While fasting, your skin goes through various changes, which call for you to give it some extra attention. On top of that, June is a hot month, meaning your skin will need a double dose of TLC. To avoid the bad effects of dehydrated skin, like breakouts, dry patches and looking lacklustre, due to a sudden change in dietary habits and the heat, it’s important to make some changes to your beauty regime. These tips will help your skin look healthy and luminous while you get together with family and friends.
Keep Water At Hand
Drinking enough water after the sun goes down is essential to avoid your skin becoming dehydrated, which can cause it to look dull and tired, especially when it’s hot. Water also helps conserve your skin’s elasticity and is a shield against wrinkles. If you really don’t enjoy drinking the essence of life, try infusing it with fruits to give your immune system an extra boost and flush out toxins in a calorie-free way! Another way to help your skin is to eat water-based foods such as soups and stews, as well as fruits and vegetables that have a high water content like cucumbers and oranges. However, upping your liquid intake shouldn’t really have you including caffeine and sodas in the mix, as the human body doesn’t absorb them well at all. Fruit juices should be consumed with caution as well.
Eat The Right Foods
Foods that are rich in antioxidants, like strawberries, dark chocolate, blueberries and yes, that Ramadan staple, dates, are known for enhancing skin. Dates are also a great source of other boosters like vitamin A and magnesium, which promote optimum skin health too, while dried apricots can help your skin look brighter. Vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc are other protective antioxidants, and eating meat and fish will ensure you benefit from them. What’s more, eat fish enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, those essential fatty acids that also play a roll in skin preservation and helping your skin glow. Plus, try to stick to grilled rather than fried options and take it easy on the dairy products to stay spot-free. When it comes to snacking, bring out the nuts, especially cashews and almonds, which are particularly good at repairing and rejuvenating dehydrated skin, as they’re crammed with healthy fibres, fatty acids and proteins.
Limit Your Sun Exposure
It may not be as hot as the last couple of Ramadans, but the sun is still pretty searing in June, and you need to protect your skin even more than usual, as the sun is an added burden to an already dehydrated skin due to fasting. If you are running errands during the day try and find as much shade as possible and better yet, take a hat with you. There are so many pretty ones around! And, of course, it goes without saying you need to apply sunblock before heading out, one with SPF 30 at the least, and reapply if you are outdoors for over three hours. Additionally, try and choose a sunblock that offers full protection without clogging pores.
Make Moisturiser Your Friend
Your skin loses a lot of its moisture due to not being able to drink all day during fasting, making it extremely important to include moisturising your skin as part of your skincare routine. However, your normal moisturiser may not do the job as you need one that is ultra-rich enough to quench your parched skin. If you have dry skin, creams or oils are fine, but if your skin is already on the oily side, something gel-based is the way to go. Facial mists also provide essential hydration throughout the day and keep your face cool. Don’t forget to slather on some body lotion to every reachable part after showering/bathing and before bed either.
Give Your Skin Vip Treatment
Your skincare regime should include cleaning, toning, exfoliating and, as mentioned before, moisturising. These steps ensure you remove the dead skin caused by not drinking water all day, as well as restoring the skin’s natural mineral levels and balancing its oil production. However, make sure your cleanser is one that ensures your skin doesn’t dry out. Exfoliating a couple of times a week helps clear clogged pores and stimulates blood circulation, which helps combat water retention and puffiness. What’s more, your skin will feel softer and look more radiant. You should also include an effective hydrating face mask about twice a week and opt for a day cream that has protection. If you want even better results, buy products that contain Vitamin C as it provides essential moisture, pacifies tired skin and plays an important role in maintaining a consistent glow. If you feel your skin still needs some TLC, how about trying some skin supplements that include vitamins C, E and A, selenium and zinc?
When it comes to make-up, heavy concealers and foundations can cause breakouts so try something light and moisturising like a BB cream. Additionally, matte lipsticks can make your lips drier so opt for lip balms with beneficial ingredients. Give the area around your eyes special care by applying nourishing creams, which you can keep in the fridge for better results, before putting eye make-up on.
