Here’s How Muslim Women Can Keep Their Skin Hydrated During Ramadan
Ramadan is here, and it’s a time of prayer for Muslims. During this time, Muslims are encouraged to develop the best version of themselves by practicing solidarity, charity, purity, and generosity. It’s also a time when Muslims fast for 12 to 16 hours a day for 30 consecutive days, abstaining from food and even water.
While the act and duration of fasting can be challenging, it has many benefits for both the body and the mind. Since fasting begins with the consumption of only a small amount of water and goes on for long periods without consuming liquids, it’s still worth asking yourself: How does fasting affect overall skin health? How can fasters keep their skin healthy?
To help, we asked board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian of New York City for her advice on how to keep skin hydrated and healthy during fasting. We also asked Muslim women for tried-and-true tips for keeping their skin moisturized during Ramadan. Read below to learn more.
The Importance of Skin Hydration
Water is essential for skin balance. “Without water, many things happen more slowly,” says Dr. Kieran Mian. “The first thing I notice about dehydrated skin due to lack of water is pallor. So the complexion can appear dull.” Mian describes skin as being like a balloon. When filled with air, the balloon has a smooth, even texture; however, when it’s deflated, it sags and looks duller. “This is because our skin cells are essentially 75% water, which helps them stay plump and not shrink,” Mian says. So, if you go too long without water, the surface can become dry and less radiant.
Ingredients That Help Rehydrate During Fasting
While many dermatologists don’t offer direct evidence that water is the only factor in skin hydration, Mian says there are ways to maximize hydration in your daily routine while fasting.
“Use a gentle, creamy cleanser to help lock in moisture,” she advises, adding that Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is one of her favorite formulas. Additionally, Mian suggests looking for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalene, and dimethicone, all of which help the skin retain moisture. For hydration, she recommends formulas like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalene or La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Cream.
If you want to refresh your skin during the day, thermal water sprays are great for replenishing moisture (she likes Avène Thermal Water), Mian says. At night, Mian likes to use a hydrating mask before bed to lock moisture in the skin and minimize the impact of active ingredients. For example, let’s say someone uses a retinoid as part of their daily evening routine during Ramadan. Mian recommends reducing the frequency, as your skin may be drier and more easily irritated. For people in colder climates, she recommends using a humidifier at home to hydrate the skin.
How Muslim Women Can Hydrate Their Skin While Fasting
Many people who celebrate Ramadan have adopted Mian’s tips in their beauty routines. Sahar Kariem, an aspiring stylist and graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, likes to use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel morning and night to replenish moisture. For a radiant complexion, she uses Gleamin’s Vitamin C Clay Mask. “It makes me look radiant and glowy, which is great because my sleep schedule is disrupted during Ramadan, so it refreshes my skin,” she says.
Narjis Hussain, a beauty, lifestyle, and humble fashion influencer from Chicago, exfoliates twice a week and follows up with a moisturizer and mask. She also diligently uses lip balm to hydrate. While consistency is important for Hussain when using products, she also recommends seeking professional treatment whenever possible. “If possible, consider getting a hydrating facial with a trusted aesthetician at the beginning and end of the month,” Hussain advises.
Final Insights
Fasting is a worthwhile act, and while it can come with its challenges, its mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional benefits are unparalleled. It can be hard to think about your well-being when there’s no time to eat and drink, but the beauty of Ramadan is that it has taught millions of people the art of discipline and the importance of taking care of our bodies, including our skin, to be mindful. May this month bring us closer to our goal of becoming better people, and may our skin thrive along the way.
