Keep your skin glowing and hair healthy during Ramadan with our expert guide
If you want radiant skin and healthy-looking hair when fasting, there are some important things to be aware of beyond simple hydration. While we all know the magical merits of drinking water (hello, skin elasticity and a clear head), reducing water intake and food for fasting reasons can have a serious impact on both mind and body, from your skin to your hair to your brain. Therefore, knowing the dos and don’ts and employing a Ramadan-specific routine can help lessen some of the side effects.
“Fasting can cause dry, tight and dull skin due to reduced water intake, and it may also become sensitive due to the sudden changes in your diet and hydration,” explains Hadeel Ismail, co-founder of Stay Flawless Beauty Lounge. She advises that maintaining a healthy skincare routine is important, using a mild cleanser in the morning and a deeper one in the evening. “Use hydrating toners for dry, oily or acne-prone skin, and a hydrating serum or cream with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.”
Hadeel also advises it’s important to “eat smart” when breaking your fast to take advantage of health-giving opportunities. “Eat hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon. Consume healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olive oil to help keep your skin supple, as well as vitamin-rich foods like watermelon, carrots and leafy greens to provide antioxidants for a natural glow.” A classic combination of milk and dates will also deliver essential nutrients for overall health, Hadeel mentions, adding that “drinking plenty of water and prioritising sleep will help minimise dull skin and breakouts.”
From Ramadan skincare routines to mane maintenance –some people may not know that fasting can play havoc with your hair, lashes and brows, too, as fasting can affect the health of your hair follicles if not looked after properly. “Nutrition and diet have a huge impact on your hair, and fasting can affect hair loss in several ways,” explains Nima Pourian, founder and CEO of UKLASH. “If fasting leads to nutritional deficiencies or extreme calorie restriction, it can impact hair follicles. Hair needs protein, iron, biotin, zinc and vitamins like D and B-complex to grow strong. If these are lacking, hair may weaken and shed more than usual.” In addition, fasting may also affect hormones like cortisol (the stress hormone), which can contribute to shedding and thyroid function, which regulates hair growth, Nima adds.
There are some easy ways to help your hair, though. “To avoid hair, lash or brow loss, ensure sufficient protein intake during eating periods,” advises Nima. “Taking supplements can also be a great way to consume all the vitamins and nutrients you need.” And for those who want to give their hair a little extra oomph, Nima suggests using UKLASH Lash Serum, Brow Serum and Hair Serum, which “can help support hair health by delivering essential peptides, vitamins and botanicals to the follicles. These serums nourish, strengthen and promote healthier, fuller-looking lashes, brows and hair, especially needed during periods of fasting.”
Before you fret over your follicles or stress about your skin, Hadeel is quick to point out that abstaining from food has advantages, too. “Fasting can also benefit the skin by detoxifying, reducing acne, redness and puffiness, and supporting cellular repair and collagen renewal. Increased blood circulation during fasting enhances skin radiance, and lower sugar and processed food intake regulates oil production, reducing blemishes.”
She adds that it’s important to understand that skincare is personal. “What works for one may not work for another. Listen to your skin’s needs and adjust accordingly. Ramadan is a time for renewal, and with the right care, your skin can thrive just as much as your spirit.”
