Now that Ramadan has begun in full, Muslims around the world are observing a month of fasting, self-discipline, spiritual-reflection, and prayer. Ramadan is a time of spiritual abundance, but, during this time of fasting–which can last up to 18 hours in some parts of the world–life does take a toll on your skin.
The lack of food and water can cause dehydration, for instance. It goes without saying that during the time where you refrain from eating meals and drinking any liquid, your skin experiences a severe lack of hydration which can lead to dryness, dullness, and even breakouts.
At the same time, fasting has shown to provide some noticeable benefits to the skin, due to a decrease of inflammation, including clinically proven improvements in psoriasis. Psoriasis is regarded as a systemic inflammatory disorder that is impacted by lifestyle, nutrition and diet. Recent studies show how a low calorie diet and intermittent fasting may reverse the vicious circle that links nutrition with the release of inflammatory markers and the disease worsening. And, even though this was published a few days ago, we wanted to add that we absolutely love @doctorly recent’s Instagram post, and definitely think this is worth watching if you suffer from inflammatory skin conditions and need a dermatologist's take on intermittent fasting.
We think that it's still very important to take extra care of your skin during this month, and ensure that you are following a proper skincare routine so that you can reap these benefits without any complications or issues. As a South Asian led skincare brand, we profoundly understand the importance of taking care of your skin, especially during Ramadan. So, here are our tips to help you maintain healthy, glowing skin throughout.
At the end of the day, during Ramadan, your body is already going through a lot of changes, like interrupted sleep due to daily Sahurs, and the lack of food and drink throughout the day, and the emotional effects of balancing spiritual devotion with worldly responsibility, so it's important not to overload it with too many skincare products.
Some opt for a very simple routine of cleansing, moisturiser, and SPF. But, to us, gentle multitaskers are the way to go, especially if you have specific skin concerns, like acne or hyperpigmentation.
Here are some things to look out for in products:
Hydration benefits
The lack of water throughout the day could lead to some skin dryness. This is why we suggest incorporating hydrating ingredients into your skincare routine, like humectants which attract and seal in moisture from the air, and multi-molecular hydrators.
Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of liquids during eating periods. Water is an essential fluid to ensure optimal enzymatic activities within all our cells, including our skin cells.
Antioxidant support
It’s important to keep your skin protected, especially as your body is going through the fasting process. Antioxidants protect from free radical damage and environmental stressors.
Barrier repair
The skin barrier is such an important part of our skin health, and mustn't be neglected. Interrupted sleep during Ramadan impacts barrier health.
We suggest using products with barrier protecting and barrier healing ingredients to protect this layer. This is where our Pro-Resilience Serum can help.
Rest
Last of all, as your body undergoes food constraints and calorie restrictions, make sure to get plenty of rest and sleep, allowing for recovery. Sometimes fasting can bring on headaches, problems with attention, memory, fatigue and low moods due to dehydration and low blood sugar levels. This can make anything feel like a chore, including skincare. Make sure you are eating and drinking well during non-fasting times and getting plenty of rest to regulate your mind and body.
At Sachi Skin, we’re hoping you had a most blessed and abundant Ramadan. We hope that these tips will help you pick the right products for you. Wishing you radiance and glow this month and beyond 🌟
