Insider 101: 15 Skincare Tips For Ramadan You Didn’t Know You Needed

With the arrival of Ramadan, it is time that we shift our focus to spiritual practice by preparing ourselves with changes to our lifestyle and daily routine. However, we tend to forget that our skin needs equally care and love as well! Whether it’s dry skin, dull complexion, or breakouts, these skin issues are more prevalent than ever as we abstain from consuming any food and drink during a certain period of time. Desperate to revive your skin during Ramadan? Fret not, because Beauty Insider has rounded up 15 skincare tips for Ramadan to keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout this holy month.

The Best Skincare Tips To Prep You For Ramadan

1. H20 is the Key

Drinking plenty of water is the most important tip to take care of your skin during Ramadan. Especially considering the fact that dehydration causes dryness and wrinkles. We suggest that you make sure that you meet your daily intake of water from Iftar to Suhoor. Generally, an adult needs to consume about 1.5 to 2 litres of water in a day. Plus, water is not only great for your skin but it ensures overall health. One of the easiest tips to monitor your water intake is by sticking the label of water level on the bottle, by this, you can know if you’re drinking sufficient water or not. Besides, you can infuse the water with fruits like strawberries, cucumber, or even lemon for a boost of vitamins and detox your body. 

2. Skip the Caffeine

Indeed, it is alarming for every coffee lover out there — including us. However, sometimes attaining glowing and radiant skin requires a little bit of sacrifice, like cutting out caffeine during Ramadan. You might be thinking why, right? Well, caffeine is known to cause parched skin as it dehydrates the body. Although caffeine is not the culprit that causes acne, it affects the stress hormones, which can eventually stimulate the excessive production of sebum, leaving your skin at risk of breakouts. In addition, coffee with milk or sugar may sound splendid, but unfortunately, it is the recipe for acne breakouts.

3. Eat Right

When it’s time to break the fast, most of us are thinking to stuff our mouths with desserts and lots of carbs to energise our bodies. Regardless of your preference, a balanced diet consisting of vegetable and fruits are essential to delivering nutrients rich vitamins to your body. We suggest that you incorporate different types of superfoods like avocados, tomatoes, and cucumber during Iftar and Suhoor. Furthermore, it is recommended that you avoid any processed food or white wheat products as they can cause different types of skin problems. Although most of us have a sweet tooth, you can opt for stevia as a substitute for regular white sugar.

4. Protect the Skin from Harmful Rays 

Sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunscreen! It is definitely a godsend skincare product that helps to minimise skin damage and signs of ageing caused by harmful sunlight. When you’re fasting, your skin tends to get dry easily which makes it prone to burns. Therefore we suggest that you choose the best sunscreen that has at least SPF 30 to maximise protection. Plus, make sure to reapply the sunscreen when you’re outside. On top of that, you can wear a hat or opt for shade to ensure that your skin is completely protected from harmful rays. Feeling unsure which sunscreen you should get your hands on? We have listed a few options below.

Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Brightening Moisture Gel 

The Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Brightening Moisture Gel offers SPF 50 defence while nourishing and protecting the skin. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it prevents moisture loss, while cocoa seed extract shields against harmful UV rays and blue light. Brightenyl, packed with antioxidants, helps to even out skin tone and enhance radiance. Its double anti-pollution formula provides an extra layer of defence against micro pollutants like PM2.5. With an ultra-lightweight texture, it blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue or white cast.

Price: RM34.13

Where to buy: Shopee

AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver 3

Officially OTC-certified, the AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen is a mugwort-based formula enriched with 2% Niacinamide and Squalane to nourish and protect the skin. The enhanced V3 formula features a refined essence-gel texture, providing a clear finish, reduced white cast, and a lightweight, moisturising feel. The new Hydro-Fit formula, infused with Hyaluronic Acid, boosts hydration and promotes a healthy glow without any sticky sensation. Enriched with plant-derived extracts and the patented wrinkle-care ingredient SYN-Coll, this sunscreen soothes, revitalises, and enhances skin vitality.

Price: RM15.98 (10ml), RM48.46 (50ml)

Where to buy: Shopee

5. Moisturise 

Given Malaysia’s climate, dry and parched skin is a common concern during Ramadan. One of the essential skincare tips for Ramadan is to apply a generous amount of moisturiser throughout the day. After cleansing, follow up with a complete skincare routine, including toner, moisturiser, and sunscreen—your skin will definitely thank you! Don’t forget to moisturise your body as well to keep dryness at bay and maintain soft, hydrated skin all month long.

Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel

Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel revolutionises dry skin treatment by replacing the inactive water in traditional creams and lotions with oil, making it significantly more effective. Unlike conventional creams and lotions, which contain around 70% water that evaporates upon contact with the skin, this oil-based gel locks in moisture and prevents dehydration. With up to four times more oil than standard formulations, it delivers deep nourishment and long-lasting hydration. Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this innovative formula ensures hydration.

Price: RM19.12 (50ml), RM25.92 (100ml), RM47.72 (200ml)

Where to buy: Shopee

MKUP Real Complexion Cream

MKUP Real Complexion Cream is every lazy girl’s best friend, offering dual whitening benefits by correcting skin tone and brightening with consistent use. This day-to-night cream instantly delivers a dewy, rosy, and supple complexion while deeply moisturising and repairing spots and scars. Infused with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture for a hydrated, radiant glow and ceramide to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, it ensures long-lasting nourishment. Its pump design prevents oxidation, keeping the formula fresh. The best part? It’s free from alcohol, colourants, and parabens.

Why we love it:

• Provides a dewy, rosy complexion
• Hydrates the skin
• Free from alcohol, colourants, and parabens

Cons:

• May be difficult to find online once out of stock

Price: RM95.00

Where to buy: Sa Sa Malaysia

6. Dairy or Plant-Based?

Dairy and acne go hand in hand when it comes to breakouts. If you’re prone to tiny bumps after just a glass of milk, consider swapping it for non-dairy alternatives to achieve clearer, healthier skin. One of the skincare tips for Ramadan is to opt for plant-based milk like almond, oat, rice, or soy, which provide similar benefits to your body without triggering breakouts. A small change in your diet can make a big difference in keeping your skin glowing throughout the fasting month!

7.  Get Enough Sleep  

Beauty sleep has always been one of the essential skincare tips for Ramadan but it’s hard to practice. As much as we need time for ourselves, getting enough sleep is equally important to our health and even skin. So, peeps, remember to get at least 8 hours of sleep to revitalise and refresh your mind and skin, especially during Ramadan, when we need to wake up early for Suhoor! Besides, we suggest that you spritz sleep-inducing essential oils on your pillow, as this can promote better sleep quality.

8. Facial Treatments 

A trip to a beauty salon or spa is a much-needed rest for every one of us. So why not take the time to pamper yourself during Ramadan? With a range of treatments available, from hydrafacials and chemical peels to mesotherapy, facial treatments offer a quick fix for your skin. Plus it’s just another excuse for a pampering session! 

According to Al Biraa Clinic, these skincare treatments are safe to do during Ramadan:

• Hydrating facials
• Gentle exfoliation
• LED light therapy
• Facial massage
• Sheet masks

9. Facial Oil for a Boost of Hydration

If moisturiser does not deliver sufficient hydration to your skin, you might want to opt for facial oil as it is known to quench even the driest skin. There’s a variety of facial oil that you can choose depending on your skin type from almond oil, jojoba oil to avocado oil. It is important that you select the right facial oil for your skin’s needs. Almond oil is great for soothing sensitive skin, jojoba oil balances oily and acne-prone skin, while avocado oil provides deep nourishment for dry and mature skin.

10. Snacking for Health

Who doesn’t love to snack? We all do! While the guilt can be real, giving up snacking isn’t an option for most of us. So why not make it skin-friendly? One of the best skincare tips for Ramadan is to opt for healthy snacks like mixed nuts, Greek yoghurt, dark chocolate, and dried fruit. These superfoods not only nourish your skin but also support overall well-being, helping you stay energised while shedding some fat.

11. Ditch Your Makeup

As beauty junkies, makeup is certainly something that we can’t completely get rid of in our lives. Unfortunately, the lack of water in our bodies often affects our overall complexion, especially the natural balance. This condition makes our skin more vulnerable as it is unable to protect itself from external aggressors, thereby causing several skin issues. However, if you can’t ditch the makeup, we suggest that you opt for a natural look with light makeup.

