Observing Ramadan brings about positive outcomes, but it can also tell on our skin, hair and nails due to the change in eating habits. In dealing with dehydration, the lack of nutrients for many hours of the day and erratic sleep schedules, the body reacts in different ways: flaky patches, blemishes, dull skin, lacklustre hair and brittle nails. The summer heat does not help either. Considering that Ramadan is a time to embrace the basics, let’s be conscious of what we put inside and, indeed, on our bodies, by adopting some natural, yet effective, beauty rituals.
SKIN AND NAILS
While staying cool in air-conditioned confines, know that the skin still takes a beating. An air-conditioned environment sucks the moisture out of your skin, making it dry and itchy. Slather on a layer of natural moisturiser, like good old virgin coconut or sweet almond oil, after a shower to create a barrier between the skin and the dry, cold air. Done twice a day, you’ll enjoy baby-soft skin, sans the toxins from commercially available products.
The skin of your face, being more sensitive than the rest of the body, could benefit from a less dense, non-comedogenic oil, like jojoba, or genuine argan oil. Natural exfoliators, like chickpea flour, oatmeal and yogurt, scrub away dead cells and the lips benefit from a gentle sugar-honey scrub. Consciously go easy on the makeup at least during daytime – thick foundations and concealers clog pores and make skin dull.
Don’t forget the nails and the cuticles. Besides moisturising them often, give your nails regular breathing time from nail polish and use a gentler remover.
HAIR
Use the correct brush – a hair brush with natural bristles is best for long locks, while one with synthetic ones is for short styles. Pamper your tresses with a kitchen-ingredients hair mask – banana, avocado, olive, coconut and argan oils, as well as eggs and full-fat yogurt make for excellent deep conditioners. Cover your masked head with a warm towel and wash after a while to unravel beautiful, manageable hair.
Scalp health determines how your hair behaves. Give your hair a final rinse of water with a few drops of tea tree oil added to keep the scalp fresh and free of sticky dandruff and odours. Go easy on the hair accessories and ensure scrunchies and clips are not pulling too tight on your strands.
DIET
You can run, but you can’t hide – what you eat defines the beauty and health of your skin, hair and nails. Add beautifying foods to your Iftar, Suhoor and in between. Stock up on natural produce that includes a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to supplement the body with lost trace minerals and vitamins. Skip the sugar and ditch the dairy – the former accelerates ageing by causing breakdown of collagen and the latter is what makes skin breakout in blemishes and acne. Nuts add important fibres and fatty acids to the body, keeping skin plump and glowing and the hair supple and strong. A biotin or Omega-3 supplement goes the extra mile.
Remember To:
– Drink PLENTY of water when you can.
– Catch up on enough sleep to keep skin glowing.
– Use quality sun protection every day.
– Avoid having bad breath by brushing teeth with baking soda and using a tongue cleaner. A healthy Suhoor also plays a big role here.
