How to stay glowing during Ramadan?

emirates7 - During Ramadan, fasting offers a chance to reset both spiritually and physically, with benefits such as reduced inflammation and improved blood sugar levels. However, changes in routine and diet can impact skin and hair health.

How fasting affects skin and hair:

1. Hydration: Dehydration from not drinking water during daylight hours can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and dull. This may cause irritation or dry patches if you're not diligent about hydrating during non-fasting hours.

2. Diet: While fasting gives your digestive system a break, eating richer meals after sunset can cause skin texture changes. You might notice more oil buildup or even breakouts due to indulgence in fried, heavy foods.

3. Oily skin: After fasting, your skin may overcompensate for the lack of hydration by increasing oil production, leading to a greasy feeling, especially if you're consuming rich foods.

How fasting affects hair:

1. Dehydration: Similar to the skin, your hair needs hydration to stay healthy. Limited water intake can cause your hair to become drier, more brittle, and lackluster, with dry ends becoming more noticeable.

2. Nutrient deficiency: Fasting can sometimes lead to nutrient gaps, especially if meals lack variety. Hair needs vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, so it's essential to include nutrient-dense foods like sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, eggs, spinach, pumpkin seeds, avocados, and nuts.

3. Sleep: Disruptions in sleep schedules due to fasting can increase stress, potentially leading to more hair shedding or slower hair growth.

How to care for your skin and hair during Ramadan:

Hydration: Staying hydrated is key. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water between Iftar and Suhoor to avoid dehydration. Start with two glasses at Iftar to rehydrate, then sip water every hour or enjoy herbal tea. You can also include electrolytes to boost hydration. At Suhoor, drink two large glasses of water to sustain hydration throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated drinks close to Suhoor, as they can lead to dehydration.

By following these tips, you can help maintain healthy skin and hair throughout Ramadan.