Acid. Holding up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture, Hyaluronic Acid has a plumping effect on the skin, replenishes it and protects against ageing.
Add a facial oil
Oils can be intensely nourishing and balancing for the skin and can create a barrier against excess moisture loss. You can start your day by patting a few drops of natural oils, suited to your skin type, onto your skin between your toner/serum and your moisturizer for the perfect hydrated base.
Avoid the sun
This one might seem like a no-brainer but try to walk in the shade wherever possible and never forget your sunscreen. The long fasting hours, hot and humid weather and lack of fluid can also lead to chapped lips so invest in a SPF lip conditioner to protect your lips.
