How to keep your skin refreshed

Make-up may not be a top priority for fasting women during Ramadan, a period of reflection and prayer. However, taking care of the body’s largest organ — the skin — is something to consider while preparing for the month.

With changing sleep patterns that come from late night munchies and early morning suhour, the lowered water intake and the draining summer heat, your skin is bound to take a hit.

Here are some tips to help your skin stay healthy during Ramadan.

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

To make up for the lack of water, a good face cream is key. Use something with a blend of skin-boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, oils and vitamin E and C.

If you don’t want to give up your regular moisturiser but need a little boost, add a few drops of a nourishing face oil to it such as jojoba or rosehip. 2. Keep an eye on eye creams Using a rich eye cream will help keep puffiness and dark circles at bay. 3. Mask on, mask off If you’re a skincare geek, nothing is as satisfying as putting on a really good face mask and kicking your heels up. If you’re going to be up late during Ramadan, might as well throw on a mask as a quick skin fix.

Pick one that is best suited to your skin type: a clay mask would help with breakouts and a hydrating mask would tackle dry and tired skin. 4. Spray of sunshine It’s proving to be a hot summer this year, and face mists will come in handy for a quick refresh during the day. Use liberally at your work desk to keep from nodding off and to keep cool when you feel yourself getting hungry. 5. Bathing beauty What better way to get moisturised than a soothing, warm bath? Add bath oils and salts to address skin dryness, and get that loofah out to gently exfoliate. Try and pick out products that contain natural ingredients such a lavender, oats, shea butter and coconut oil for the best results. — Jennifer Barretto is a copy editor at Gulf News but her interests go beyond correcting grammar. She also writes about beauty and food.