RAMADAN SKIN CARE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR COMPLEXION HAPPY, HEALTHY AND HYDRATED
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline and personal growth. But as any beauty enthusiast knows, fasting from dawn till dusk can have its challenges – especially when it comes to your skin’s health.
During the sacred month, it’s important to ensure you have all best Ramadan skin care tips to maintain a healthy, radiant glow. Whether you’re fasting for the first time, or you’ve observed Ramadan for years, taking a mindful approach to skin care can help you avoid dryness, blemishes and other common skin care concerns.
With that in mind, to help you find the right Ramadan skin care regimen for you, three of our Cult Beauty beauty experts have shared their ultimate Ramadan skin care tips so that your complexion can stay happy, healthy and hydrated throughout the holy month.
IN THIS ARTICLE
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS RAMADAN
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the holiest period for Muslims. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food and drink (yes, even water). The fast is broken each evening with iftar, while the pre-dawn meal is known as suhoor.
More than fasting, Ramadan is about worship and spiritual wellbeing – a time to reflect and get closer to God through kindness, compassion and charitable deeds. Many Muslims dedicate more time to read the Quran, attend nightly Taraweeh prayers while focusing on self-discipline and spiritual growth. The month symbolises purification, gratitude and is also a period for reinforcing family and community ties, as shared meals and gatherings play an important role. Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration that marks the end of fasting and highlights the values of gratitude, generosity, and unity.
Now we know what Ramadan symbolises, it’s time to uncover our expert’s best Ramadan skin care tips to see you through the fast.
RAMADAN SKIN CARE TIPS
What does Ramadan mean to you?
“Ramadan for me is a time of deep spirituality and self-reflection. It’s an opportunity to practice self-discipline, express gratitude and strengthen my faith. While fasting is a central part of the month, Ramadan is also about personal growth both spiritually and morally. It’s a time of generosity and community, where people come together to break their fast, pray and support those in need. For me, Ramadan is a chance to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and cultivate patience and empathy.”
How does your beauty routine change during Ramadan?
“During Ramadan, I simplify my skin care routine while making hydration a top priority. Since fasting can leave my skin feeling drier than usual, I focus on using hydrating products like serums and rich moisturisers. I also make sure to drink plenty of water between iftar and suhoor to keep my skin healthy from the inside out. Lip balm is a must to prevent dryness and I stick to gentle, nourishing skin care products to avoid irritation. Ramadan is also a time for self care, so I make sure to take moments to unwind with facial rollers or soothing skin care rituals to relax too.”
What skin care challenges do you face during Ramadan?
“Fasting can affect my skin in different ways. The main challenge is dry and dullness, due to reduced water intake. Sometimes, changes in my diet can also trigger breakouts along with sleep disruptions contributing to dark circles and a tired appearance. The key to keeping my skin healthy during Ramadan is staying hydrated whenever possible, eating foods rich in nutrients and maintaining a consistent skin care routine to maintain a fresh look.”
Amaal’s Ramadan skin care routine:
Morning Routine:
I start with a hydrating cleanser to remove any buildup without drying out my skin. Next, I take a refreshing toner with ingredients like rose water or hyaluronic acid to help maintain moisture. Then, I follow this with a vitamin C serum to brighten my complexion and provide antioxidant protection. - To keep my skin feeling fresh I apply a hydrating moisturiser that’s lightweight when applied.
Finally, I complete my AM routine with a sunscreen (SPF 30+). This is essential for protecting against sun damage, even when indoors.
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Evening Routine (after iftar):
For my PM regime I double cleanse, starting with a cleansing balm or micellar water to remove sunscreen and impurities, followed by a gentle face wash. Twice of thrice a week I exfoliate with a mild chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or PHA) to keep my skin smooth and radiant. I then apply a hyaluronic acid or niacinamide serum to replenish moisture. Followed by a richer night cream or gel-based moisturiser to lock in hydration. - A non-negotiable of mine is to then apply a nourishing lip balm to prevent dryness.
And if after all this I still feel my skin is dry I finish off with a few drops of my go-to face oil.
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Amaal’s Ramadan skin care tips:
DO: Use a gentle cleanser that washes the face without stripping your skin’s moisture.
DON’T: Forget to keep your lips hydrated. A good lip balm is key to avoiding chapped lips during the day.
What does Ramadan mean to you?
“Personally, Ramadan to me is a time to reflect on my life. It's a time when I reflect on the things I take for granted. For example, access to clean water which many people worldwide do not have access to.”
How does your beauty routine change during Ramadan?
“I find that I have more time for self care, as meeting up with friends often involves eating out so that gets reduced during Ramadan. I spend more time hydrating my face and body as it feels good, especially towards the last few hours when the hunger starts to kick in (it's a great distraction).”
What skin care challenges do you face during Ramadan?
“My skin gets a lot drier during Ramadan, so I tend to slug more during the week and incorporate more hyaluronic acid skin care products into my routine. I also get really dry lips, due to not drinking as much, so I tend to reach out for my Laneige or Summer Fridays lip balm, which helps a lot.”
