Devout Muslims abstain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset during the month of Ramadan, which is a time of physical sacrifice and spiritual repentance. It represents commitment, introspection, and discipline.
Fasting provides insight into the agony and suffering endured by millions of people living in famine and poverty around the world.
However, inadequate hydration, disturbed sleep, and a poor diet can negatively affect the body and skin.
Dr. Muneeb Shah, a dermatologist on TikTok, is urging people to take better care of their skin during the holy month.
He told BBC Asian Network that when he was a child, he did not have many South Asian friends, Muslim friends, or fasting friends.
One of the cool things about social media is that you can find people with similar experiences wherever you are in the world.
Since posting his first TikTok in 2020, Dr. Shah has amassed more than 17 million followers and is the platform’s most followed dermatologist.
He hopes to debunk skincare myths and highlight the positive impact this month can have on some people.
According to Dr. Shah, some people claim that their skin worsens during Ramadan due to dietary changes, particularly the type of food consumed when breaking the fast.
What are Dr. Shah’s top recommendations for skin care during Ramadan?
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
During fasting, the skin can easily lose moisture and become dehydrated, so Dr. Shah, who is fasting, recommends that people use more hydrating products.
“Praying five times a day and then washing your face can be extremely drying for some people,” he says.
“It is imperative that you moisturize after washing your face, as doing so can irritate the skin barrier.”
Maintain a healthy diet
Dr. Shah explains, “Some people will claim that their skin worsens during Ramadan as a result of dietary changes, specifically what you consume when you break your fast.”
There may be a negative impact on your skin if you consume large amounts of food at sunset and before sunrise, and if you do not consume enough nutrient-dense foods due to your limited eating window.
Dr. Shah encourages people to break their fast with food they enjoy, but he stresses moderation.
Fried foods have no correlation with acne, but eating anything in excess can affect the skin.
“I tend to eat a lot of fried foods when I break my fast, but I don’t think it affects my skin. However, other people will notice it affects their skin.”
Keep it simple.
During Ramadan, people’s diet and sleep patterns undergo significant changes, which may result in many individuals altering or updating their regular skincare regimen.
However, according to Dr. Shah, normal products can be used while fasting.
According to Dr. Shah, there is a common misconception that traditional skincare products cannot be used while fasting. He explains that this is not true.
“I believe you can still use your traditional moisturizers and sunblocks while fasting,” I said.
His routine consists of cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen for the day. And at night, he advises cleansing, applying retinol, and moisturizing the skin once more.