12. It’s All About the Eyes

We often overlook the importance of the eye area even though they are more susceptible to various skin issues including damage. During Ramadan, skin dehydration makes signs of ageing and even irritation more noticeable than they usually do. So the easiest way to combat this is by focusing more on the eye are by incorporating skincare products like an eye serum, cream, or patch.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Eye Serum with 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid & Caffeine

Feeling the effects of late-night Tarawih prayers and early Suhoor wake-ups? Keep your under-eyes fresh and youthful with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid & Caffeine Eye Serum. Formulated with 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration and Caffeine for a revitalising boost, this eye serum visibly reduces puffiness and smooths fine lines in just two weeks. Its triple roller applicator, featuring three stainless steel cooling balls, gently massages the eye contour to enhance absorption and refresh tired eyes. Perfect for Ramadan, this serum helps you maintain a bright, well-rested look.

Why we love it:

• Helps reduce puffiness
• Smooths fine lines
• Refreshes tired eyes

Cons:

• On the expensive side

Price: RM97.11

Where to buy: Watsons

TOCOBO Collagen Brightening Eye Gel Cream

TOCOBO Collagen Brightening Eye Gel Cream is your go-to for crystal-brightening and lifted under-eyes. Packed with vegetable collagen and retinol, this formula boosts skin elasticity while smoothing fine lines. Infused with lavender flower water and crystal water, it delivers hydration and nourishment, keeping your under-eyes fresh and moisturised. Together, these ingredients create a dual barrier that locks in moisture, reduces wrinkles, and provides a double-lifting effect — perfect for tired eyes in need of a brightening boost!

Why we love it:

• Boosts skin elasticity
• Reduces wrinkles
• Provides a double-lifting effect

Cons:

• The thin texture may not provide enough hydration for some users

Price: RM54.35

Where to buy: Shopee

13. Avoid Using Hot Water When Washing Your Face

One of the skincare tips for Ramadan is to avoid using hot water when washing your face. During Ramadan, fasting can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, so it’s essential to be mindful of how you cleanse. Instead of washing your face with hot or cold water, CeraVe recommends using lukewarm water. A lower water temperature helps maintain your skin barrier’s integrity and prevents dryness after cleansing. For personalised advice based on your skin type, consider consulting a dermatologist.

14. Skip Harsh Actives in Your Routine

As one of the skincare tips for Ramadan, it’s best to be as gentle as possible with your skin, especially if you regularly use retinol or strong exfoliating acids. Instead of overwhelming your skin, try using them less frequently, opting for lower concentrations, or even pausing them for a while. Since fasting and routine changes can already put stress on your skin, prioritising nourishment and comfort will help maintain a healthy glow throughout the month.

15. Apply Lip Balm to Keep Your Lips Hydrated

Fasting for long hours can leave your lips feeling dry and chapped. To keep them soft and moisturised, make sure to apply a nourishing lip balm. Opt for hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and prevent flakiness. If you’re heading out, choose a lip balm with SPF to protect against sun damage. Keeping your lips hydrated is a small yet essential skincare tip for Ramadan to ensure they stay smooth and comfortable all day long.

Claire Organics Yummy Lips Intensive Lip Therapy with Rose Geranium

Claire Organics Yummy Lips Intensive Lip Therapy with Rose Geranium is packed with hydrating ingredients to keep your lips soft and supple all day long. The star ingredient, Rose Geranium, not only provides hydration but also helps prevent wrinkles. If you tend to bite or pick at your lips due to dryness, this lip balm could be your new best friend. Infused with vitamin E and shea butter, it nourishes, smooths, and protects your lips. For an extra boost of hydration, apply a generous layer at night — it also works as a lip therapy mask!

Why we love it:

• Keeps the lips soft
• Helps prevent wrinkles
• Protects the lips

Cons:

• Not suitable for those looking for a vibrant coloured lip balm

Price: RM20.00

Where to buy: Claire Organics’ website

Lips Carpenter Tinted Lip Balm

Lips Carpenter’s Tinted Lip Balm is a must-have for effortless hydration and a touch of colour on the go during Ramadan. Perfect for grocery runs or grabbing your Iftar goodies at the Ramadan bazaar, this tinted balm is infused with nourishing coconut oil and cocoa butter to keep your lips soft and supple. Oh, and it glides on smoothly without emphasising dryness or fine lines, giving your pout a naturally beautiful finish.

Why we love it:

• Contains nourishing ingredients
• Keeps the lips supple
• Glides on smoothly

Cons:

• The colour could be too subtle for some

Price: RM32.00

Where to buy: Lips Carpenter’s website

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