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Overwashing, too much Retinol: Ramadan skincare mistakes to avoid
From over cleansing to last minute Eid treatments, dermatologists share the habits that could be drying out your skin during Ramadan.
- PUBLISHED: Wed 18 Feb 2026, 2:12 PM UPDATED: Thu 19 Feb 2026, 11:40 AM
Between long fasting hours, late nights, and packed iftar plans, Ramadan often brings a shift not just in routine, but in how your skin looks and feels. Dryness, dullness, chapped lips, dark circles, puffiness, and increased sensitivity are common concerns that arise as sleep patterns change and daytime hydration levels decrease.
While these changes are normal, dermatologists and skincare experts noted that a few everyday habits can exacerbate them. The key during Ramadan is not to do more, but to simplify your routine and focus on hydration, gentle care, and protecting the skin barrier.
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Dr Malaz Eldirdiry, specialist dermatologist at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, explained that reduced fluid intake during the day can affect the skin’s appearance and comfort.
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“Dehydration can lead to dryness and dullness, and may worsen conditions like eczema or sensitive skin,” she said. “But when hydration and nutrition are well managed after iftar, fasting itself can have neutral or even positive effects, including better oil balance and, in some cases, improvement in acne.”
Sleep changes also play a role. Skincare professionals note that late nights, early suhoor wake-ups, and fragmented sleep can disrupt the skin’s natural day-night rhythm. During the day, the skin focuses on protection, while at night it shifts into repair mode. When this cycle is disturbed, it can lead to slower healing, lingering inflammation, puffiness, and a tired-looking complexion.
If your skin has been looking a little off this month, here are some common Ramadan skincare mistakes to avoid.
Washing your face too often
It’s tempting to keep cleansing throughout the day to feel fresh, but overwashing can do more harm than good.
“Over cleansing or using harsh soaps can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased dryness, irritation, and even rebound oil production,” Dr. Eldirdiry said. “A gentle cleanser twice a day, morning and night, is usually enough during Ramadan.”
Trying to scrub away dullness
When skin looks tired, the instinct is often to exfoliate more, especially in the final days of Ramadan as Eid approaches.
However, using scrubs, acids, or peels too frequently can weaken the skin barrier and trigger redness, sensitivity, or pigmentation. Instead of chasing instant brightness, experts recommend reducing exfoliation and focusing on hydration to restore the skin’s natural glow.
Using strong activities as usual
Skin tends to be more reactive during Ramadan, which means powerful ingredients may need to be used less often. Retinol, strong exfoliating acids, high strength lightening creams, and alcohol heavy toners can all increase dryness and irritation when the skin is already dehydrated.
Rather than stopping them completely, spacing out their use and monitoring how your skin responds can help prevent flare-ups.
Forgetting barrier repair and hydration
“One of the biggest mistakes is trying to fix dehydration with aggressive treatments instead of supporting the skin barrier,” Dr. Eldirdiry said.
A simple Ramadan routine works best:
· Gentle cleanser morning and night
· Hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin
· Moisturiser and sunscreen during the day
· A richer cream or sleeping mask after iftar
Booking treatments at the wrong time
If you’re planning facials or laser sessions during Ramadan, timing matters. Hydrating facials and gentle treatments are generally well tolerated, but more intensive procedures may feel uncomfortable when the body is dehydrated.
Aesthetic expert Ahmed Nhaban recommends scheduling treatments two to three hours after iftar, once the body has been rehydrated and nourished. Many clinics across the UAE report that evening appointments become the most requested during Ramadan for this reason.
Leaving your Eid prep too late
If you’re planning a pre-Eid glow-up, dermatologists suggest booking early. Clinics typically see a surge in the final weeks of Ramadan, with popular requests including skin boosters, hydrating treatments, laser hair removal, and upper face Botox.
Botox, in particular, should ideally be administered around 10 to 14 days before Eid to allow the full effect to take hold.
When your sleep schedule changes, your skin feels it too
Late nights, early suhoor wake-ups, and broken sleep during Ramadan don’t just affect energy levels; they can also disrupt the skin’s natural rhythm.
According to skincare professionals at Circadia, the globally trusted professional skincare brand rooted in chronobiology and circadian science,the skin follows its own internal clock. During the day, it focuses on protection against environmental stress, while at night it shifts into repair mode, boosting cell turnover, collagen production, and barrier recovery.
When sleep patterns change, this repair phase may be affected, leading to common Ramadan concerns such as dullness, dehydration, puffiness, dark circles, breakouts, and slower healing.
Experts say adjusting skincare to match this shift can help the skin stay balanced, with a focus on protection and hydration during the day and supporting repair in the evening.
Adjust your routine to your Ramadan rhythm
Skincare specialists recommend thinking about your routine in two phases:
After suhoor or early morning
· Focus on lightweight hydration
· Use antioxidants such as Vitamin C
· Always apply sunscreen
· Choose products that strengthen the skin barrier to reduce moisture loss
After iftar and before sleep
· This is the best time for richer products and repair focused care
· Use soothing or barrier-restoring formulas
· Add targeted eye care to help with puffiness and dark circles
· Avoid aggressive treatments if the skin feels stressed or sensitised
They also recommend prioritising hydration focused ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides, avoiding over-exfoliation, and choosing gentle, oxygen boosting facials if opting for professional treatments.
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.