Isaan’s Ramadan skin care routine:
First, I use CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser as it’s a gentle face wash that doesn’t strip my skin barrier and is quench’s my dry skin’s thirst. Next, sit back and relax with my Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED mask as this will support my collagen growth. Once this self care session is done, I follow up with CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream which is filled with ceramides to support and strengthen my skin. To combat dryness on my lip I then apply Laneige Lip Balm in ‘Mango’. To finish off I protect against UVA and UVB rays with Thank You Farmer’s Sun Protect Skin Relief Sun Cream SPF50+. Oh, and for a weekly treat I slug with Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask for that extra hydration my complexion craves.
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Isaan’s Ramadan skin care tips:
DO: Use a LED face mask every morning to support collagen growth.
DON’T: Apply harsh acids as your skin may become more sensitive during this time.
What does Ramadan mean to you?
“For me, Ramadan is the time of year where I detox. I use this month to fully reset physically, spiritually and mentally all while I re-install self-discipline. I'm also more conscious of striving to be a better person and strengthen my connection with God.”
How does your beauty routine change during Ramadan?
“I tend to add extra steps to my beauty regime during Ramadan. There’s two hours before fast breaks, where I either do Pilates or have a bath and put on a face mask, hair mask and use a foot mask - which are all hydrating and nourishing. This year, now that I have a Deesee Pro mask, I’ll be using it regularly on either anti-ageing or brightening mode for around 10-15 minutes.”
What skin care challenges do you face during Ramadan?
“My main skin care challenges during Ramadan are dark circles and dry lips! I drown my skin in peptides and hyaluronic acid all year round but during Ramadan, I have to give extra care to my eyes and lips.”
Farrah’s Ramadan skin care routine:
AM Routine:
My skin care routine stays mostly the same focusing on cleansers and SPF. I’ll mostly add additional hydrating products and take more time on the skin on my body. As always, I start my morning regime by cleansing my face with Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser. Then, I massage a few drops of Medik8’s Liquid Peptides around my face, neck and chest. This staple has saved my skin during the extra cold stormy weather we’ve had the last two months, and I shall be including it in my Ramadan skin care routine. For SPF my go to is Thank you Farmer’s Water Project Water Sun Cream SPF50 as it is extremely nourishing and protects my skin barrier. And for my lips, I drench my pout in Then I Met You’s Honey Dew Lip Mask. Crafted with plant-based squalane, this treatment is hydrating, exfoliating and signs off with a glossy finish. Finally, during Ramadan I always ensure body also gets attention too. I gravitate towards REN’s Moroccan Rose Body wash and oil during as it evokes (and creates) positive memories for me. I find the scent comforting and calming.
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PM Routine:
For my evening cleanser I use Augustinus Bader’s The Cleansing Balm to remove all traces of SPF and impurities. Then, I swap Medik8’s Liquid Peptides for the brand’s Press and Glow Tonic. This gentle toner is perfect for my sensitive skin and works to exfoliate and slough away dead skin cells. To moisturise, I use Biossance’s Squalane and Ectoin Overnight Rescue. This is by far the best nighttime cream I’ve used. Come sunrise I wake up to a plump and glowy complexion. In the evening, I also pay extra attention to the delicate skin around my eyes. Using Biossance’s Squalane and Peptide Eye Gel, I apply the hydrating formula around my eyes every night to reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. To finish off I drift off with Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask and allow the treatment to work its magic overnight.
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Farrah’s Ramadan skin care tips:
DO: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – when fast breaks, drink lots of water. For topical hydration, Medik8’s Liquid Peptides is the best hydrating product I’ve ever used, I discovered it in December and shall be slathering it on my skin this Ramadan.
DON’T: Forget your . Even if you’re not leaving the house, you still need to apply your face sunscreen during the day. There is the misconception of not needing to wear SPF if you’re in all day, but if it’s bright outside, it means the sun’s rays are reaching you, even through your window.
RAMADAN SKIN CARE FAQS
How to get rid of acne in Ramadan?
Dealing with breakouts during Ramadan can be a little tricky due to the changes in diet, hydration and sleep patterns. However, with a few mindful tips and tricks can help keep your skin healthy during fasting. Some Ramadan skin care tips include staying hydrating during non-fasting hours, ensuring you carry out your skin care routine twice a day in the morning (before suhoor) and at night (after iftar) and utilising topical blemish treatments containing salicylic acid at night, after your face is clean.
Can I use moisturiser while fasting?
Yes, you can. Applying cream to the surface of the skin does not reverse fasting as it is not food or drink. In fact, moisturising is a good practice throughout Ramadan, as your skin might get drier due to changes in your routine and hydration levels. Using a good moisturiser can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent irritation, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin during fasting.
How to glow up in Ramadan?
"Glowing up" during Ramadan is all about feeling your best both inside and out. Since fasting impacts your routine, it's a great opportunity to focus on self care, mindfulness and healthy habits. This includes everything from following a consistent skin care routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen to embracing positive affirmations and prioritising inner growth.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
