While Ramadan is a blessed and spiritual month for Muslims with intensely rewarding benefits, 30 days without being allowed to consume any food or drink from dawn till dusk can take a toll. Your skin, hair, nails and even your body can be affected from fasting due to the lack of nutrient intake throughout the day, especially if it’s your first time observing Ramadan.
If you’re worried about how to keep on top of your beauty regime this month, we’re here for you. We talked to our in-house pharmacist, Aruj, to get her expert advice and recommendations on the best ways to keep everything looking and feeling healthy, so you can focus on what really matters this Holy Month.
Common beauty concerns during Ramadan
“Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam,” explains Aruj. “We fast without food and water for thirty days from sunrise until sunset, pray five time a day, read the Holy Qur'an, give to charity, and we should also be mindful of our actions and behaviour towards others.”
However, there are some common beauty concerns that can pop up during fasting: from drier-feeling skin to weaker, brittle nails that break easily. That’s why it’s important to take a few extra steps in your beauty routine this month to help leave you feeling healthier and just as nourished!
Aruj’s top Ramadan beauty tips:
1. Strengthen weakened, dry nails
While it may seem like there’s an easy solution for healthy-looking nails, there are certain products that should be avoided during Ramadan – especially when it comes to your talons.
“My nails tend to feel weak, and I am also more prone to dry cuticles due to fasting,” Aruj shares. “It is permissible to apply nail and cuticle oil, or to use a nail file, nail buffer block, cuticle clipper and nail cream during Ramadan. But nail polishes and false nails are to be avoided, as they do not allow water to enter and clean your hands fully during wudu.”
Wudu is a cleansing ritual (an important part of Islamic cleanliness) that is done before prayer. It follows a process of washing the hands, mouth, nostrils, arms, face, ears, hair and feet – which is why it’s so important to take care of your hands and nails over the course of your fast.
A good way to strengthen your nails without worrying about restricted products, is to add collagen to your diet, says Aruj. “You can take this before you close your fast or when you break your fast. There are also halal-certified, breathable nail hardeners available that you can apply during Ramadan to help with nail splitting.”
Aruj’s top 3 nail essentials during Ramadan? Firstly, use the Cutex Ultra-Powerful Nail Polish Remover to wipe away any traces of polish and leave a clean, natural nail base. Then, use the brushworks Cuticle Nippers and Tweezerman Neon Hot File, Buff, Smooth & Shine Block to keep dry cuticles at bay and maintain a flawless-looking manicure.
2. Embrace skin-brightening ingredients
“When I fast, I tend to notice more prominent under-eye dark circles and tired-looking skin that feels less supple and moist, due to lack of hydration during the day,” reveals Aruj.
“To help brighten my complexion, especially my dark circles, my first tip would be to opt for beneficial brightening ingredients that you know will work for your skin type. I recommend choosing a moisturiser or serum that’s packed with antioxidant vitamin C, as it is arguably best-known for its role as a radiance booster. Always make sure to apply SPF too for further advanced protection during the day.”
To follow Aruj’s advice, why not try the Medik8 C-Tetra Cream? A daily vitamin C-enriched moisturiser, it helps to restore radiance and unify your skin tone, all while replenishing your complexion to leave a bright, glowy finish.
3. Make hydration your top priority!
Skin hydration can dip when you’re fasting, so how can we help to restore moisture levels when we need it most? “My second top tip is carrying my favourite hydrating toner mists in my bag during Ramadan, as my skin tends to feel drier after wudu.” Aruj recommends Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray for Sensitive Skin, as she likes to add a few spritz of mist before applying serum in the morning to help soothe, add moisture and refresh the complexion.
Another important one - lip hydration! “Don't forget to apply lip oil or balm during the day. When I fast, my lips can become dry, but applying a lip treatment can help to soften and moisturise my chapped pout for a smooth, plump effect.”
4. Restore your tresses
You may find that as well as feeling drier, your hair can shed more often during fasting.
Aruj confirms: “I tend to shed more hair from lack of protein in my diet when I break my fast, as I’m drawn more to fried foods and sugary snacks in Ramadan – no doubt because of a lack of energy after a long day of fasting (not good I know!).”
“I like to apply a nutrient-rich oil daily to help revive my locks and to add shine, alongside a strengthening serum to help reduce hair breakage. Most importantly again, not forgetting collagen intake to help maintain hair health as well.”
Check out Aruj’s top shine-boosting and strengthening hair treatments below:
5. Don’t neglect your bodycare!
Looking after a dehydrated body while fasting seems like an impossible task. Without regular water intake, it can be difficult to keep your body looking and feeling hydrated and comfortable for 30 days. However, the main concern to target is dry skin.
“Taking care of the dry skin caused by lack of moisture on my body is essential during Ramadan,” Aruj explains. “I like to treat my skin to an invigorating body scrub in the shower to help exfoliate dead skin cells at least once a week, alongside a nourishing body wash.”
“After exfoliating and cleansing, I apply body moisturiser to damp skin and opt for formulas that are packed with moisture-rich ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and shea butter. I love all these ingredients for smoothening the look of coarse, dry skin on the body.”
We love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream Moisturiser for Normal to Dry Skin for minimising the look of dry areas, as well as providing an all-over daily moisture boost.
