Shahnaz Husain's skincare tips for Ramadan

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Shahnaz Husains skincare tips for Ramadan

Summer heat, combined with the rigours of fasting can take a toll on your skin. These face packs are here to help

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Published: Fri 10 May 2019, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 17 May 2019, 11:17 AM

Taking care of one's skin during the Holy Month of Ramadan is important. It is necessary to ensure that the skin is not affected by fasting or the loss of valuable vitamins. Vitamin supplements, in fact, can be taken during suhoor, the pre-dawn meal eaten before the sun rises and fasting begins.

Fasting can actually have some benefits too, as it has a cleansing effect. The body gets rid of toxins and wastes, making the skin clearer. Fruits should be eaten during Suhoor to compensate for the loss of vitamins. Citrus fruits, for example, are rich in vitamin C, which helps to protect the health of the skin. Also, drink at least eight glasses of water during the period after iftar.

Another factor to consider is that Ramadan is observed during the hot summer months which can lead to the skin suffering from dehydration. To combat this, avoid washing the face more than twice a day with soap and water. Use a mild glycerine soap or a face wash or cleanser according to skin type. Another way to deal with dryness is to apply moisturisers, in order to prevent moisture loss and also replenish moisture. After cleansing in the morning, wipe the face with chilled rose water, using cotton. This cools and refreshes the skin. Then apply sunscreen lotion before going out in the sun.

Moisturisers are available in both liquid and cream forms. For normal to dry skin, it is better to use a creamy moisturiser. For oily skin, look for a matte moisturiser but remember that oily skin can also be short of moisture. Or, mix one teaspoon pure glycerine with 100 ml rose water and keep in an airtight bottle in the fridge. Use a little of the lotion to cool and moisturise the skin. Use a lip balm or pure almond oil on the lips daily, to relieve dryness. You can also apply argan oil as it soothes dry skin and reduces dry red patches.
Here are some other home remedies and moisturising face packs:

Apply aloe vera gel on the face and wash off with plain water after 15 minutes. Aloe vera is a powerful natural moisturiser. Honey, another natural moisturiser, can also be applied on the skin and washed off after 15 minutes.

A fruit pack also helps moisturise, nourish and cool the skin. It also suits all skin types, removes any tan you may have and brightens the skin.

Make an avocado mask by mixing one ripe avocado with one teaspoon each of olive oil, yoghurt and honey. Apply on the face and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes. Wash off. Avocados are extremely beneficial for the skin as they contain vitamins and fatty acids, which nourish it and improve its texture.

A honey mask can be made by mixing half a teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon pure almond oil and one teaspoon dried milk powder into a paste. Apply on the face and remove after 20 minutes with plain water. Dried milk powder nourishes and softens the skin. Almond oil provides the emollients while also nourishing and softening the skin.

Mash a banana and add a little rose water. Apply on the face and wash off after 20 minutes. Banana hydrates and tightens the skin, while rose water tones and moisturises.

To make skin soft and smooth, mix honey with one teaspoon orange juice and apply on the face. Wash off after 20 minutes. Honey suits all skin types. For oily and acne-prone skin, mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon yoghurt and a little turmeric.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com


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