How to take care of your skin in Ramadan

This year Ramadan has arrived smack in the middle of a heat wave. So while our minds and bodies slow down from the lack of sustenance, our skin also suffers because it is dehydrated. It all boils down to the type of choices you make – the kind of food you eat, how you change up your skin care regimen and how much rest you get. If you want glowing, radiant skin on Eid, then here are a few simple things you can do during Ramadan to care for your skin:

• Regular skin care regimen – it’s important to have a regular and consistent skin care routine in Ramadan. Wash your face regularly with a face wash, one that contains essential minerals and herbal extracts, for instance the Stillman’s face washes and use a scrub once a week if you have sensitive skin. Gently exfoliate your skin every day to remove dead cells and get your glow on.
• Change what you use on your skin – since Ramadan has arrived during the hot, summer months, it’s best you invest in products that are lightweight and hydrating at the same time. This will help your skin breathe easy and prevent breakouts. A daily face wash like Stillman’s that contains mineral salts and herbal extracts will keep your skin supple while removing oil and dirt and keep breakouts at bay.
• Keep on using sun screen – the scorching sun doesn’t do your skin any favors so protect your complexion with a sun screen, one with a SPF 50 at least. UV rays are extremely harmful since they can cause pigmentation and deplete collagen and elastin present in your skin which can lead to early ageing in the form of wrinkles and saggy skin.
• Eat right – it’s tempting to stuff your face with samosas, pakoras and jalebis at iftar but that can really ruin your skin and complexion. All that sugar, oil, salt and carbohydrates can lead to blemishes, breakouts, glycation with early ageing and dull, sallow skin. If you want healthy-looking skin in Ramadan, then you must eat healthy as well. Add fresh vegetables, proteins, fruits and nuts in your diet and remember to drink plenty of water at Sehri and Iftar to keep your skin hydrated and to remove toxins from your body.
• Sleep, sleep and sleep – it’s hard to get enough sleep in Ramadan, especially nighttime sleep but catch up on your sleep when you can. Take naps during the day and right after Iftar. Also, try and sleep as early as possible in Ramadan to avoid getting dark circles and to help repair and rejuvenate your skin.
• Avoid going out in the sun – the summer sun is unforgiving and can be extremely harsh on your skin so try and stay out of the sun as much as you can during Ramadan. If going out is unavoidable, be sure to wear sun glasses and a sun hat and of course slather as much sun screen as you much as you can.
• Go makeup-free – Whenever you can, avoid using makeup especially during the day. As it is, your skin is most likely dehydrated and your face has problem areas thanks to the heat. Makeup is likely to exacerbate any skin condition. In fact, when you apply makeup, your face produces excess oil which can cause further dehydration.
• Stay away from sodas and caffeinated drinks – Caffeine and fizzy drinks suck out the moisture and minerals from you skin which can cause your face to become parched. The result? Dry patches and/or blemishes. So stay away from coffee and sodas if you want health-looking skin.