Just like we learned with sunscreen and travel, skin care is always important, but sometimes our skin needs more. These Ramadan and wudu skin care tips from dermatologists and beauty writers can help balance the changes your skin might be undergoing as you observe.
During the fasting period, the skin can sometimes feel the effects of a change in sleep, diet and routine in general such as dryness or excess oil production, acne outbreaks and other reactions. If you factor in making Wudu five times a day or more, the skin is also being washed more often, which can similarly cause dryness. These changes, however, can be managed by paying a little more attention to your daily routine and making a few adjustments for your skin health. We chatted with experts in dermatology to learn a few Ramadan skin care tips that are easy to incorporate over the next month.
Experts’ Wudu & Ramadan Skin Care Tips
1. Get Hydrated
Drinking enough water is something that’s important for everyone year round. Since the timeframe to get your hydration in is different during Ramadan, it might be a bit more of a conscientious effort.
“Drinking plenty of water after sunset is important to keep the body and skin hydrated,” Brendan Camp, MD tells Teen Vogue. “Foods with a high water content include cucumbers, watermelon, grapes, oranges, apples, and yogurt.”
Omer Ibrahim, MD, FAAD also suggests healthy fats like avocado and nuts to slow water loss. Additionally, “Overnight, sip water consistently rather than chugging it before sunrise.”
2. Keep Skin Hydrated
Similar to the practice of slugging before bed to trap in moisture, applying the right skin care can help your skin remain hydrated even after sunrise.
“Use humectants like hyaluronic acid, occlusives like petrolatum and barrier-strengthening ceramides to lock in moisture. Avoid drying ingredients like alcohols and exfoliants during fasting hours,” Dr. Ibrahim says.
Though it may seem like a lot, it can be as easy as one to three-steps in your routine. After washing your face, “facial masks and facial mists may also provide additional hydration,” according to Dr. Camp. Following that, or if you want to skip those steps, just “consider using a face moisturizer with hydrating ingredients, such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.”
Don’t forget to give your lips some TLC too. On her Instagram page, Aamna Adel, MBBS suggests using hyaluronic acid topped with a layer of Vaseline for slugging before bed to retain hydration from iftar and wake up with soft lips.
3. Wash With Lukewarm Water & Dry Gently
Something as small as choosing the right water temperature and how you dry your face can make a big difference in how your skin feels at the end of the day, especially if you’re washing your face for Wudu before prayer five times a day.
“Use lukewarm or tepid water when washing, as hot water is more likely to remove excess oil or sebum. One of the functions of sebum is to trap water in the skin to maintain moisture. Without adequate levels of sebum on the skin, water can more easily evaporate from the skin surface and cause dryness,” Dr. Camp explains. Dr. Ibrahim also suggests you “pat skin dry gently.”
4. Reapply Only the Necessities
After praying, you don’t have to redo your entire skin care routine. Just a few essentials can do the trick.
