5 Muslim Beauty Insiders Share Their Ramadan Skincare Routines

Muslims across the globe will embark on a spiritual journey for the holy month of Ramadan. Beauty routines, haircare and normality are pushed to the side for 30 days of daily fasting from dawn til dusk. Most importantly, for practising Muslims, the month is a time to slow down, reconnect and realign spiritually. It’s an all-encompassing transformative month and can often mean that daily routines take a back seat.

I’ve been fasting for Ramadan for many years, and my beauty routine has become increasingly important, to the point where I would even go as far as to say it is an act of self-care. I will admit, though, that it can be quite difficult to stay on top of my regular and extensive routine across the month, as I typically strip everything back and keep things super simple during Ramadan. This is essentially what Ramadan is about—embracing and valuing the simplicity of life.

For me, it’s not the eating and drinking that impacts me the most—it’s the sleep. As a light sleeper, even the slightest change to my routine completely throws my pattern off-balance. But this year, I’m prepped for the best sleep possible. My beauty heroes begin with my good-sleep tools, from a new mattress to bedding, all of which have been meticulously selected, of course. For my skincare routine, less is definitely more, and during Ramadan, I turn to my trusted products that always come through.

Scroll on to discover the hero beauty and skincare products that I rely on during Ramadan as well as those of my fellow Muslim beauty insiders.

As the day drags on, my skin definitely needs a pick-me-up. For this, I always have at hand a bottle of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, a makeup-artist favourite. The combination of grape, rosemary, bitter orange, rose, myrrh and peppermint extracts works to quickly refresh depleted and dull skin with a spritz.

The does-it-all serum! No skin concern is too small or too big for this powerful product, which helps balance and boost glow. It has been developed using 22 nutrient-rich botanicals, all chosen for their nourishing and restorative moisture properties.

I never fast from SPF. Since it needs to be applied every day, I like to use an SPF product that is no-fuss and gets the job done. I also don’t want to worry about white cast or the texture. Hello Sunday’s Everyday One SPF 50 is my go-to everyday SPF. It applies like a light lotion and protects the skin against damaging UV rays, blue light and pollution. A moisturiser and SPF in one is just a dream.

I’ve invested in the most glorious Emma mattress ahead of Ramadan this year. It’s truly like sleeping on a cloud. The best night’s sleep begins and ends with the perfect mattress, in my opinion, which is crucial during the month of Ramadan.

Equally as important is the bedding. Linen is perfect, as it is a naturally breathable material, which insulates skin in winter and cools it in summer. It also feels so lovely on the skin.

A silk or satin pillowcase protects your hair from breakage and helps control frizz.

For makeup, again, simplicity is key, so during Ramadan, I turn to products I could apply with my eyes closed (quite literally!). Anything lightweight and natural looking gets the green light from me during this time.

The Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint recently came into my possession, and I’m now obsessed. It’s super lightweight (think featherlight) but leaves the skin with the most beautiful healthy glow and an even base.

My lips become desert dry during Ramadan, so for that extra care and maintenance, I’ve incorporated the Typology Repairing Lip Mask into my routine. It is created with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help repair and soften the lips.

On the eyes, it’s always just mascara. The Glossier Lash Slick in brown is the perfect everyday natural lash.

The colour and brightness can be sapped out of your skin, so blush is an essential for me. The Merit Flush Balm is just perfect for adding that gorgeous pinch of colour. Meet your new favourite blush!

“For Ramadan, I usually turn to hydrating and nourishing products for my skin to ensure it doesn’t become dry from lack of water. This includes a hyaluronic acid, such as the Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster, layered under my moisturiser and usually a hair mask used throughout the week. I’m currently enjoying the Sisley Restructuring Nourishing Balm, which I leave on throughout the day before washing my hair. I also really love scenting the home throughout the month to create a calm, peaceful space. My favourite way to do this is adding a few drops of essential oil to the Neom Wellbeing Pod.”

The aim of the game is to quite literally retain as much hydration in the skin as possible, and hyaluronic acid is the ingredient for the job. The Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster is formulated with a combination of hyaluronic acid and ceramides to rehydrate the skin and lock it in.

Don’t skip on your haircare. While you may think pre-shampoo treats are a bit of a faff, the Sisley Nourishing Balm gets to the hair fibres and repairs and adds moisture for healthier hair.

Create the perfect zen space with this sleek diffuser pod. It’s been cleverly designed so it releases just the right amount of scent and is never overwhelming.

“Ramadan can completely change your whole routine. [With] a slow-paced period, as a mum, I find that I have very little time for beauty. So I need products that are quick and deliver, with the main goal being efficiency. My arsenal of products are made up of Beauty Pie’s hyaluronic acid spray, Caudalie’s Vinosource-Hydra Serum, and Laneige’s sleeping mask. These products help reinforce hydration and help my skin to feel hydrated and plump. I may be skipping the water intake, but my skin’s thirst is most definitely quenched. Another essential is my Chinutay & Co Prayer Gown. It feels incredible on the skin, and it’s the easiest put-together gown for Ramadan days.

A quick spray of this gives my skin an immediate refresh, so this product is always and forever on hand. It is developed with three weights of hyaluronic acid, barrier-strengthening silicium and proceramide polysugars to reduce transepidermal water loss.

Think of the Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum as a large bottle of water for your skin. It is an intense dose of hydration but most importantly keeps boosting hydration for the skin as the day goes on.

A cult favourite for a reason… It works double as hard to scrub off dead skin and leave you with plump and hydrated lips.

This is the most luxurious gown to lounge about in. Created from a lush synthetic silk material, it feels incredible on the skin. It also comes with a built-in underscarf and hijab with magnets to keep your hijab secure.

“Hydration is key! My lips get super dry during Ramadan, so my top tip is to use a rich, nourishing overnight lip mask. My absolute favourite is Laneige, especially the latest gummy bear flavour. It can also be used throughout the day as a regular moisturising treatment. For overall hydration, a facial mist works wonders. During Ramadan when skin can feel tight and fatigued, a spritz of Zelens’s Provitamin D3 Fortifying Mist can provide a much-needed ‘drink’ for thirsty skin. Not only will it hydrate, but it can also refresh and revitalise your skin throughout the day.”

This is so good it’s been featured twice in this one story!

When fasting, the skin’s defence mechanism can be weakened, so while hydrating is important, it is even more crucial to get to the root of the problem. This mist was developed with strengthening plant-derived fatty acids, vitamin D, ceramides and plant oils to keep the skin strong and protected.

“Whenever Ramadan is approaching, I begin to tailor my skincare in preparation for any skin issues that may arise. Typically during Ramadan, my skin is a lot drier, which actually causes breakouts. I used to even avoid any retinoids, as I felt my skin could not tolerate them while fasting, but this Ramadan, I’ll be using my Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 Vitamin A Face Serum containing effective ingredients such as 0.5% hydroxypinacolone retinoate and 0.05% retinal in a gentle formula that gives no irritation or dryness.

“Throughout the winter months but also in Ramadan, I’ll be reaching for my Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser, which is packed with honey and shea butter and offers intense moisture for dry and distressed skin. Finally, the disruption of sleep and lack of hydration causes my skin to become dull during Ramadan, so I’ll be reaching for my Indē Wild AM Sunrise Glow Serum. Packed with potent actives and paired with Ayurvedic superfoods, this serum gives my skin the nourishment it needs, resulting in a beautiful, radiant glow.”