How do you ensure that you have healthy and glowing skin while you fast? This year, the fasting period has fallen during the spring to summer transition, which is already a challenge on its when it comes to skin care. The temperatures are rising steadily, which means you’re more likely to be exposed to strong sunlight, in addition to fasting for hours.
Fasting, however, does have its benefits. When you aren’t digesting food for long periods of time, your body can focus on other processes. Spots and skin conditions such as eczema may clear up faster, though detoxification sometimes does the opposite. You might even end up losing those last kilos of weight you’ve been struggling with!
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How You Can Achieve a Healthy and Glowing Skin as You Fast
Use sunscreen
Obvious, isn’t it? At this time of year, the sun beats down hard. Ramp up the protection with a non-comedogenic (the fancy word for pore blocking) sunscreen.
Exercise
We’re not suggesting you take on anything strenuous when you fast, but a little light exercise can help. It will boost your blood circulation, which is essential for healthy and glowing skin, and relieve any fasting-induced headaches and remove toxins from your body quicker. Try a 15-minute stroll, yoga or Pilates.
Prioritize sleep
Late nights and changes in eating patterns are no friends to gleaming skin. Prioritize your seven to eight hours if you can. If nothing else, spending more time asleep or in bed minimizes the hours awake.
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Choose natural products
During this season, it is best to opt for skincare products with natural ingredients, as they are lighter on the skin and free from harmful chemicals and irritants. Products made from plant-based ingredients like Aloe Vera, activated charcoal, green tea, and coconut work well for the skin during the hotter months.
Avoid caffeine
Step away from the coffee when you break your fast if you want to have healthy and glowing skin. Caffeine is a diuretic and hydration is important at this time of year. Water or herbal teas are your best bet.
Eat well
When the sun sets, it’s tempting to dive face first into the deep-fried fritters. But fill up on fiber-rich dishes with proteins such as chicken and fish, salad, fruit, and raw unsalted nuts and your skin will thank you.
Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize
An oldie, but a goodie. A good skincare routine involves cleansing (double cleanse if you wear make-up), moisturizing, and exfoliation two or three times a week. Natural, oil-free face washes and facial scrubs that include ground walnut shells for gentle exfoliation will boost your skin’s health.
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Remove make-up before bed
This is the golden rule of skincare. But we get why it’s tempting to skip this step during Ramadan. Late nights, fasting, breaking the fast, eating a big meal… who can be bothered? Facial wipes are your best friend—removing make-up and cleansing quickly and easily. Choose natural brands so harsh chemicals don’t strip your skin of moisture.
Don’t forget the rest of your skin
It is tempting to focus just on our face, but your hands, feet, arms, and legs need a little loving care at this time of year too. Treat them to a cocoa butter lotion and allow them to enjoy healthy and glowing skin as well. This will leave said skin soft and supple.
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