“Layering is really important,” says Dr Akreti as she shares the essential hydration rituals to maintain healthy skin all month long

As Ramadan approaches, many turn their focus to reflection and spiritual renewal, adjusting their routines and intentions for the month ahead. However, what is often overlooked is the importance of maintaining self-care routines during this time as well.

While fasting during the Holy Month strengthens inner wellbeing, the changes in daily routine can affect hydration levels. Altered sleep schedules, shifts in diet, and extended hours without water often show up first on the skin, leading to increased dryness, tightness, and dull complexion.  According to Dr Akreti Sobti, a Specialist Dermatologist, aesthetic physician and Co-founder at Athena Dermatology Clinic in Dubai, these changes can appear sooner than many expect.

“The first signs of dehydration will typically show up within the first week of fasting as your body is suddenly devoid of water,” Dr Akreti explains. She adds that this can become even more pronounced as Ramadan falls during the winter months when humidity levels are at their lowest. “So whatever little bit we have as a reserve is used up quite quickly.”

From an aesthetic perspective, this often appears as chapped lips, parched cheeks and a complexion that appears dull or even slightly darker than usual. Those with underlying eczema or sensitive skin may experience flare-ups or larger dry patches, highlighting the importance of hydrating your skin during this time.

Prioritising self-care

To counteract dehydration during fasting hours, Dr Akreti reccomends to apply hydration externally throughout the day, “This means applying moisturisers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and shea butter, as they are long-lasting hydrations for the skin.”

She explains that hyaluronic acid plays a key role because it functions as a humectant, a type of molecule that draws moisture into the skin. Ceramides work alongside it, helping to lock that hydration in while strengthening and restoring the skin’s natural barrier.

These simple skincare steps can also be complemented by treatments such as microneedling, hydrafacials or skin booster injections, a non-invasive procedure that provides hyaluronic acid directly beneath the skin to enhance hydration.

Nighttime Skin-Care Rituals

Once the fast is broken, the evening becomes an important window for replenishment. Dr Akreti stresses that a proper nighttime routine should centre on hydration.

“Layering is really important,” she says. Start with a hydrating serum, followed by a moisturiser to seal in moisture. Adding a hydrating face mask once or twice a week can further restore glow and reinforce the skin barrier overnight.

After suhoor, Dr Akreti also recommends peptide supplements to support hydration and energy levels throughout the day. Mixed with water, she explains, “they act like a small sponge, helping carry water through the body and allowing for a more sustained release of hydration.”

Nourishment from Within

Ramadan is also an opportunity to be more mindful of what you’re eating. Dr Akreti advises focusing on a vitamin-rich diet that includes antioxidant-heavy foods such as raspberries, blackcurrants, blueberries and dragon fruit.

“Antioxidants help maintain the health of skin cells,” she explains. “If the cell is healthy, hydration is healthier, and the overall outcome is better.”

Beyond the Holy Month, she encourages viewing skincare and nutrition as part of a long-term commitment to achieve youthful, glowing skin in the years to come.

“This is not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” she says, adding that consistency over time really makes the difference.

As we create moments of calm and reflection for the holy month to come, there is no better time to pay attention to self-care and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps with the right foods, sleep and skincare routines set in motion, this Ramadan can become a time of renewal in every sense.

Skin Products Recommended by Dr Akreti

Recommended Treatments

• Sunekos (treatment using hyaluronic acid and six amino acids)
• Skin booster injections with hyaluronic acid
• Microneedling with hyaluronic acid
• Hydrafacial

Other skincare products we love

• Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense
• Advanced Night Repair - Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum