It’s a Complex-ion MATTER

The Holy Month can be a good time to take care of your skin and, if you embrace fasting during this period, there are a few tricks that can help you deal with a change in your complexion.

The month of Ramadan is the ideal time to press pause and give your skin some rest. Take a break from make-up, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. If you choose to fast, treatments absorbed by the skin get the green light to be used throughout the day. They can become an ally during this time when your complexion can suffer from the change in your regular habits. We’ve rounded up some must-have products to add to or amp up your beauty routine during this special period.

MOISTURISER

It would be best to keep up with your skincare routine that ideally involves the basics such as cleansing, toning, and moisturising in the am and pm hours. During this month, pay extra attention to keeping your complexion hydrated. If you are fasting and notice that your skin is feeling dryer, opt for a richer product during this period to help your skin. Hydration is key and having a rich nourishing layer to protect and fight external agents is an assertive choice to succeed in this task. To keep moisture in and prevent dryness, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends staying away from abrasive scrub brushes and bath sponges that can damage the skin’s surface. You should also pat your face gently with a towel and moisturise immediately after washing. To trap the water in, it is important that creams and lotions are applied within minutes of drying off.

EYE AREA

Dark circles – you might already suffer from this condition, or it might happen when you don’t sleep enough. Lack of sleep might occur during this period due to less shut-eye than usual. To help you fight dark circles, look for products that contain caffeine or vitamin K, these ingredients help with circulation resulting in lightening of the area. According to the website Medical News Today, vitamin C can boost collagen production. Increasing collagen production under the eyes helps blood flow in the area. Together with your chosen cream, apply a soft massage. Puffiness is another unwanted result of irregular sleeping patterns, and to reduce puffy eyes, use a jade roller or cold patches to reduce eye-area swelling.

SUNSCREEN

Your outings will most probably occur during the night; however, it is still essential to apply sunscreen even if you are only staying inside during the day. If you are sitting by a window or spending long hours in front of your computer screen, you are exposing yourself to potentially skin-damaging light. According to Anna Chien, a dermatologist from Johns Hopkins Medicine, if you are mostly indoors and sit away from windows, you might not need a second application. However, it is important to apply the product during your morning routine.

LIPS

Dry and chapped lips are common during this period, and constant licking is not a solution to moisten them; it only creates more dryness when the water evaporates. One of the ways to keep your lips healthy is to increase your water intake during the non-fasting period or if you are not fasting, be more conscious about drinking more water throughout the day. You can also exfoliate them twice a week with a gentle product. A good scrub will contain moisturising and active agents to remove the dead cells. Let the scrub absorb into your lips by leaving it for a couple of minutes, and then remove it with lukewarm water. Keeping a lip balm always close is also a way of helping to lock in moisture. The Houston Methodist Leading Medicine recommends a thick ointment such as petroleum jelly or paraffin-based lip balm to seal in the water longer than waxes or oils.

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