“Noor Ramadan”

Let your skin reflect the light this Ramadan

It’s that time of the year again. A time for reflection. Peace. Purity. And, a time when your routine does a 180º flip. As you fast from dawn to dusk, your metabolic system works out its own way to deal with a massive transformation. Sure, beautiful things happen – even at a surface level. “Fasting has a positive effect on your skin as skin related conditions such as eczema and psoriasis seem to get better” says Dr. Taysir, one of our expert dermatologists. “But while fasting helps in detoxifying your system and keeps the skin healthy, issues like pimples and acne could spring up. And why does that happen? Too many dietary compromises at Iftar and Suhoor, too little water, and a body clock that’s confused about bed time.”

We turn into nightbirds and end up looking like owls! Did we say dark circles?

Now what if you could actively help your skin stay wow through an entire month of long, thirsty days? Here are certain do’s and don’ts that will keep your skin healthy and glowing during Ramadan. They’re so important, we’ll call them the ‘Glow’s and the ‘No’s

‘Glow’s:

When you fast, your skin fasts with you. So help your thirsty skin. Basic as it is, water, plays the most vital role for your system. So as you break the fast, ensure you drink an extra quantity of water and liquids. This vital replenishment will help relieve the sense of fatigue that may have crept up on you.

• Drink at least two liters, or 8 cups of water, every day.
• Also drink natural fruit juices and herbal teas, such as green tea. Enjoy the vitality of fresh vegetables. Green salads (but easy on the dressings) and cool, fresh fruit add life to your meals and your skin as they replenish you inside out.

Your skin’s been starving. Give it some nourishing love.

• Ensure you get sufficient proteins and vitamins A, D, E and C to treat rough skin – especially vitamin A, which is mainly found in carrots, lettuce, parsley, spinach, and foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and mackerel, sunflower oil and walnuts. Don’t underestimate the nutritional value of potato, melon, orange and lemon. They’ve got what you need.

‘No’s:

You know that little voice that says you’ve earned that extra round of sweets after a day of fasting? Red flash!

Yup. Red spots, pimples, acne and let’s not even start on that waistline business. Entertain your sweet tooth during Ramadan, but keep track. See the opportunity here: you can use fasting as a means of cutting down on fats and sugar and carry off your new Eid wardrobe with panache!

There is no rocket science here, just a few simple tricks to keep your skin glowing. Trust us, they work like magic.

• Cleanse skin of dust and makeup using a gentle conditioning cleanser that does not cause dryness
• Use face creams that are suitable to your skin type, then moisturize your skin immediately using a Hyaluronicacid based moisturiser in upward circular motions to ensure absorption of effective material. This helps maintain well-nourished skin. Do not forget night moisturisers before going to bed.
• Use a Vitamin C cream to maintain vitality of your skin.
• Take care of the area surrounding your eyes, applying a nourishing cream in circular massage motions. Another trick. Keep that cream refrigerated. The coolness will help tighten blood vessels, to prevent puffiness and dark circles.
• Take care of the lips, moisturizing them using a vitamin E based cream with honey and cocoa butter, twice daily after Iftar.
• Do not forget to apply sunscreen before leaving home, during the day. Blazing sunlight while fasting won’t do your skin any good.

Brighten up. Expert help is at hand.

It’s a beautiful month after all. Shouldn’t your skin feel the same way!