Your skin is pale in Ramadan: causes and ways to treat it.

Hello my friend: Why does your skin become pale in Ramadan and how do you treat it?

Ramadan is a month full of goodness and blessings, but sometimes it comes with some challenges such as pale and dull skin that can upset you when you see it in the mirror. Why does this happen? And how can we restore freshness and radiance to our skin? I, a nutrition expert, will talk to you today in a simple and easy way, just like you would talk to your friend over a cup of coffee, and together we will investigate the causes of this problem and the best solutions for it. Let's begin!

Why does your skin become pale in Ramadan?

Before we address the problem, we need to understand why your skin becomes pale during Ramadan. There are several reasons that can make your skin look tired or dull:

Lack of water : When you fast from dawn to sunset, your body loses a lot of fluids, and if you don’t replace them between breakfast and suhoor, your skin will dry out and lose its vibrant color.
Changing your diet : During Ramadan, we may rely on fatty foods or sweets, and forget about healthy food full of vitamins, such as vegetables and fruits, which your skin needs.
Staying up late and being tired : Staying up until dawn and getting little sleep affect your body and skin, because the skin needs rest to renew itself.

In a new study published in 2023 in the Journal of Dermatology, researchers said that lack of hydration and unprotected sun exposure can make skin look paler during fasting. But the good news is that there are simple, effective solutions we can all do together!

How to moisturize your skin from the inside and outside?

Moisturizing is the secret to fresh skin, and this happens in two ways: from inside your body and from outside. Let's see the methods and benefits:

Internal hydration methods

Internal hydration depends on providing the body with water and nutrients through diet and drinking. These methods are necessary because the skin reflects the internal state of the body, and lack of hydration can lead to dryness and pallor. Here are the methods in detail:

1. Drink enough water

Recommended amount : Try to drink 8-10 cups daily (about 2-2.5 liters), and distribute them between breakfast and suhoor during Ramadan.
How to use : Start with a glass of water with breakfast to gently break the fast, then continue drinking a glass every hour or so. You can add a slice of lemon or mint leaves to improve the taste.
Tip : Carry a bottle of water with you to remind yourself to drink regularly, and use reminder apps if necessary.

2. Eat foods rich in water.

Healthy fruits : Watermelon (92% water), oranges, strawberries, and cucumbers are all excellent choices. Eat them as snacks after breakfast or with suhoor.
Hydrating vegetables : Tomatoes, celery, and lettuce are high in water and vitamins that support healthy skin.
Practical example : Prepare a salad of cucumber and tomatoes with lemon juice for Suhoor, or a cup of fresh watermelon juice after breakfast.

3. Avoid diuretic drinks.

What to avoid : Coffee, black tea, and soft drinks contain caffeine, which increases fluid loss.
Alternatives : Try herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile, or ginger with honey, which are soothing and non-drying.
Tip : If you are a coffee lover, reduce the amount to one cup per day and drink an additional cup of water after that.

4. Focus on foods rich in electrolytes.

Why are they important? Electrolytes (such as potassium and magnesium) help maintain fluid balance within cells, including skin cells.
Examples : Bananas, plain yogurt, dates, and avocado. Eat a handful of dates with a glass of water at breakfast to boost hydration and energy.
Recipe : Prepare a yogurt smoothie with bananas and a little honey as a light suhoor meal.

5. Hydration-boosting drinks

Natural options : Coconut water is rich in electrolytes and is ideal for replenishing lost fluids. You can also make a drink of water with slices of cucumber and lemon.
How to use : Drink a glass of coconut water right after breakfast for instant hydration.

6. Supplements (optional)

Beneficial vitamins : Vitamin C and E boost collagen production and protect the skin from dryness.
Caution : Consult your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure they are right for you.

Benefits of internal hydration

Internal hydration means providing water and fluids to the body through drinking and eating foods rich in water. This type of hydration starts from within the body and is directly reflected in the appearance and health of the skin.

Maintaining skin elasticity : Water helps skin cells stay hydrated and plump, making them supple and smooth. When skin lacks moisture, it becomes dry and may crack easily.
Detoxification : Drinking enough water supports the kidneys in eliminating toxins and waste, which reduces the appearance of blemishes and pimples and maintains clear skin.
Improves blood circulation : Good hydration promotes blood flow, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach the skin. This helps prevent dullness and maintains the skin’s natural color.
Reduce wrinkles : Recent studies (such as a 2023 study) have shown that internal hydration reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, because water keeps cells plump and elastic.

Practical tip : During Ramadan, try to drink 8-10 glasses of water between Iftar and Suhoor, and add foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges to your meals to increase hydration.

