IPB University Faculty of Medicine Lecturer Shares 7 Secrets to Fresh Skin During Fasting

Maintaining healthy skin during the fasting month is important to stay fresh and healthy. IPB University Faculty of Medicine lecturer, Dr Rachmah Diana Putri, SpDVE, MKes, FINSDV, FAADV, shared some tips to take care of your skin during fasting.

1. Organise Eating and Drinking Patterns

Dr Rachmah said that it is very important to eat healthy and nutritionally balanced food at suhoor and iftar.

“The ideal composition in one plate is 30 per cent staple food, 20 per cent side dishes, 30 per cent vegetables, and 20 per cent fruits,” she said. She also reminded people not to overindulge in sweets and oily foods.

In addition, fulfilling fluid needs is very important. “Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day with the right time distribution,” added Dr Rachmah.

She suggested drinking one glass of water before suhoor, after suhoor, after iftar, after Maghrib prayer, after Isha prayer, after Tarawih prayer, and before going to bed.

“We can add water consumption from side dishes or vegetables that are soupy, such as clear vegetables, soup, or soto. Consumption of fruits that contain a lot of water, such as watermelon, melon, and cucumber, also helps maintain skin moisture from the inside,” said Dr Rachmah.

She also suggests reducing caffeine and soda consumption as they are diuretics that will increase the risk of fluid loss from the body.

2. Do Physical Activity

Dr Rachmah said that fasting is not an excuse to be lazy. She suggests doing light physical activities such as yoga or brisk walking, especially before or after breaking the fast.

“Exercise can increase the body’s metabolism and improve oxygen circulation, including to the face so that it looks fresher,” she explains.

3. Wash Your Face Properly

Dr Rachmah also advises to keep using the right skincare routine, starting with washing your face properly.

“Use soap that suits your skin type 2-3 times a day and avoid using antiseptic soap,” she said. In addition, the use of scrubs is only recommended 1-2 times a week.

4. Using Moisturiser

According to Dr Rachmah, moisturiser is very important to use after showering, especially in areas that tend to be dry such as the face, feet, elbows and neck.

“Choose a moisturiser according to your skin type. For oily skin, use water-based, while dry skin needs a cream moisturiser,” she said.

5. Use Lip Balm

Lips also need care during fasting. “Use lip balm without fragrance or fruit flavours to avoid irritation and reduce the habit of licking your lips,” advises dr Rachmah.

6. Using Sunscreen

Sun exposure can damage the skin, making it dull, dry, tanned, and so on. Therefore, continued dr Rachmah, to take care of skin health during fasting, it is important to use sunscreen, at least with SPF 30 content. Repeat its use every 2-3 hours.

“The choice of sunscreen is also adjusted to the skin condition, for acne prone skin, you can choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen or gel/spray,” she said.

7. Do Skin Care

To get healthier and brighter skin ahead of Eid, Dr Rachmah suggests consulting a dermatologist. 

“Consult the treatment that suits your skin type to get optimal results,” she said. (dr) (IAAS/ASY)