When it comes to maintaining skin while fasting, a few adjustments to a skincare routine can make a significant difference – from reinforcing the skin barrier to choosing the right hydrating ingredients.
“One of the barrier functions of the skin is to retain water. Together with the hydrolipidic film, it helps keep moisture in the skin. But this function diminishes if you don’t have enough hydration. So you need to reinforce it,” says Sisley Asia Pacific regional managing director Nicolas Chesnier.
Protecting from dehydration involves using a good moisturiser which increases the skin’s hydration level immediately but also lasts throughout the day, Chesnier notes.
“Water is a huge component in our skin. That’s the biggest reason why a lot of products use water as a base as well, so you can imagine that during fasting, this will definitely translate to dryness of our skin,” says founder of local brand Confidence Cosmetics Sharifah Aryana.
Instead of reaching for aggressive treatments as a quick fix, CEO of homegrown brand Putryana Skincare Khong Wei Hwang recommends a gentle approach to restoring the skin.
“Ingredients like oil-soluble vitamin C can help brighten and improve skin clarity without overwhelming it,” says Khong.
“Peptides can support smoother, firmer-looking skin, helping restore a more revitalised appearance. A well-formulated moisturiser that locks in hydration also helps skin look plumper and more energised.”
Read more: Beauty check: Ingredients in hair and skincare products you may want to avoid
Chesnier also suggests an additional step to add to your routine during this period.
“You can exfoliate the skin, but we recommend very gentle exfoliation,” he says, recommending a mask with papaya extract which comes in powder format to be mixed with water prior to use.
Changes in sleep patterns can also leave the skin looking dull or fatigued.
Experts recommend focusing on ingredients that restore glow without overwhelming the skin.
“I would say think of hydrating and antioxidant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, centella asiatica, green tea and skin barrier friendly ingredients such as squalane, ceramides and peptides,” says Sharifah.
“We should be focusing on a lot of hydration but also the omega fatty acids help strengthen the skin barrier for that glow.”
Khong suggests looking for products with formulations that provide long-lasting moisture and contain a balanced combination of humectants (such as hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate) to attract water, emollients to soften the skin, and occlusives to help seal it in.
“Beyond skincare, limit excessive caffeine, salty foods and heavily fried meals during Iftar,” he adds.
Keeping routines simple is key: gentle cleansing, a targeted serum, moisturiser and sunscreen during the day can go a long way in maintaining radiance.
Lip and eye care
The delicate skin around the lips and eyes is often the first to show signs of dehydration during fasting.
These areas have thinner skin and fewer oil glands, which makes them more vulnerable to moisture loss.
“During long fasting hours, these areas are often the first to feel dry or appear more lined,” says Khong. “Because they produce less natural oil, they require more targeted care.”
For the under-eye area, he recommends looking for lightweight yet hydrating formulas containing peptides to support smoother, firmer-looking skin, red algae extract to help reinforce moisture retention and caffeine to reduce the appearance of puffiness.
“For lips, balms with nourishing oils and occlusive ingredients help seal in hydration and protect against environmental stressors. Consistent application, particularly after cleansing, helps maintain comfort and prevents dehydration,” says Khong.
Sharifah suggests products with peptides or ceramides and to stay away from chemical exfoliants and retinol as these ingredients tend to make the skin drier.
Chesnier notes that the lip contour area also deserves some extra TLC during the fasting month.
“For the lip contour area and the eyes, the skin is much thinner and there is little to no production of sebum, so the barrier function of the skin is weaker. Because there are few sebaceous glands producing oil, it requires special care,” says Chesnier.
Eye and lip contour creams target these areas where the skin is thinner, doing double duty as anti-ageing treatments by helping to improve elasticity and firmness while reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Read more: Vanity Fare: Beauty products that keep your lips soft, full and supple
Hari Raya skin prep
When it comes to Hari Raya, it often means wearing more long-lasting makeup.
The key to ensuring makeup looks fresh without clogging pores lies in proper skin preparation.
Sharifah suggests laying off the layers before applying makeup.
“People tend to layer toner, essence, serum, moisturiser, SPF and then going in with foundation and concealer and that usually causes make-up and product to pill (ball up into tiny flakes),” says Sharifah.
“I would suggest keeping it to a simple cleanser, toner, moisturiser, spf combination and to make sure to let all these products dry before starting makeup. Even when using makeup, it’s best to wait until each step is dry before setting the face with powder and subsequently after that a longwear setting spray to lock the hard work in,” she says.
According to Khong, it’s important to begin prep before the festivities.
“In the days leading up to an event, gentle exfoliation once a week can refine skin texture so makeup applies evenly. This can be enough to create a smoother canvas without compromising the barrier,” says Khong.
“On the day itself, layering matters. A well-absorbing moisturiser creates a smooth base, while avoiding overly rich products helps reduce pilling. Allow skincare to fully settle before applying primer or foundation.”
Equally important, he says, is proper removal.
“Heavy makeup should be thoroughly removed with a double cleanse to prevent buildup. Following with barrier-replenishing products helps maintain skin clarity and reduce the likelihood of post-event breakouts,” he adds.
To ensure your skin gets its nutrients even when covered in makeup, why not go for all-in-one products such as treatment makeup?
Chesnier explains that treatment makeup includes active skincare ingredients that provide hydration and antioxidant benefits.
“People may wear makeup all day or all evening, so it is important that the formula also cares for the skin. For us, the formula and texture are very important so that the makeup remains comfortable throughout the day. I would recommend using a primer that is very hydrating and helps create a more even complexion,” he says.
This is followed by foundation, and depending on the type of finish and coverage you prefer, there are plenty of options out there, including those with additional skincare benefits such as anti-ageing properties.
Ultimately, caring for the skin is about balance: supporting hydration, protecting the skin barrier and keeping routines simple.