External moisturizing methods

External hydration aims to protect the skin from dryness using care products and daily habits. Here are the extended methods:

1. Use appropriate moisturizers.

For dry skin : Choose creams that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter for deep hydration.
For oily skin : Use a light moisturizing gel with ingredients like aloe vera or green tea to avoid shine.
How to apply : Apply the moisturizer immediately after washing your face while your skin is still damp to retain water.

2. Gentle skin exfoliation

Benefit : Removes dead cells and allows moisturizers to penetrate deeply.
Method : Use a natural exfoliant such as brown sugar with coconut oil, or a mild chemical exfoliant containing lactic acid.
Repetition : Once or twice a week, avoid overuse as it may cause irritation.

3. Natural oils for moisturizing

Options : Jojoba oil (similar to the skin's natural oils), sweet almond oil, or argan oil.
How to use : Apply a few drops immediately after showering, or add to your moisturizing cream to enhance its effect.
Example : Massage your skin with almond oil after showering at night for instant softness.

4. Moisturizing spray

Products : Rose water, thermal water, or a moisturizing spray containing aloe vera.
Usage : Spray on your face throughout the day for instant freshness, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.
Tip : Keep a small bottle in your bag for on-the-go use.

5. Moisturizing masks

Ready-made masks : Choose sheet masks that contain hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5.
Home recipes : Mix a spoonful of honey with half a mashed avocado, leave it for 15 minutes, then wash it with lukewarm water.
Repetition : Once a week for deep hydration.

6. Protecting the skin from external factors

Sunscreen : Use a cream with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days, to prevent dryness and pigmentation.
Clothing : Wear loose cotton clothing to reduce sweating and irritation, especially in hot weather.
Humidifiers : Use a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist.

Benefits of external hydration

External hydration is done through the use of topical moisturizers and creams that protect the skin and enhance its moisture from the surface.

Protecting the skin barrier : Moisturizers create a protective layer that prevents the loss of the skin's natural moisture, and protects it from external factors such as dry air or exposure to air conditioning.
Regulating natural oils : Choosing a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type (oily, dry, or combination) helps maintain the balance of oils, preventing dryness or excess shine.
Reduce irritation and redness : Moisturizers that contain ingredients like aloe vera or green tea soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, which is helpful if your skin is sensitive or tired from lack of sleep.
Boost radiance : According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, regular external moisturizing improves the appearance of the skin and makes it look more vibrant and radiant.

Practical advice : Use a suitable moisturizer twice a day (in the morning and before bed). For dry skin, choose products containing glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and for oily skin, prefer light, non-oily moisturizers.

The importance of combining internal and external hydration

Internal hydration : Nourishes skin cells from within and maintains their elasticity.
External hydration : forms a protective barrier against dryness and environmental factors.
Together, they ensure a fresh, healthy complexion, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dullness, especially during fasting or dry weather.

The best natural masks to treat pale skin

Natural masks are like a magic cure for your skin, and the best thing is that you can make them at home with ingredients found in your kitchen. Try these:

Honey and yogurt mask:

Ingredients : 1 tablespoon yogurt + 1 teaspoon honey.
Method : Mix them well and put them on your face for 15 minutes, then wash your face with lukewarm water.
Benefit : Yogurt moisturizes and softens the skin, and honey nourishes it and enhances its radiance.

Avocado and olive oil mask:

Ingredients : Half a mashed avocado + 1 teaspoon olive oil.
Method : Mix them and put them on your skin for 20 minutes, then wash them with warm water.
Benefit : Avocado is full of healthy fats that deeply moisturize, and olive oil gives a natural shine.

Cucumber and yogurt mask:

Ingredients : Half a grated cucumber + a tablespoon of yogurt.
Method : Mix them and put the mixture on your face for 15 minutes, then wash it.
Benefit : Cucumber moisturizes and cools the skin, and milk lightens it and reduces pallor.

Use these masks once or twice a week, and you will see your skin change for the better in days!

Important extras for your skin in Ramadan

Not only moisturizing and masks, there are other things that if you do them, your skin will shine:

Get enough sleep : Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep a day. Sleep helps your skin cells regenerate and reduces dullness. A 2022 study in Sleep Journal found that lack of sleep increases dryness and dullness in the skin.
Sun protection : If you go out during the day, apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect your skin from dryness and pigmentation.
Light exercise : Walking for half an hour a day improves blood circulation, which makes your skin healthy and radiant.

Final tip: Balance is key.

To keep your skin glowing during Ramadan, you need to do everything in balance: drink plenty of water, eat healthy food full of vitamins, use a moisturizer daily, and pamper your skin with a natural mask once a week. If you sleep well and rest your body, all of this will work together to make your skin glow from the inside out.

Hey, did you see, my friend? With a few simple steps like this, you can treat your pale skin and enjoy Ramadan with healthy, glowing skin. Try these tips and tell me the result!